Semester in Shanghai
New for Spring 2025!
Unique Experiences
Take classes taught by ECNU faculty
with advanced academic degrees and rich experience
Gain hands-on work experience
Start up with project management or add experience to your resume with a valuable internship
Make friends with other ECNU students
and get involved in student associations an rich activities
20
METRO LINES, 508 METRO STATIONS, COVERING A DISTANCE OF 500+ MILES
2ND
LARGEST THEME PARK IN THE WORLD, COVERING ALMOST 390 HECTARES; SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND IS MORE THAN 11 TIMES THE SIZE OF THE ORIGINAL DISNEYLAND IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA
68
HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND 20+ INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOLS THRIVE IN THE CITY
Your Destination
Perched on the banks of the Huangpu River and the East China Sea, Shanghai is China’s largest city by population, and a global hub of culture, commerce, and finance. Massively redeveloped over the past 20 years, the city boasts many of the world’s latest and greatest buildings stretching up in the new financial district and the world’s fastest-growing rapid-transit system, featuring the world’s first commercial high-speed Maglev train.
The CIEE Shanghai Center is located inside the main campus of East China Normal University (ECNU) in downtown Shanghai, Putuo District, known as the “Garden University” for its beautiful natural surroundings.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Shanghai.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
- Join classmates for a thrilling acrobat performance, river cruise, group meals, and more
- Explore Chinese history and arts with visits to museums, art exhibitions, and theaters
- Learn about Chinese business with company visits in Shanghai
- Travel to beautiful cities such as:
- Suzhou, often called the “Venice of the East” due to its many canals, classical gardens, and silk industry
- Hangzhou, known for its natural beauty as well as textile and tech industries
- Nanjing, one of China’s four ancient capitals and major commercial centers
- Zhujiajiao, the best-preserved traditional water town in Shanghai, lined with stone bridges, cobblestone lanes, and canals
- Gain hands-on cultural experience by learning Chinese cooking, calligraphy, martial arts, or mahjong
- Connect with the community by volunteering with local organizations or schools
Internship
Study abroad students participating in the Internship course will be assigned to an internship placement with a company in Shanghai. The internship sponsors, which vary each term depending on participating organizations and available positions, may include local Chinese companies and multinational companies, as well as international small and medium-sized enterprises and nonprofit organizations. Course curriculum includes coached work and a final presentation. Students with higher levels of Chinese proficiency may have more internship opportunities available. Students interested in an internship placement must submit additional materials as part of their course selection. See the “Course Information” section for more details.
Research
For-credit Directed Independent Research is for qualified students who have demonstrated academic rigor and curiosity towards a particular research topic. Independent research topics will be approved by CIEE Shanghai Center Director and home institution and must reflect a topic that is relevant to China. To be accepted into this course, students must submit a structured proposal with topic of exploration, significance of research topic as it relates to China, methodology, a literature review, and a schedule of research milestones. Upon research completion, students will present their findings to a panel of academics. Past projects, such as the examination of the Shanghai Jewish community, analysis of minority groups' influence on Chinese foreign policy, and investigation into sustainable fashion marketing in Shanghai, illustrate the diversity and depth of research opportunities available.
Program Blogs
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
Study Abroad with CIEE Shanghai - Open Campus Block
By Christina Li - Open Campus - Spring 2024 CIEE Shanghai When I first landed in Shanghai in February, I was nervous about being part of a new culture, surrounded... keep reading
TRAVELING IN CHINA
By Fall 2023: Abena = College of William & Mary ‘25 (International Relations) - ACL Program Angela = Hamilton College ‘25 (Chinese and Sociology) - CGC Program Aside from the... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Shanghai offers comfortable housing for students in on-campus residence halls shared with CIEE roommates. Housing is located on the Putuo Campus of East China Normal University, with convenient access to the CIEE Shanghai Center office.
Standard Housing: Includes a room in a residence hall with a CIEE roommate. Campus residence halls boast kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students.
Meals
Students are responsible for meals. There are moderately priced cafeterias on campus and various options in the area surrounding the campus.
