night market shanghai china temples
Shanghai, China

Accelerated Chinese Language

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

40 weeks

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

15 weeks

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

Advance your Chinese language skills by at least two levels during this immersive language program in Shanghai, China's largest city by population. Known as China's global hub of culture, commerce, and finance, Shanghai is the perfect location to better understand traditional Chinese culture while exploring and connecting with the local community.  

When class is in session at CIEE Shanghai, you'll enroll in three classes per semester, which include two accelerated courses focused on rapid language acquisition that are designed to move you forward by at least two levels in all four Chinese language skills. For students with especially advanced Mandarin proficiency, you may take a Chinese language elective, or area studies course taught in Chinese.

Outside the classroom, all courses are complemented with co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE beyond the city to enhance your classroom learning and provide you with intercultural understanding.

SAFETY AND SECURITY TRAVEL ADVISORY

As of March 2023, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory in Greater China. To learn more, visit our FAQs.

Unique Experiences

Improve your Chinese Language Skills

with intensive language courses specially designed to help you quickly take your skills to the next level

Get off the Tourist Track

as you explore Shanghai and beyond, and practice Chinese in authentic situations

Live with a Chinese Host Family

or on campus with a Chinese roommate

5

Hours to Beijing by high speed train

24.3

residents

11

ancient towns in Shanghai

Experience
  • temple in shanghai park green space
  • zhujiazhao shanghai boat tour

Your Destination

Perched on the banks of the Huangpu River and the East China Sea, Shanghai is China’s largest city by population, and a global hub of culture, commerce, and finance. Massively redeveloped over the past 20 years, the city boasts both classic and modern architecture interacting harmoniously with the traditional Chinese cultural environment.  

CIEE Shanghai Center is located inside the Zhongbei campus of East China Normal University in downtown Shanghai, known as the “Garden University” for its beautiful natural environment.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Shanghai.

suzhou student trip abroad shanghai

Activities

  • Explore Chinese history and arts with visits to museums, art exhibitions, and plays. 
  • Travel to beautiful cities such as: 
    • Suzhou, often called the “Venice of the East” for its many canals and famous for its classical gardens and silk industry 
    • Hangzhou, known for its natural beauty as well as its textile and tech industries 
    • Nanjing, one of China’s four ancient capitals and major commercial centers 
    • Zhujiajiao, the best-preserved traditional water town in Shanghai, lined with stone bridges, cobblestone lanes, and canals 
  • Join classmates for a thrilling acrobat performance, river cruise, group meals, and more. 
  • Gain hands-on cultural experience by learning Chinese cooking, calligraphy, martial arts, or mahjong. 
  • Connect with the community by volunteering with local organizations or schools. 
yunnan student abroad horse

Excursions

Students participate in a multi-day excursion for an in-depth look at Chinese culture and history. Past excursions have included:

  • Silk Road Trade Route – This famous premodern route enabled the exchange of merchandise as well as religious, cultural, and artistic ideas. Fall students may travel from the head of the northern route in Xi’an to Dunhuang, the City of Sands, a desert oasis at the junction of the northern and southern trade routes.  
  • Tea and Horse Road – This ancient network of mountain paths connected the tea-growing regions of southwestern China to Burma and India by mule caravan through the mountains and valleys of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces and Tibet. Spring students may travel to Lijiang and Shangri-La, seat of a Tibetan autonomous prefecture near the border of Tibet.  
  • Global Business in China – Explore the Pearl River Delta Region in Southern China and sites such as the Canton World Trading Fair, one of the oldest. Students visit companies and attend lectures on business development and industry, take a city tour, and visit a local temple. 
student on laptop ciee center shanghai

Internship

Study abroad students participating in the Organizational Internship course will be assigned to an internship project with a company in Shanghai. The internship sponsors, which vary each term depending on participating organizations and available positions, may include local Chinese companies and multinational companies, as well as international small and medium-sized enterprises and nonprofit organizations. Course curriculum includes class introduction, coached work, and final presentation to earn three academic credits. See the Course Information section for more detail.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Cancelled Study Abroad Student Options

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

My school cancelled study abroad. Now what? If your school cancelled study abroad for the term you are applying for you can consider applying as an autonomous student. This can... keep reading

From CIEE

Silk Road Excursion: Reflections with Kayla

By Laura Harris at CIEE

One of my favorite parts of orientation every semester is reviewing the many convenient modes of transportation in China with new students. I am a particular fan of traveling by... keep reading

From CIEE

Silk Road Excursion: Reflections with Jordan

By Laura Harris at CIEE

One of the destinations along our Silk Road excursion with Elon University students was Dunhuang city, which lies at an important crossroads of several ancient silk road routes into China... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "Being here was a very enjoyable experience. I learned a lot of Chinese both in the class and outside of it. I always felt comfortable and safe with CIEE. The staff was very nice and planned things out well."

