nighttime shanghai street
Shanghai, China

Business, Language + Culture

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

Dates

TBD

Costs

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

15 weeks

Credit

15 semester hours

22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Business, Language + Culture program in Shanghai lasts a full semester and is designed for students with a background in business. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Chinese culture. Live and learn in Shanghai!

Unique Experiences

Take Classes Taught by Academic Professionals

in relevant areas working in Shanghai

Gain Work Experience

with a valuable internship

Get Inside Companies

like Shanghai Volkswagen, IKEA, Honeywell, and Coca-Cola and learn about management from the city’s most successful leaders

Experience
  • lantern festival yu garden shanghai

Your Destination

Shanghai is China’s cosmopolitan city, celebrated for its dynamic business environment and deep cultural heritage. As a global hub for finance, entrepreneurship, and international trade, Shanghai offers exceptional opportunities for students studying business and culture. The city’s unique blend of traditional Chinese heritage and modern innovation, iconic landmarks like The Bund and Yu Garden, world-class museums, and thriving creative industries make Shanghai the perfect place to study abroad.

ciee shanghai intern

Program Highlights

Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.

Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community, join university clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.

Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community to get to know your host city.

suzhou gardens visit shanghai study abroad

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Shanghai will open doors for you to explore China’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.    

Samples of past excursions and activities:

  • Learn about Chinese business with company visits in Shanghai
  • Gain hands-on cultural experience by learning Chinese cooking, dancing calligraphy, martial arts, or mahjong
  • Connect with the community by volunteering with local organizations or schools

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Program Blogs

Why You Should Give Studying Abroad in China a Chance

By Megan L.

In the Fall of 2019 I made the decision to study abroad in Shanghai, China with CIEE’s Business, Language + Culture program. This experience would become one of the best... keep reading

SEMESTER IN SHANGHAI: WEEK 14 + 15

By Megan L.

Wow, I can’t believe how fast my time studying abroad has gone. In the last two weeks of my study abroad experience I made it my mission to check all... keep reading

Semester in Shanghai: Week 12 + 13

By Megan L.

In week 12 I finally ventured off to the nation’s capital, Beijing! This was my favorite independent weekend trip during my time abroad because of how many iconic sights I... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "I enjoyed my experience and the location. The language courses were especially informative and helpful! I also really enjoyed my host family. The excursions were awesome, especially the trip to Sichuan."

    Makinna M., University of Colorado-Boulder

  • "Overall had a great experience! Staff was wonderful, programs were wonderful."

    Larissa L., Babson College

  • "I was very pleased with the streamlined process, exciting trips, and authentic teachers that CIEE provided. Once the program got rolling, I was very satisfied"

    Cameron G., Hope College

  • "I liked all of the activities and classes, and I felt like there was a lot of support from the teachers and office which made it much easier to make the transition to living abroad."

    Ashley H., University of Colorado-Boulder

Housing
Academics

Academics

CIEE Shanghai: Study on the campus of East China Normal University (ECNU), CIEE's esteemed partner institution, CIEE Shanghai features a library, a student life office, and an academic advising office.  Students are encouraged to use ECNU's library and outdoor facilities as needed.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Immigration/Entry Requirements

Visa Required: Yes. Students participating in this program are required to obtain a China Student Visa (X1 or X2).

Additional Requirements

Three semesters of college-level microeconomics or macroeconomics, accounting, finance, management, or marketing. 

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

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

Students must take 4-5 courses, for a total of 15 U.S. semester credits, including:

  • 2 business courses
  • 2-3 additional courses from the following:
    • Additional business courses
    • A Chinese language course
    • Elective courses in English or Chinese
    • Organizational Internship
    • Directed Independent Research

Online Course Options: substitute up to one ASU online area studies course

Program Credit

  • Total semester credit: 15 semester/22.5 quarter credits. Students with special approval can take up to 18 semester/27 quarter credits
  • Total academic year credit: 30 semester/45 quarter credits   

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
  • CIEE language courses: 6 semester/9 quarter credits; 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. Courses are academically rigorous, and there is a heavy emphasis on participation. Attendance is required, and students should avoid scheduling travel during the week. In language classes, 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. 

Arizona State University: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

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 language instructors and assistant language 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. 

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

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. 

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English and/or 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Course Notes

  • Students who have not completed one semester of college-level Chinese or are unable to demonstrate equivalent proficiency must take Conversational Chinese or another Chinese language course to complete the Organizational Internship. 
  • Students taking a Chinese language course will take an on-site placement exam and be registered in the appropriate language level 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 $150 USD). 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

Biological and Physical Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Engineering and Engineering Technologies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Psychology

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

Law

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Biological and Physical Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Engineering and Engineering Technologies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Psychology

Course
Language
Semester Credit

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

Program Options
Program Options

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.

Internships

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.

Explore Industry Options

Shanghai boasts a vibrant, fast-paced work scene that seamlessly blends traditional values with its modern corporate culture. This dynamic city is the ideal hub for finance, technology, and manufacturing professionals, with a growing focus on innovation and collaboration. 

Business Management and Administration Internships

Business Management and Administration

Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

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 Fall 2025 15 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,950
Program Academic year 2025-2026 Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date * End Date TBD* Fees & Housing $38,900
Program Spring 2026 15 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $19,950
Program Fall 2026 15 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

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 $14,237 **
Housing $5,000 ***
Insurance $194
Visa Fees $219
Total Fees $19,950

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

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 ††††††
Total Costs $2,660

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

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

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 $27,937 **
Housing $10,250 ***
Insurance $194
Visa Fees $219
Total Fees $38,900

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

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 ††††††
Total Costs $2,660

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

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

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 $13,987 **
Housing $5,250 ***
Insurance $194
Visa Fees $219
Total Fees $19,950

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

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 $325 ††††††
Total Costs $2,645

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students who live in homestays, families provide most meals but you should budget for lunches and some weekend meals. For students who live in dorms, 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

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.

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

Estimated Costs

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

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

Visa

Staff

Our Staff

Jia Ma

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.

Qianrong Tang

Student Life Director

Qianrong Tang is responsible for all aspects of student service & student activity administration, and health, safety & security.

Sonya Zhao

Academic Director

Sonya holds two Master of Arts degrees - one in Communication Management from Emerson College, Boston, and another in International Development Studies from George Washington University in D.C. Before joining...

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 internship 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 CIEE

We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

4

Interested in an optional internship?

After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!

Request Info