Information for term Accelerated Chinese Language
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenAdvance 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.
Follow our Travels:
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IMPROVE YOUR CHINESE LANGUAGE SKILLS
with intensive language courses specially designed to help you quickly take your skills to the next level
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GET OFF THE TOURIST TRACK
as you explore Shanghai and beyond, and practice Chinese in authentic situations
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LIVE WITH A CHINESE HOST FAMILY
or on campus with a Chinese roommate
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hours to Beijing by high speed train
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residents
24.3 M -
ANCIENT TOWNS IN SHANGHAI
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Location & Culture
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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.
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.
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.
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
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Daily Life
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HOUSING
Homestays: Ideal for students who are looking to get the full Chinese experience by staying with a local family and improve their language skills by communicating only in Chinese every day. Students have their own bedrooms in the host family apartment, and share the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Host apartments are within a 60-minute walk or commute by public transportation to campus.
Residence Halls: Students can choose to live with a Chinese ECNU student – and speak only Chinese – in a five-story residence hall on the ECNU campus. There are shared kitchens and bathrooms on each floor, plus study areas and laundry facilities. The hall is a 10-minute walk to CIEE and close to public transportation.
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MEALS
Homestays: Students are invited to most meals but should budget for lunches and some weekend meals.
Residence Halls: Students are responsible for meals. There are moderately priced cafeterias on campus and various options in the area surrounding the campus.
Shanghai, China Where You'll Study
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CIEE Shanghai
On the downtown Putuo campus at East China Normal University.
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EAST CHINA NORMAL UNIVERSITY
Downtown Putuo campus
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Getting Around
Students walk or use public transportation to get around the city.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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 full-time CIEE faculty members, including the CIEE language director, 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 Prerequisites
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.
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.
Program 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
Click to OpenCourse 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 change their student visa to an S2 Visa. Students pursuing the internship are responsible for the $150 S2 Visa application fee. 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 the S2 Visa are not allowed to leave and re-enter the mainland of China without obtaining a new visa.
Fall 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
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
Click to OpenScholarships & 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
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 15 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 3, 2023 | Dec 16, 2023 |
$18,850
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Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $15,766 ** Housing = $2,375 *** Insurance = $197 Visa Fees = $212 Total Fees = $18,850Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $875 † International Airfare = $1,300 †† Local Transportation = $150 ††† Books & Supplies = $10 †††† Personal expenses = $350 ††††† Other = $15 †††††† Total Estimated Costs = $2,700Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** includes breakfast and dinner during the week and most weekends for homestay students † for students in residence halls; students placed in homestays should budget $350 for lunches †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† students enrolled in internships should budget $200 †††† language books and area studies readers are free ††††† for laundry, local calls, etc. Personal travels not included. †††††† Covid test to enter the US, if required |
| Academic year 2023-2024 40 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 3, 2023 | Jun 8, 2024 |
$36,755
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Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $28,671 ** Housing = $7,375 *** Insurance = $197 Visa Fees = $212 Total Fees = $36,755Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $875 † International Airfare = $1,300 †† Local Transportation = $450 ††† Books & Supplies = $20 †††† Personal expenses = $350 ††††† Other = $30 †††††† Expenses during break = $3,000 ††††††† Total Estimated Costs = $6,025Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** includes breakfast and dinner during the week and most weekends for homestay students † for students in residence halls; students placed in homestays should budget $350 for lunches †† 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 laundry, local calls, etc. Personal travels not included. †††††† Covid test to enter the US, if required ††††††† academic year students who wish to stay onsite are responsible for arranging their housing and meals during the semester break |
| Spring 2024 15 weeks | Nov 1, 2023 | Feb 25, 2024 | Jun 8, 2024 |
$19,850
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $14,137 ** Housing = $5,000 *** Insurance = $194 Visa Fees = $219 Total Fees = $19,850Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,785 † International Airfare = $1,300 †† Local Transportation = $300 ††† Books & Supplies = $10 †††† Personal expenses = $340 Other = $15 ††††† Total Estimated Costs = $3,750Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** includes breakfast and dinner during the week and most weekends for homestay students † For Residence Hall. Students at Homestays should budget $650 †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† students enrolled in internships should budget $500 †††† language books and area studies readers are free ††††† Covid test to enter the US, if required |
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.
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What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Dr. Steve Chao
Director
Steve is the Director of CIEE Shanghai and is responsible for all aspects of operations, including academic, student services, finance, local partnerships and government relations.
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Juan Zhang
Student Life Director
Juan Zhang is responsible for all aspects of student service, student activity administration, internship programs.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
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.
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