ciee - council on international educational exchange
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featured programs

Study in China
beijing - chinese language + culture

Study in France
paris - critical studies

Study in Nicaragua
managua - liberal arts

Study in the Czech Republic
prague - film studies

Study in Italy
naples - liberal arts

Study in Italy
naples - classical studies

Study in Germany
berlin - language + culture

Study in Thailand
khon kaen - community public health

Study in Australia
perth - sustainability + the environment

Is this program right for you?

This program is designed for students with 4-7 semesters of Mandarin Chinese to develop advanced communicative skills in Mandarin Chinese through small classes, tutors, and language clinics; understand contemporary economic and political issues affecting China and the affects of China as a rising power in the world today; and apply skills learned in the classroom to understand the environment outside through independent fieldwork and volunteer opportunities.

Program Snapshot

  • Intensive Mandarin language program; accelerated language course option; peer language tutors; target language activities; language clinic
  • Courses in business, international relations, and film in Chinese; English language courses in business, international relations, Chinese history and culture; core courses to enhance Chinese proficiency in a professional context
  • Weeklong excursion to the Silk Road; cultural activities such as visits to an acrobatics show and river cruise; cultural reimbursement program; volunteering

Subject Areas

  • Asian Studies
  • Business
  • Chinese Studies/Chinese Culture
  • Economics
  • Film Studies
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Internship
  • Language, Literature, Culture (host country)
  • Law/Legal Studies
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Mandarin Chinese
  • Religious Studies
  • Sociology
  • Women's Studies

About Shanghai

Known for its economic prowess and long history of foreign influence, Shanghai is the country’s financial and industrial capital. The last decade has seen massive development in this metropolis of 18 million; construction of the city’s infrastructure and transportation system is constant. With an elevated light rail, the world’s first commercial high-speed maglev train, and eight subway lines, the city boasts one of the fastest growing rapid transit systems in the world. Those in search of old Shanghai, however, can still find the legacy of its magnificent past.

Where You'll Study

East China Normal University

Established in 1951, East China Normal University (ECNU) is one of China’s key institutions of higher learning that specializes in teacher education, and is nationally known for its Chinese language and literature program. It enrolls more than 16,000 students and 1,000 international students. The University is located on the bank of the Liwa River northwest of the city. Known as the “Garden University” for its beautiful grounds, students have access to campus facilities including a library, playing fields, basketball courts, recreation center, small shops, and restaurants.

Thoughts From Abroad

Economists name this “China’s Century,” and linguists call Mandarin Chinese the next “must-learn” language of the 21st Century, already well-established as the world’s largest in terms of native speakers. With China’s ascension to the World Trade Organization in 2001, Beijing hosting the 29th Olympiad in 2008, and Shanghai poised to host the World Expo in 2010, this is an opportune time to be here.

As a foreign student in Shanghai—once the third largest financial center in the world after London and New York—you will undoubtedly be amazed by the breathtaking and profound changes taking place as the city aims to regain its once prominent role as Asia’s premier commercial center. You will witness the dramatic transformation of China at the beginning of the 21st Century, as the nation emerges to take a dominant role on the international political stage.

—Justin O’Jack, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Justin O’Jack, Resident Director, received his B.A. in History at the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1988. He received his M.A. from the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2002, where he researched late medieval Chinese pilgrimage traditions and religious geography. Justin served as the Academic Director of a study abroad program in the city of Hangzhou, China for three years before joining CIEE in Shanghai in 2006. He also serves as Vice President of the Royal Asiatic Society, Shanghai Chapter.

Dr. Li Yanfeng, Academic Director of the Advanced Chinese Studies program, is from Xi’an, China. He studied in the U.S. for 12 years, earning a second B.A. in English literature, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Chinese Literature from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He taught Chinese language at the University of Pennsylvania from 2001 to 2005, and directed and taught the Chinese language program at the CIEE Study Center in Shanghai from 2005 to 2007.

Lei Chen Wong, Assistant Director, joined CIEE in 2005. She graduated from Hamilton College, where she concentrated in Chinese and Japanese languages. In 2004, she returned to study at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, taking graduate-level courses in Chinese focusing on Sino-U.S. relations and contemporary Chinese society.

