shanghai night aerial view
Shanghai, China

Summer Business + Culture

Study Program

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Perched 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 four-week session (or multiple sessions) 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.

You'll choose from courses in a wide range of subject areas, hosted by CIEE Shanghai. 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. 

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

Get hands-on cultural experience

by learning Chinese cooking, calligraphy, martial arts, music, or mahjong.

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.

Step back in time

with visits to traditional water towns like Wuzhen and Zhujiajiao.

24 M

Population of Shanghai

751

years since Shanghai was incorporated

632 M (2,073 FT)

the height of the tallest building in Shanghai

Experience
  • study abroad the bund shanghai student
  • students take selfie shanghai

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.

boat ride guilin mountains li river

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:   

  • Exploring Urban Planning Exhibition Center, 
  • Visiting Jade Buddha Temple
  • Visiting Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum
  • Enjoying the Preserved Water Town in Shanghai 
  • Excursions to Hangzhou or Nanjing
teachers abroad shanghai china classroom

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

From CIEE

Eat, Drink, Explore: Shanghai

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

EAT While in Shanghai, do yourself a favor and enjoy one of the city’s most popular plates: xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). These delicate steamed buns typically contain pork, shrimp, crab, or... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

Students take one full-credit course per session. Students can also enroll in an optional Communicative Chinese language course (1 credit) during one session. 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 Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

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

All students must enroll in one full-credit CIEE course per session.  

Program Credit

Total credit: 3 - 4 U.S semester/4.5 - 6 quarter credits per session 

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: typically 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours  
  • CIEE Communicative Chinese Language course: 1 U.S. semester/1.5 quarter credits; 15 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. 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

Each course is a full semester in content, covered in a four week session, 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 sessions.  

Class Format

Courses are typically for CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and meet three, four or five 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   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. 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 studying with CIEE for more than one session may take the Communicative Chinese Language course only once. 

Summer Session I 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Session II 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Session III 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Block II 2024

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
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI 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 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 Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,950
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,950
Program Summer Session III 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,950
Program Summer Session I and II 2025 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $49,980
Program Summer Session II and III 2025 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $8,910
Program Summer Sessions I, II and III 2025 12 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $16,830

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 = $2,450*

Housing = $2,000**

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $4,950

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 = $440

International Airfare = $1,300

Local Transportation = $68

Books & Supplies = $20

Visa Fees = $185††

Personal expenses = $160†††

Other = $15

Total Costs = $2,188

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

*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 groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††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 = $2,450*

Housing = $2,000**

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $4,950

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 = $440

International Airfare = $1,300

Local Transportation = $68

Books & Supplies = $20

Visa Fees = $185††

Personal expenses = $160†††

Other = $15

Total Costs = $2,188

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

*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 groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††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 = $2,450*

Housing = $2,000**

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $4,950

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

*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.

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 = $25,480*

Housing = $24,000**

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $49,980

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 = $880

International Airfare = $1,300

Local Transportation = $135

Books & Supplies = $40

Visa Fees = $185††

Personal expenses = $320†††

Other = $30

Total Costs = $2,890

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

*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 groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††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 = $4,410*

Housing = $4,000**

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $8,910

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 = $440

International Airfare = $1,300

Local Transportation = $68

Books & Supplies = $20

Visa Fees = $185††

Personal expenses = $160†††

Other = $15

Total Costs = $2,188

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

*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 groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††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 = $8,330*

Housing = $8,000**

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $16,830

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 = $880

International Airfare = $1,300

Local Transportation = $135

Books & Supplies = $40

Visa Fees = $185††

Personal expenses = $320†††

Other = $30

Total Costs = $2,890

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

*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 groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††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

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

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

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 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