Overview
Click to OpenThis program has been suspended for fall 2021.
Explore our other active study abroad programs for fall 2021, or check out our travel assurances and updated health and safety guidelines.
CIEE Global Internship programs are built just for you! All our locations offer a wide range of internship opportunities across a diverse set of industries. When you apply, we work directly with you to find an internship that suits your unique needs and professional goals. Learn more about our personalized placement process.
Shanghai is a commercial giant, a financial and cultural hub, and home to the largest container port on Earth. Translation: there’s no better place to expand your business knowledge from a global perspective. Learn about business ethics, corporate structure, fiscal policies, and the importance of skills like integrity and collaboration — while developing contacts that can help with future career opportunities.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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Improve
your Chinese language proficiency and business vocabulary
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Expand
your network among professionals at Chinese companies, multinationals, or NGOs
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Discover
another side of China on a weekend field trip to Nanjing
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Speed per hour of the Shanghai Maglev, the fastest rail commute in China
430km -
Ex-Pats living in the city
170k -
Multinational corporations set up regional headquarters in Shanghai
> 500
Location & Culture
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The Destination
Shanghai is a leading driver of China's trade and economic development, serving as a model city. Today, with a population of 23 million, Shanghai is home to the world’s largest container port, some of the tallest skyscrapers on Earth, and the world’s first commercially operated magnetic levitation transport system — the high-speed Maglev train — along with one of the fastest-growing rapid transit systems in the world.
Learn more about Shanghai and see past internship examples »

Excursions & Activities
- Step back in time with a visit to the traditional water towns Zhujiajiao, noted for its narrow, cobbled lanes, stone bridges, canals, and rich history.
- Stop by tea houses, museums, and community centers to practice speaking Chinese with local people.
- Try activities like Chinese cooking, calligraphy, or martial arts.

Professional Development
- Take advantage of resume help and interviewing skills based on local business culture.
- Explore the professional working world of Shanghai through organizational site visits, industry networking events, and guest lectures.
- Participate in workshops that will help you make the most of your internship.
Program Blogs
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Daily Life
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Housing
Residence Halls with CIEE roommate: Stay on the beautiful East China Normal University (ECNU) campus with a fellow CIEE student. There is a kitchen and bathrooms on each floor and a study lounge on the first floor.
Residence Halls with Chinese student roommate: Stay on the beautiful ECNU campus with a Chinese peer from ECNU. There is a kitchen and bathrooms on each floor and a study lounge on the first floor. Because Chinese roommates are required to speak only Chinese, this option is recommended for students who wish to live in a more intensive Chinese language environment.
Homestays: Stay with a Chinese host family just 15 to 45 minutes from campus, either on foot or via public transportation. You will have your own room in the host family apartment and share the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Host families speak only Chinese.
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Meals
Residence Halls: Meals are not included.
Homestays: You will be invited to most family meals, but should budget for your own lunches, most weekend meals outside of the home, and for all meals on group field trips and individual travel.
Shanghai, China Where You'll Study
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CIEE Shanghai
A 10-minute walk from East China Normal University
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ECNU RESIDENCE HALL
The residence hall is a ten-minute walk from the CIEE Shanghai class rooms and office, and within walking distance of the light rail and other public transportation options
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C
EAST CHINA NORMAL UNIVERSITY
Shanghai
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
As a CIEE Global Intern in Shanghai, you will be placed in an internship that is aligned with your professional and career goals. You will hold a non-paying position within a wide range of opportunities across a diverse set of innovative industries, such as business, finance and the social sector. Co-curricular excursions and cultural activities complement your coursework and immerse you in the history and culture of Shanghai and surrounding Chinese areas.
This semester-length program includes 6 weeks of academic coursework followed by an 8-week full-time internship and online academic seminar. Class environment varies depending on the course and is designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. All internships are offered in English.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Additional Requirements
Students participating in the Shanghai Semester Global Internship program must maintain full-time student status at their home university while participating in the CIEE program and must have matriculated full-time at their home university at least three months prior to application. Students should be prepared to obtain a signed letter from their home university confirming student matriculation details. Additional visa restrictions may apply, and CIEE will advise students as part of the early application process.
Upon completing the two electives during the first six-week block, students participate in an academic seminar taught in an online learning environment alongside the 8-week, full-time internship. The two electives, the seminar, and the internship are all required components of the program.
Program Requirements
- Weeks 1 – 6
- 2 CIEE elective courses
- Weeks 7 – 14
- INSH 3826 HYBR: Academic Internship in a Global Workplace
- One additional CIEE elective course (optional)
Program Credit
Total credit: 12-15 semester/18-22.5 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (language courses = 60 contact hours)
- CIEE Internship: 6 semester/9 quarter credits; 30 seminar hours, 200-240 internship placement hours
Academic Culture
CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment for elective courses typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. The academic seminar is taught in an online learning environment to complement the internship experience. Students are expected to dress and behave professionally throughout their internship project and are subject to the agreed-upon internship protocols arranged by CIEE and the host organizations.
Class Format
Students begin by taking two CIEE elective courses offered on a 6-week academic block system. All courses are customized for and open only to CIEE students. Elective classes include a combination of lectures, group work, presentations, and discussions. The second part of the program includes an 8-week CIEE full-time internship and academic seminar and one optional CIEE elective course.
Grading
The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Final grades are based on class participation, homework, individual project work, presentations, and mid-term and final exams. Students will be assessed via assignments and activities related to the integrated academic seminar, as outlined in the syllabus. Internship supervisors and students each provide written evaluations of progress towards goals.
Language of Instruction
English and/or Chinese
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
Course Notes
- All internships are offered in English.
- Students should expect to spend 30-32 hours per week engaged in internship work
- Week 1-6 elective courses are chosen from any of the courses offered through the Open Campus Block program in Block I. Courses are listed as “Fall Block I” and “Spring Block I” respectively.
- The optional Week 7-14 elective is “Doing Business in Asia Pacific” and/or “Intercultural Communication and Leadership,” as listed below.
- “GI” denotes courses that are offered at multiple Global Institutes.
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.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers more than $8 million in 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:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- 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
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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.
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Dr. Steve Chao
Director, Shanghai
Steve Chao is the Director at CIEE Shanghai Global Institute, responsible for all aspects of operations, including Academic, student service, finance, local partnership and government relations.
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Juan Zhang
Program Manager, Shanghai
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
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
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CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
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CONTACT US
SCHEDULE A CALL
All applicants are highly encouraged to speak with their CIEE Global Internship Advisor prior to the application deadline. Connect early and often. You will learn about the program, the internship placement process, and receive coaching tips on the application process and your resume.