Academics
This program is designed for students from all backgrounds who want to study abroad immersing themselves in a different culture and participate actively in the local community while pursuing their undergraduate degree. The flexibility and diversity of courses allow students to find a unique mix of classes they need to move forward in their degree progression as well as courses of local flavor, like language, geography, cuisine, or sustainability initiatives. Students can choose from local university courses at East China Normal University and CIEE courses offered at the CIEE center. Immersion options include credit-bearing internships as well as co-curricular activities and extracurriculars.
Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.
Course Information
Course Notes:
- Students may choose to host institution courses taught in Chinese if the student shows proof of language proficiency such as HSK Level 5, interview, professor recommendation, or equivalent
- CIEE students are not eligible for ECNU’s Global China Program courses.
- Students enrolling in the Internship are required to apply for authorization to do an internship after arriving in China. Students pursuing the internship are responsible for all associated application fees (approximately US$150). The application process includes approval from the internship sponsor, approval from ECNU, and a special application to the Chinese government. Please note that recipients of internship authorization are not allowed to leave and re-enter the mainland of China without obtaining a new visa.
Academic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Law
Social Sciences
Communication, Journalism, and Media
The following list of courses constitutes a representative sample of course offerings through East China Normal University and is subject to change. In some cases, prior background knowledge may be required to enroll in a class.
Not all courses listed are offered every semester, and some courses have prerequisites. The final list of courses is made available during the course enrollment process on-site. Please note that CIEE students are not eligible for ECNU’s Global China Program courses.
Sample list of content courses taught in English:
Department of History
- History of Modern China
- Chinese Civilization: An Introduction
- The History of China’s Reform and Open-up
Department of Philosophy
- Introduction to Chinese Philosophy
- Philosophical Chinese
- Selected Readings in Confucianism
- Selected Readings in Daoism
Faculty of Education
- Introduction to Contemporary Research in Mathematics Education
- International Comparative Research in Mathematics Education
School of Design
- Chinese Art and Craft History
- Exhibition Histories
- Culture Study of Product Design
- Design Industry and Business Model
- Brand Communication and Management
- Made in Shanghai: A City Exploration Tour
- Chinese Traditional Garden and Architecture
- Future Career Thinking: Dialogue with Professional Practices
- Chinese Traditional Art Analysis
School of Economics and Management
- China and world economy
- Doing business in China in transition
- China in the Global Economy
- International Business
School of International Chinese Studies
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Ancient Chinese Literature
- Modern Chinese Literature
- Intercultural Communication
- Introduction to Comparative Literature
- Translation Theories and Practices
School of Politics and International Relations
- Chinese International Relations
School of Public Management
- Macroeconomics
- International Finance
- Contemporary Chinese Economy
School of Public Management
- Issues in Contemporary Chinese Society
- History and Theories of Anthropology
- Chinese Society
- Contemporary Chinese Society
- Anthropology of Religion
- Anthropology of Art
- Urban Anthropology
School of Urban and Regional Sciences
- Urban Environment Processes
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Shanghai boasts a vibrant, fast-paced work scene that seamlessly blends traditional values with its modern corporate culture. This dynamic city is the ideal hub for finance, technology, and manufacturing professionals, with a growing focus on innovation and collaboration.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $13,456**
Housing = $5,000***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $18,950Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $1,713†
International Airfare = $1,300††
Local Transportation = $500
Books & Supplies = $10
Visa Fees = $185†††
Personal expenses = $340††††
Total Costs = $4,048Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††For students who must change their student visa on site because of internship course or extend the duration to cover the whole semester, an additional $150 is required.
††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $13,456**
Housing = $5,000***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $18,950Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $1,713†
International Airfare = $1,300††
Local Transportation = $500
Books & Supplies = $10
Visa Fees = $185†††
Personal expenses = $340††††
Total Costs = $4,048Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††For students who must change their student visa on site because of internship course or extend the duration to cover the whole semester, an additional $150 is required.
††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Jia Ma
Center Director
With over a decade of service at CIEE Shanghai, Jia Ma oversees the operations of the Shanghai center, providing a strong foundation for your experiences.
Qianrong Tang
Student Life Director
Qianrong Tang is responsible for all aspects of student service & student activity administration, and health, safety & security.
Sonya Zhao
Academic Director
Sonya holds two Master of Arts degrees - one in Communication Management from Emerson College, Boston, and another in International Development Studies from George Washington University in D.C. Before joining...
Get Started
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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