Study Abroad in Shanghai
College Study Abroad
Explore Shanghai, China
Long known for its history of foreign influence, fashion, and economic prowess, Shanghai is China’s largest global hub and one of the most popular study abroad destinations in Asia. With massive development over the past two decades, Shanghai has blossomed into China’s largest city by population with skyscrapers, a rapid-transit system, and a unique history.
When you study abroad in Shanghai, you’ll gain firsthand experience studying in one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Shanghai, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Whether you want to take Chinese language courses, intern abroad, or boost your cultural knowledge of Asia, Shanghai may be the place for you!
Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in Shanghai
Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Shanghai, past study tours and excursions have included:
- Visits to historical sites, such as Old City God Temple and the Bund
- Select a multi-day excursion to destinations like Xi’an, Yunnan, or Taiwan
- Spend long weekends in alluring destinations like Beijing, Hangzhou, or Nanjing
- Participate in themed excursions, like modern architecture in Shanghai, and governance and environment in rural Sichuan Province
- Complete classes for calligraphy, painting, seal carving, or martial arts
If you’re interested in learning more about Chinese culture, history, and language, CIEE Shanghai’s excursions and tours allow you to do just that! As one of the best cities in China to study, Shanghai offers something for everyone.
About the Center
Situated on the campus of East China Normal University (ECNU), CIEE's esteemed partner institution, CIEE Shanghai features a library, student life office, academic advising office, and complimentary access to WiFi, 10 public computers, and printers. Classrooms are shared with ECNU, and students are encouraged to use ECNU's library and outdoor facilities as needed.
Outside the Center, students enjoy easy access to cafés, barber shops, hair salons, convenience stores, and more. If students are interested in renting bikes or require computer or mobile phone repairs, said services can be accessed on the ECNU campus.
Where Students Study
CIEE Shanghai
Our Center in Shanghai is part of the CIEE Open Campus Block Network and is located on the campus of East China Normal University (ECNU).
Internships & Volunteering
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer. For students looking to intern in Shanghai, they can participate in an internship at local Chinese companies, multinational companies, as well as international small- and medium-sized enterprises and nonprofit organizations.
Students interested in volunteering in Shanghai can gain hands-on experience and connect with people in the community by teaching at a migrant elementary school or helping with a community project in a local area.
New Program Coming Soon!
Engineering, Technology, and Science – Coming Fall 2025
Study Abroad Programs in Shanghai
- Shanghai, China
- Study Program
Fast-forward your Mandarin language skills
- Big City
- Language Immersion
- 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
- 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
Currency
Renminbi (also known as Yuan)
Spoken Languages in Shanghai
Mandarin, Shanghainese, English
Available Transportation
Train, subway, taxi, bus
Famous Local
Yao Ming – former Chinese basketball player who stands at 7′ 6″
Climate
Humid subtropical climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F
Places to Explore
The Bund – Shanghai's waterfront area and protected historical district with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, clubs, and more
Airport
Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Social Norms
Locals may ask to take photos with you! Say cheese!
What to Pack
Comfortable shoes and a raincoat
Frequently Asked Questions
China is a great destination for students looking to study abroad, whether you’re looking to learn Chinese language in Shanghai, study China’s culture, or explore historic sites across the country. If you’re looking for adventure in one of China’s economic and cultural centers, Shanghai may be the place for you! Not to mention, authentic Chinese food is delicious!
Shanghai is known for its popular tourist destinations, including The Bund, Lujiazui skyline, Yu Garden, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and so much more. With diverse nightlife, a variety of museums, and a vibrant food scene, Shanghai is famous for its speedy development over the past few decades, drawing tourists from all over the world.
Shanghai is one of the safest cities in China for students to study abroad given the use of modern technology and surveillance. As with any big city, pickpocketing and scams may occur, so we advise students to be proactive and keep their belongings safe.
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.
While both Beijing and Shanghai offer students an authentic study abroad experience in China, the cities have different characteristics. Beijing is the more historical city with prestigious universities and drier, more polluted air, while Shanghai is the more international, developed city with a unique Shanghainese dialect.
The cost of studying abroad in Shanghai varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Shanghai study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Shanghai.
For more detailed information on diversity in Shanghai, visit our Diversity in Shanghai page.
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Shanghai 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!
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Shanghai. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Shanghai to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
Live From Shanghai
Study Abroad in Shanghai Blog
My Summer Story with CIEE Shanghai | Shanghai feels like a second home
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