Information for term Summer Business + Culture
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenPerched on the banks of the Huangpu River and the East China Sea, Shanghai is a global hub of culture, commerce, and finance. Experience Shanghai your way by customizing your summer abroad. Spend one six-week block (or up to two blocks) immersing yourself in the vibrant student population of East China Normal University, where you will have opportunities to hone your Chinese language abilities and knowledge about China.
When class is in session, you will learn from instructors at CIEE Shanghai in courses across a wide range of subject areas, including business, communication, community health, international relations, and more.
You will have many opportunities with instructors or on your own to explore the iconic Bund and Pudong areas of Shanghai, the Longtang alleyways, world-class art museums, and Shanghai's famous cuisine.
Build Your Summer Adventure
Select one or two six-week blocks at any CIEE Open Campus Block location. Stay in Shanghai for both blocks or go mobile and spend your second block in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Singapore, Sydney, or Yucatan.
Follow our Travels:
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GET HANDS-ON CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
by learning Chinese cooking, calligraphy, martial arts, music, or mahjong.
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STROLL THE PEDESTRIAN MALL ON NANJING ROAD
which is Shanghai’s most famous street and the epicenter of busy commercial life. See the dazzling city lights at night at its terminus, The Bund, former home to many western banks and their striking facades.
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STEP BACK IN TIME
with visits to traditional water towns like Wuzhen and Zhujiajiao.
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POPULATION OF SHANGHAI
24 M -
YEARS SINCE SHANGHAI WAS INCORPORATED
751 -
THE HEIGHT OF THE TALLEST BUILDING IN SHANGHAI
632 m (2,073 ft)
Location & Culture
Click to Open

Your Destination
Shanghai has seen massive development over the last two decades. Its new financial district, Pudong, is home to some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world! Boasting the fastest-growing rapid transit system in the world, Shanghai’s urban centers are conveniently connected by the world’s first commercial high-speed Maglev train, 18 subway lines, and two of the world’s busiest airports. In Shanghai, 21st-century businesses have become increasingly interconnected through complex technological, political, social, and financial systems.
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.

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
You can expect to participate in ample CIEE-organized activities and day trips to immerse you in Chinese culture and historical heritage.
- Excursions can include:
- Attending the Shanghai Film Museum
- Visiting the Shanghai Volkswagen
- Exploring the Jewish Museum
- Visiting the site of the First Communist Party Congress
- Stop by the Preserved Water Town in Shanghai
- Excursions to Hangzhou or Beijing

PROJECTS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, OR INTERNSHIPS
Volunteer Opportunities: Teach at schools for children of migrant workers, mainly on the city's outskirts. Get involved in volunteer programs in hospitals, parks, schools, after-school programs, and homes for the elderly. Work with local environmental groups to help maintain public parks and learn about cultural nuances. Volunteer to coach local youth in sports and games.
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
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HOUSING
The campus residence hall is a five-story facility located on the north end of East China Normal University (ECNU) Putuo campus.
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MEALS
The residence hall is a stone’s throw away from the main cafeteria on campus. Most students eat in various fast-food Chinese restaurants and cafeterias within walking distance of ECNU, but limited cooking facilities are available in the dorm.
Shanghai, China Where You'll Study
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A
SHANGHAI TOWER
the 2nd tallest building in the world
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B
EAST CHINA NORMAL UNIVERSITY ZHONGSHAN CAMPUS
explore the beautiful campus
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C
THE BUND
a waterfront area in central Shanghai
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
Students take two credit-bearing courses per summer block. This program provides opportunities to enroll in courses from a variety of academic tracks. Students will learn the intercultural skills needed to succeed in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
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
All students must enroll in two credit-bearing CIEE courses per block.
Program Credit
- One block: 6-7 U.S semester/9-10.5 quarter credits
- Two blocks: 12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- language courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 60 contact hours
- lab courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact 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
Each course is a full semester in content, covered in a six-week block, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. Courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel away from the city when classes are in session and plan trips for the weekends in between blocks.
Class Format
Courses are typically for CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and meet two, three, or four times per week. Attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.
Grading
The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.
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/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.
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
Course Notes
- Courses are listed below by block and track; course list is subject to change. Courses are in English unless otherwise noted. “GI” denotes courses that are offered at multiple CIEE locations.
Language Classes
- During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory language course will be required to take a language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes.
- Students can also enroll in an optional Survival Chinese course (non-credit) during a single block.
Summer 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenSummer Block I
Summer Block II
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
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- The Stephen M. Lew Lifetime Friendship Award
- CIEE Stem Scholarship
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 |
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Summer Block I 2023 6 weeks | Deadline Passed | May 15, 2023 | Jun 24, 2023 |
$6,650
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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 = $5,391 ** Housing = $550 Insurance = $197 Visa Fees = $212 Total Fees = $6,650Estimated 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 = $714 International Airfare = $1,300 Local Transportation = $68 Books & Supplies = $20 Visa Fees = $0 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $0 Local government registration/entrance fees = $0 Personal expenses = $200 Round trip airfare between locations = $1,200 Other = $15 Domestic Airfare = $0 Total Estimated Costs = $3,517Financial 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 |
Summer Blocks I, II 2023 12 weeks | Deadline Passed | May 15, 2023 | Aug 5, 2023 |
$13,300
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 = $11,491 ** Housing = $1,100 Insurance = $197 Visa Fees = $212 Total Fees = $13,300Estimated 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 = $1,428 International Airfare = $1,300 Local Transportation = $135 Books & Supplies = $40 Visa Fees = $0 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $0 Local government registration/entrance fees = $0 Personal expenses = $400 Other = $30 Domestic Airfare = $0 Total Estimated Costs = $3,333Financial 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 |
Summer Block II 2023 6 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jun 26, 2023 | Aug 5, 2023 |
$6,650
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 = $5,391 ** Housing = $550 Insurance = $197 Visa Fees = $212 Total Fees = $6,650Estimated 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 = $714 International Airfare = $1,300 Local Transportation = $68 Books & Supplies = $20 Visa Fees = $0 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $0 Local government registration/entrance fees = $0 Personal expenses = $200 Other = $15 Domestic Airfare = $0 Total Estimated Costs = $2,317Financial 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 |
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.
Looking for funding?
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.