    Mersades C., Saint Xavier University

Housing
Academics

Academics

CIEE’s Accelerated Chinese Language program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in Chinese language and a deeper understanding of China today. The program consists of intensive Chinese language coursework and cultural immersion, complemented by a wide selection of area studies courses in various disciplines. The program is open to students with no language experience as well as those with superior level proficiency, although it is not intended for native Chinese speakers. At least one semester of college-level Chinese area studies is recommended.

The CIEE Shanghai is located on East China Normal University (ECNU) downtown Putuo campus, and is known as the “Garden University” for its beautiful grounds by the Liwa River. Chinese language and elective courses are taught by professional faculty members, including the CIEE language instructors, adjunct faculty from ECNU and other prestigious institutions, and professionals from the private business sector. A committee of specialists in teaching Chinese as a second language holds these courses to the highest educational standards.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Students who are citizens of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan ROC, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau, please contact a CIEE Study Abroad Advisor for details.

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Recommendations

One semester of college-level Chinese area studies is recommended.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

Students must take 3 courses, for a total of 15 U.S. semester credits, including:

  • 2 consecutive Chinese language courses
  • 1 additional course – students choose one of the following:
    • An elective course in English or Chinese
    • Organizational Internship
    • Directed Independent Research

Program Credit

Total credit: 15 semester/22.5 quarter credits

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3-6 semester/4.5-9 quarter credits; 45-90 contact hours
  • CIEE Organizational Internship: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours
  • CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. Accelerated language courses are demanding due to the fast pace of course content, and participation is essential. Attendance is required, and students should avoid scheduling travel during the week. In class, language instructors introduce new content and focus on improving students’ language accuracy and consistency through drills. Outside of class, students meet with peer tutors to reinforce the content and language skills learned in class. Additional hours of language tutoring can be arranged if necessary.

Class Format

The semester is 15 weeks long and includes a one-week orientation, 12 weeks of instruction, a group cultural excursion, a one-week program break for independent travel, and typically, one national holiday. Courses take place Monday through Thursday for two to four hours with occasional course-related field trips on Fridays and weekends. Class sizes range from 4 to 20 students and are typically co-taught by head instructors and assistant instructors. Students also meet with peer tutors for structured tutorials for at least two hours per week. All Chinese language courses, business electives, and area studies electives are managed by CIEE and specially designed for CIEE study abroad students. Some area study courses may include a limited number of ECNU students to increase cross-cultural and academic exchange.

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. For elective courses, students are graded on exams, homework, participation, and attendance. Professors may assign exams, quizzes, research papers, and individual and group oral presentations or projects. For language courses, students are graded on daily homework, quizzes, and written and oral exams.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English and Chinese

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

Course Notes

  • Students will take an on-site placement exam and be registered in the appropriate language levels based on their results.
  • Students enrolling in the Organizational Internship are required to apply for authorization to do an internship after arriving in China. Students pursuing the internship are responsible for all associated application fees (approximately US$150). The application process includes approval from the internship sponsor, approval from ECNU, and a special application to the Chinese government. Please note that recipients of internship authorization are not allowed to leave and re-enter the mainland of China without obtaining a new visa.

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Law

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2024 15 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,850
Program Fall 2024 15 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,850
Program Academic year 2024-2025 40 weeks Start Date End Date
Program Spring 2025 15 weeks Start Date End Date

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $14,137**

Housing = $5,000

Insurance = $194

Visa Fees = $219

Total Fees = $19,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $525

International Airfare = $1,300††

Local Transportation = $300†††

Books & Supplies = $10††††

Visa Fees = $185†††††

Personal expenses = $340††††††

Other = $15†††††††

Total Costs = $2,675

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide most meals. For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $440 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††students enrolled in internships should budget $500

††††language books and area studies readers are free

†††††For students who must change their student visa on site because of internship course or extend the duration to cover the whole semester, an additional $150 is required.

††††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

†††††††Covid test to enter the US, if required

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $14,137**

Housing = $5,000

Insurance = $194

Visa Fees = $219

Total Fees = $19,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $525

International Airfare = $1,300††

Local Transportation = $300†††

Books & Supplies = $10††††

Visa Fees = $185†††††

Personal expenses = $340††††††

Other = $15†††††††

Total Costs = $2,675

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide most meals. For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $440 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††students enrolled in internships should budget $500

††††language books and area studies readers are free

†††††For students who must change their student visa on site because of internship course or extend the duration to cover the whole semester, an additional $150 is required.

††††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

†††††††Covid test to enter the US, if required

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Jia Ma

Interim Center Director

With over a decade of service at CIEE Shanghai, Jia Ma oversees the operations of the Shanghai center, providing a strong foundation for your experiences.

Juan Zhang

Student Life Director

Juan Zhang is responsible for all aspects of student service, student activity administration, internship programs.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office 
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us 
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info