Study Abroad in Greater 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
Beijing
Visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and more in China's capital city while improving your Chinese.
Shanghai
Experience China's largest, most developed city full of culture, food, and historic sites to see.
Taipei
Fast-forward your Mandarin language skills in one of Asia's most culturally rich cities.
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
- Shanghai, China
- Study Program
Fast-forward your Mandarin language skills
- Big City
- Language Immersion
- 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!
- Big City
- 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.
- Big City
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Study Program
Spend your winter break studying abroad in Taipei, where you'll explore Asian society
- Big City
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Study Program
Fast-forward your Mandarin language skills in one of the most culturally rich cities on Earth.
- Big City
- Language Immersion
- Shanghai, China
- Study Program
There’s no better place to study global business than the financial and cultural hub of Shanghai.
- Big City
- Volunteering
- Shanghai, China
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
Explore strategic management in Shanghai this January.
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Volunteering
- Shanghai, China
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
China’s 5,000-year history is marked with contributions
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Shanghai, China
- 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.
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Shanghai, China
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Explore traditions in the world’s most populated city
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- 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.
- ASU Courses
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Take your studies to the City of Azaleas and Taiwan’s incredible capital.
- AACSB-Accredited
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Host Institution
- Volunteering
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Study abroad in Taipei, Taiwan's revered capital, famed for its modern skyline, night markets, and temples
- AACSB-Accredited
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Host Institution
Study Abroad in Greater China Blog
Top 10 Chinese Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know
Think you’re fluent in Mandarin just because you’ve mastered “ni hao” and “xie xie”? Not so fast! To truly impress your new friends in Great China, you’ll need more than... keep reading
My Summer Story with CIEE Shanghai | Shanghai feels like a second home
By ELIZABETH ANNE MEYER, CIEE Shanghai Summer 2024 ACL 大家好!我是Liz,我的中文名字叫马风明。2024年夏天,我来到上海学习中文两个月。我探索了上海的许多地标,我非常感谢在华东师范大学学习! 很难相信我的旅行快结束了! Studying abroad in Shanghai was an unforgettable experience that deeply enriched my understanding of Chinese language and culture. Immersed... keep reading
Best Time to Buy an International Plane Ticket to Asia/Pacific
Just because you want to study abroad in Asia/Pacific doesn’t mean your plane ticket has to break the bank. There are ways to maneuver through the many travel options available... keep reading
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!