High School Academy in Shanghai
Explore life abroad in Shanghai, one of the world's most innovative cities, while continuing high school with a cohort of American students.
Spend a semester abroad following U.S.-aligned high school classes with a cohort of American students. Our hybrid model allows you to customize your schedule with in-person instruction at the Shanghai CIEE Center and online courses through ASU Prep Global. Start your journey at the Global Gateway Academy in London, then transition to Shanghai to live with a welcoming host family, connect with your cohort, and immerse yourself in a new culture while staying on track with your high school’s graduation requirements.
Outside of class, visit famous sites like Yu Garden, the colonial buildings in The Bund, the shopping district of Nanjing Road, and dozens of specialty museums. By the end of the semester, you’ll have new friendships, fresh perspectives, and confidence that helps shape your future.
Your CIEE High School Study Abroad Academy program begins with a 3-week adventure in London, UK, to set you up for success as you bond with your classmates and start coursework.
Why Choose This Program?
Independence & Resilience
Living abroad shifts how you see the world—and yourself—shaping how you face challenges and opportunities.
College Readiness
Studying abroad builds real-world skills and helps you stand out on college applications.
Global Citizenship
After immersing yourself in new cultural experiences, you'll develop skills to engage confidently at school, work, and beyond.
93%
said their experience made them more aware of global issues.
79%
said their experience with CIEE helped shape their college applications.
96%
said they regularly use the knowledge and skills they acquired while abroad with CIEE.
The Destination
Welcome to Shanghai, the “Paris of the East,” a city full of ancient temples and neon-lit skyscrapers.
One of the world’s biggest cities, Shanghai is home to more than 24 million people! Located in east-central China, the city began as a small fishing village before becoming one of the world’s busiest ports in the 1800s. Trade with Europe, the U.S., and Japan shaped the city’s diverse influences, still evident today in its Art Deco architecture—the largest collection outside the U.S.—and its traditional temples and gardens.
Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you cruise the Huangpu River, with the Yangpu Bridge, the Nanpu Bridge, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower gracing the skyline. At night, the Bund lights up with historic buildings on one side of the river and futuristic skyscrapers on the other.
Don’t leave Shanghai without tasting delicious dumplings, like xiaolongbao and dim sum, dan bing (egg pancakes), and endless kinds of bubble tea. From food stalls to tea shops, lively markets to traditional temples, you’ll want to explore it all!
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Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Every day in Shanghai is a new adventure! Spend your time abroad visiting iconic sites like the City God Temple and joining exciting cultural activities like a martial arts workshop with local Kung Fu Masters. You’ll make lifelong memories with new friends while exploring this exciting global city.
Overnight Excursion to Wuxi
Leave Shanghai’s giant skyscrapers and neon lights behind as you head to Wuxi. Walk through canal streets lined with red lanterns, where stone bridges span narrow waterways, and steam rises from dumpling shops and tea houses. You’ll hear temple bells, smell grilled snacks and sweet pastries from food stalls, and see tiled rooftops, carved wooden buildings, and little boats moving through the canals. Between the giant Buddha, the lake views, and the old streets, Wuxi feels like stepping into a completely different world.
Pottery Workshop
Step into one of the world’s oldest artistic traditions during a hands-on pottery workshop. China has crafted ceramics for more than 10,000 years, and its porcelain became so admired worldwide that the word “china” is still used to describe fine porcelain today. Join a guided tutorial to learn the ceramic-making process, throwing and shaping clay into whatever form you choose, like a cup, bowl, or vase. You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind keepsake and a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that has made Chinese ceramics famous worldwide.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback.
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Eligibility
- Be between the ages of 15 and 18 when the program starts.
- Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Demonstrate, through the application process, flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
- No prior Mandarin language experience is required for this program.
China maintains strict regulations regarding medications brought into the country. We encourage student families to consult with their doctor and research whether the student's medications are legal and available in China.
Students studying in Shanghai will need to obtain the appropriate Chinese visa before departure. CIEE will reach out directly to guide families through the visa process and explain the required documents and application steps.
Please note: CIEE cannot provide visas for High School Academy students. If you plan to travel internationally within six months of your semester abroad start date, please email hsabroad@ciee.org with your travel dates and destination(s).
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Our Staff
Jia Ma
Center Director
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