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Study Abroad in Greater China

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study abroad in china

Explore the wonders of Greater China and bask in its history and global influence.

When you study abroad in Greater China, you'll explore the region's top historic sites, including the Great Wall, French Concession, and the Sky Taipei, all while gaining a new understanding of Greater China's past and present. With 30+ years of experience, nearly a dozen programs to choose from, and three professionally-staffed sites in Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei, CIEE offers students a variety of transformational study abroad programs in Greater China.

Immerse yourself in Chinese language, culture, and tradition with co-curricular activities at outdoor markets, local events, and excursions to nearby towns. Sample life in a rural community with a service project; explore sustainability in Beijing; intern with a local company in Shanghai; or take your Mandarin language skills to the next level in Taipei.

While abroad, students may enhance their academic experience by completing a full- or part-time internship in Greater China. This unique opportunity allows students to gain real-world international work experience, expand their professional networks, and develop valuable skills that complement their studies. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, manufacturing, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.

Homestays, peer language tutors, cultural activities, and excursions to local and regional sites will give you deep insight into Greater China's history and a new perspective on its future.

Best Places to Study Abroad in Greater China

temple of heaven beijing china

Beijing

Visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and more in China's capital city while improving your Chinese.

shanghai downtown skyline

Shanghai

Experience China's largest, most developed city full of culture, food, and historic sites to see. 

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Taipei

Fast-forward your Mandarin language skills in one of Asia's most culturally rich cities. 

Studying Abroad in Greater China Reviews

  • "I would recommend this program because even though I was a beginner with no experience in the language, I felt like my class was so useful and well-paced. Having my Chinese roommate was a great way for me to not feel lonely and my teachers were all so kind, patient, and dedicated."

    Whitney W., University of Oregon

  • "This program was great! Not only was I able to develop my Chinese, I was also able to learn more about the culture!"

    Keylana J., University of Redlands

  • "Overall, I had a great experience! Staff and programs were wonderful."

    Larissa L., Babson College

  • "I really learned a lot about China and I was able to thoroughly experience a lot of the culture there."

    Ancion T., Florida A&M University

shanghai student at still mill

New Programs Coming Soon!

Shanghai

  • Engineering, Technology, and Science – Coming Fall 2025

Taipei

  • Engineering, Technology, and Science – Coming Fall 2025

Study Abroad Greater China Programs

downtown taipei skyline
  • Taipei, Taiwan
New for Summer '25
  • Full-Time Internship

Spend your summer gaining real-world work experience, growing your global network, and developing transferable hard and soft skills during an international internship in Taipei!

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  • Big City
lantern red china abroad
  • Shanghai, China
  • Study Program
  • Full-Time Internship

Learn about business ethics, corporate structure, and fiscal policies while completing a full-time internship in the largest city in China.

Features
  • Big City
downtown taipei taiwan city view
  • Taipei, Taiwan
  • Study Program

Spend your winter break studying abroad in Taipei, where you'll explore Asian society

Features
  • Big City
aerial view taipei downtown
  • Study Program

Fast-forward your Mandarin language skills in one of the most culturally rich cities on Earth.

Features
  • Big City
  • Language Immersion
shanghai night aerial view
  • Shanghai, China
  • Study Program

There’s no better place to study global business than the financial and cultural hub of Shanghai.

Features
  • Big City
  • Volunteering
shanghai aerial view from sky
  • Shanghai, China
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!

Explore strategic management in Shanghai this January.

Features
  • ASU Courses
  • Big City
  • Volunteering
shanghai french concession view
  • Shanghai, China
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

China’s 5,000-year history is marked with contributions

Features
  • ASU Courses
  • Big City
night market shanghai china temples
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Whether you’re a rank beginner or have strong Chinese language skills, you’ll progress by leaps and bounds, moving ahead at least two levels with CIEE in Shanghai.

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  • ASU Courses
  • Big City
nighttime shanghai street
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Explore traditions in the world’s most populated city

Features
  • ASU Courses
  • Big City
shanghai temple lion in front of the city skyline
  • Shanghai, China
New for Spring '25
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

On this semester-long program, immerse yourself in the city’s eclectic cultural experiences and improve your Chinese language skills while studying international business in Shanghai.

Features
  • ASU Courses
taipei taiwan temple lake
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Take your studies to the City of Azaleas and Taiwan’s incredible capital.

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  • AACSB-Accredited
  • ASU Courses
  • Big City
  • Host Institution
  • Volunteering
night market taipei taiwan
  • Taipei, Taiwan
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Study abroad in Taipei, Taiwan's revered capital, famed for its modern skyline, night markets, and temples

Features
  • AACSB-Accredited
  • ASU Courses
  • Big City
  • Host Institution

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re wondering how to study abroad in Greater China, students can complete a few simple steps – search our study abroad programs in Greater China, connect with your campus study abroad office, and start your application.

While Shanghai and Taipei offer students an authentic study abroad experience in Greater China, each city has different characteristics. Shanghai is the more international, developed city with a unique Shanghainese dialect. Taipei is a bustling modern city with a humid, subtropical climate. 

There are several reasons to study abroad in Greater China, from breathtaking natural sites and historical landmarks, to the opportunity to study Mandarin with welcoming native speakers. Whether you study in Greater China for a summer, semester, or year, there are multiple opportunities to intern, travel, and volunteer in the community.

Read more: Top 6 Chinese Language Study Abroad Programs

Greater China is a relatively safe region for students to travel. As with any study abroad destination in Asia, we recommend that students stay aware of their surroundings, keep their belongings safe, and travel in groups when possible.

Safety And Security Travel Advisory

Effective March 2023, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory to all U.S. citizens traveling within Greater China. All students choosing to study abroad in the region are advised to carefully review the Travel Advisory and be fully committed to adjusting their personal practices to limit any potential negative interactions. When on program, participants must ensure that all actions, attitudes, social media, communications, and photographs shared represent Chinese culture positively. Should you require support from CIEE's Health, Safety, and Security team, please contact us.

Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Greater China with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!

Search our internship opportunities to get started!

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