Overview
Click to OpenThis program has been suspended for summer 2021.
Explore our other active study abroad programs for summer 2021, or check out our travel assurances and updated health and safety guidelines.
Study abroad in China’s largest city this summer. Choose from three sessions and courses on social sciences, humanities, technology and other fields.
Unique Experiences
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Explore
sites showcasing Chinese history, development, and politics during field trips.
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Take part
in unique cultural experiences such as a traditional tea ceremony.
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Learn
firsthand about China’s rise to a world super-power.
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population of Shanghai
24 M -
height (in feet) of the Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world
2,073 -
length of Shanghai’s metro - the longest rapid-transit system in the world
400 miles
Location & Culture
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The Destination
Shanghai, home to more than 24 million people, has seen massive development over the last two decades. For example, the new financial district of Pudong is now 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 easily accessible by elevated light rails, the world’s first commercial high-speed Maglev train.

Excursions & Activities
- Day trip to “the Venice of Shanghai” the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao
- Study tour of Chongming Island, on the Yangtze River
- Explore the Shanghai Film Museum and the Jewish Museum
- Visit the Site of the First Communist Party Congress
- Take a river cruise along Huangpu Jiang by the Bund

Projects, Volunteer Opportunities, or Internships
- Get involved in volunteer programs in hospitals, parks, schools, after school programs, homes for the elderly
- Work with local environmental groups to help maintain public parks and learn about cultural nuances in the process
- Volunteer to coach sports and games for local youths
Daily Life
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Housing
The campus residence hall is located on the north end of East China Normal University campus.
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Meals
The residence hall is close to the main cafeteria on campus. Most students choose to eat in a variety of Chinese fast food restaurants and cafeterias within walking distance of the Global Institute - Shanghai.
Shanghai, China Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE Global Institute - Shanghai
On the downtown Putuo campus at East China Normal University
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B
East China Normal University Campus
Downtown Putuo campus
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C
The Bund
Historic 1,500-meter-long waterside promenade
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
Students choose one, two, or three 4-week sessions and, depending on the session, the curriculum covers Chinese history, culture, politics, business or technology, and more. Content courses are taught in English and all courses are taught by faculty drawn from a variety of higher education institutions in China and worldwide. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural and business institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Program Requirements
All students must enroll in one 3-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: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours per session
- CIEE Communicative Language course: 1 U.S. semester/1.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours
Academic Culture
CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. Each course is a full semester in content, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel away from Shanghai when classes are in session.
Class Format
Classes taught at the CIEE Global Institute are for CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday, and attendance is strictly enforced for both classes and required co-curricular excursions. The class typically features a combination of traditional lecture, discussion, and co-curricular activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.
Grading
The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students’ are graded on attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations.
Language of Instruction
English
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
Course Notes
- Students studying in Shanghai for multiple sessions may only take Communicative Chinese once.
- “(GI)” denotes courses that originated at CIEE’s Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple Global Institutes and CIEE Centers.
Summer 2021 Courses
Click to OpenSummer 2021 course offerings and syllabi will available late fall.
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
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.
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
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.