Liao Jianling, Language Director, joined CIEE in the fall of 2006. Originally from Jiangxi, China, Ms. Liao is a doctoral candidate in the area of Second Language Acquisition from the University of Iowa. While studying abroad in the U.S. at the University of Iowa, she also received two M.A. degrees in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language and Instructional Design and Technology. In addition, she holds an M.A. degree in Chinese Linguistics from Wuhan University. Her research interests include computer-assisted language learning and language pedagogy in study abroad contexts.

Additional support services are given by Zheng Huan and Liu Yingying, the Academic Support Coordinators; Yang Lihong, Student Services Coordinator; Liu Lihua, Housing Coordinator; and Hui Li, Office Assistant.

Recommended Credit

semester: 16-17 semester/24-25.5 quarter hours
academic year: 31 semester/46.5 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 3.0
  • 4 or more semesters of college-level Mandarin Chinese or equivalent. Also appropriate for heritage learners who speak Chinese at an advanced or superior level.*
  • One Chinese area studies course on transcript
  • Note: East China Normal University will not accept students who are citizens of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan ROC, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau. This includes those who are permanent U.S. residents. Students of Chinese ancestry who hold U.S. passports are welcome.

*Equivalent to approximately 20 semester/30 quarter hours of instruction. Students who do not meet the minimum language requirement, as determined by the on-site placement exam, may be required to switch to another program offered at the CIEE Study Center in Shanghai after arrival and before the end of the first week of classes.

Program Dates

Fall 20098/30/2009 - 12/13/2009
Academic Year 2009-108/30/2009 - 6/6/2010
Spring 20102/21/2010 - 6/6/2010

Application Deadlines

Fall 20094/1/2009
Academic Year 2009-104/1/2009
Spring 201011/1/2009

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Fall 200915 weeks
late August - mid-December
Academic Year 2009-1038 weeks
late August - early June
Spring 201015 weeks
mid-February - late May

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Fall 2009 $12,750
    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, transportation and accommodation during the week-long field trip to southwestern China, peer language tutors, Chinese Language Clinic, guest lectures, pre-departure advising, visa fees, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays will receive breakfast and dinner during the week and most weekends.

    Program Fees

    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 to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$10,386
    Housing*$2,100
    Medical Insurance$74
    Visa Fees$190
    Total$12,750

    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, transportation and accommodation during the week-long field trip to southwestern China, peer language tutors, Chinese Language Clinic, guest lectures, pre-departure advising, visa fees, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays will receive breakfast and dinner during the week and most weekends.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast departure)$1,400
    Personal Expenses$2,150
    Meals (residence hall options)**$1,200
    Books and Supplies$50
    Local Transportation$400
    Total$5,200

    **Students placed in homestays should budget an additional $550 for lunches.


  • Academic Year 2009-10 $22,950
    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, transportation and accommodation during the week-long field trip to southwestern China, peer language tutors, Chinese Language Clinic, guest lectures, pre-departure advising, visa fees, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays will receive breakfast and dinner during the week and most weekends.

    Program Fees

    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 to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Housing*$4,200
    Medical Insurance$74
    Visa Fees$190
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$18,486
    Total$22,950

    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, transportation and accommodation during the week-long field trip to southwestern China, peer language tutors, Chinese Language Clinic, guest lectures, pre-departure advising, visa fees, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays will receive breakfast and dinner during the week and most weekends.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Local Transportation$800
    Books and Supplies$100
    Personal Expenses**$4,300
    Meals (apartment options)***$2,400
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast departure)$1,400
    Total$9,000

    **Students should budget and additional $1800 for meals and personal expenses during the semester break.

    ***Students placed in homestays should budget an additional $1,100 for lunches.


  • Spring 2010 $12,750
    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, transportation and accommodation during the week-long field trip to southwestern China, peer language tutors, Chinese Language Clinic, guest lectures, pre-departure advising, visa fees, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays will receive breakfast and dinner during the week and most weekends.

    Program Fees

    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 to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$10,383
    Housing*$2,100
    Medical Insurance$74
    Visa Fees$193
    Total$12,750

    The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, transportation and accommodation during the week-long field trip to southwestern China, peer language tutors, Chinese Language Clinic, guest lectures, pre-departure advising, visa fees, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays will receive breakfast and dinner during the week and most weekends.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast departure)$1,400
    Personal Expenses$2,150
    Meals (Resident Hall Options)**$1,200
    Local Transportation$400
    Books and Supplies$100
    Total$5,250

    **Students placed in homestays should budget an additional $550 for lunches.


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.