lantern red china abroad
Shanghai, China

Summer Global Internship

Study Program Full-Time Internship

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 semester hours

9 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 semester hours

9 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

With a significant influx of people from all over the world interested in Chinese culture and commerce, Shanghai has rapidly grown as one of the most culturally diverse cities in China. There's no better place to expand your business knowledge from a global perspective.

As a global intern, you will have the opportunity to engage in the Chinese working environment and learn about business ethics, corporate structure, fiscal policies, and the importance of skills. You will develop an understanding of integrity and collaboration while gaining real-world working experience and developing contacts that have the potential to help with future career opportunities.

In addition to gaining work experience, you can expand your knowledge about the world and develop intercultural communication skills. You will also learn about the local culture of Shanghai and how its traditional and modern elements make the city unique.  

Internships are capacity-limited and competitive. They are offered in English and Chinese. Students with higher levels of Chinese may have more internship opportunities available.

Unique Experiences

Improve your Chinese

language proficiency and business vocabulary

Expand your network

alongside professionals at Chinese companies, multinationals, or NGOs

Explore the arts scene

with trips to local galleries, museums, concerts, and theater performances

499

miles of tunnel and track in the metro system

170 K

Expatriates living in the city

2 K

foreign companies with operations located in Shanghai's Pudong District

Experience
  • students smiling together abroad shanghai
  • guilin river boat mountains china

The Destination

Shanghai is a model city and leading driver of China's trade and economic development. Today, with a population of 24 million, Shanghai is home to the world’s largest container port, some of the tallest skyscrapers on Earth, and the world’s first commercially operated magnetic levitation transport system - the high-speed Maglev train - along with one of the fastest-growing rapid transit systems in the world.

Learn more about Shanghai and see past internship examples »

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.

shanghai student food prep

Excursions & Activities

  • Step back in time with a visit to Suzhou, a city like a paradise, known for its beautiful traditional gardens and silk production, or Zhujiajiao, a traditional water town, known for its narrow, cobbled lanes, stone bridges, canals, and rich history.
  • Take trips to Sam’s Club Shanghai, IKEA Shanghai, or Shanghai 1933 
  • Explore tea houses, museums, and local community centers to practice speaking Chinese with local people 
  • Try Chinese cooking, calligraphy, or martial arts 
interns abroad shanghai desk

Professional Development

  • Refine your resume and interviewing skills for the local business culture
  • Explore the professional working world of Shanghai through organizational site visits, industry networking events, and guest lectures
  • Participate in workshops that will help you make the most of your internship and your time in China

Program Blogs

From CIEE

My Summer Story with CIEE Shanghai | Shanghai feels like a second home

By CIEE Shanghai at CIEE

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

From CIEE

Study Abroad with CIEE Shanghai - Open Campus Block

By CIEE Shanghai at CIEE

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

From CIEE

TRAVELING IN CHINA

By CIEE Shanghai at CIEE

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
Academics

Academics

As a global intern in Shanghai, you’ll work in a non-paying position within a wide range of opportunities across a diverse set of innovative industries. Extra-curricular cultural activities in and around Shanghai complement your coursework and immerse you in the history and culture of the city.

This eight-week program includes a full-time internship and an integrated online academic course.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

 

Additional Requirements

Rising sophomore standing and above required at time of participation. Additional visa restrictions may apply and CIEE will advise students as part of the early application process.

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

Students participate in an academic course taught in a hybrid learning environment alongside the eight-week, full-time internship. Participation in the integrated academic course and internship are mandatory for all participants.

Program Credit

Total credit: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits

Course Credit

Internship: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits; 15 integrated academic course hours, 225-300 internship placement hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Students are expected to dress and behave professionally throughout their internship project and are subject to the agreed-upon internship protocols arranged by CIEE and the host organizations. The academic course is designed to prepare students for leadership in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse workforce.

Class Format

Students participate in an eight-week CIEE full-time internship and academic course taught in an online learning environment. Class and/or work hours may be scheduled Monday-Friday, and attendance is strictly enforced for all. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel away from the city when classes are in session.

Grading

Students will be assessed via assignments and activities related to the academic course, including but not limited to: online discussion forums, reflective papers, individual or group presentations, analysis of readings, an internship work plan, and feedback from internship supervisor. Internship supervisors and students each provide written evaluations of progress towards goals.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Summer Session II 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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.

Internships

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 Internships

Business Management and Administration

Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

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

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
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • The Stephen M. Lew Lifetime Friendship Award
  • CIEE STEM Scholarship

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Summer 2025 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $7,950
Program Summer 2024 8 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $7,450

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 = $4,950*

Housing = $2,500**

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $7,950

Estimated 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 = $880

International Airfare = $1,300

Local Transportation = $100

Books & Supplies = $10

Visa Fees = $185

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $300

Personal expenses = $220††

Other = $15

Total Costs = $3,010

Financial 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.

See Scholarships

*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 students who have to change their student visa on site because of internship course or extend the duration to cover the whole semester, An additonal $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 = $4,453

Housing = $2,500

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $7,450

Estimated 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 = $880

International Airfare = $1,300

Local Transportation = $100

Books & Supplies = $10

Visa Fees = $185

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $300

Personal expenses = $200

Other = $15

Total Costs = $2,990

Financial 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.

See Scholarships

For students who have to change their student visa on site because of internship course or extend the duration to cover the whole semester, An additonal $150 is required.

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

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

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 Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Utilize the Internship Search Tool

Search our catalog of internship opportunities to view the placements that align best with your academic and professional goals.

2

Start a Program Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

3

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

4

Contact CIEE

We're here to help! Email us if you have questions or need help applying to this program. Upon your acceptance, you'll speak with on-site CIEE staff about your internship goals. CIEE will reach out to companies that align with your goals, interests, and qualifications.

Request Info