Sustainable Smart Cities
Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in Shanghai lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how China’s largest city is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Shanghai while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Shanghai!
Unique Experiences
EXPLORE SHANGHAI’S CUTTING-EDGE URBAN SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS
AND LEARN HOW AI-DRIVEN INFRASTRUCTURE, GREEN BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES, AND BIG DATA SOLUTIONS ARE ENHANCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
ENGAGE IN COMMUNITY-BASED SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS
SUCH AS LOCAL WASTE SORTING CAMPAIGNS OR URBAN GARDENING PROJECTS THAT PROMOTE BIODIVERSITY AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
EXPLORE SMART MOBILITY AND URBAN INNOVATION
TO GAIN FIRSTHAND INSIGHT INTO SHANGHAI’S ADVANCED SMART TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS, INCLUDING ITS EXTENSIVE METRO NETWORK AND AI-DRIVEN TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Your Destination
Shanghai is a sustainable smart city known for its innovative green initiatives, energy-efficient technology, and advanced public transport systems. The city integrates smart solutions, eco-friendly infrastructure, and renewable energy to enhance urban living. Students can explore iconic landmarks like The Bund and the Oriental Pearl Tower, vibrant neighborhoods, and a bustling tech and business scene. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Shanghai offers an exciting and forward-thinking study abroad experience.
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.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Shanghai will open doors for you to explore China’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Visit the Shanghai Zoo to learn about habitat preservation, biodiversity, the impact of human activities on wildlife, and how the zoo integrates green initiatives like organic farming
- Travel to Chongming Island to learn about cutting-edge research on wetland restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices
- Volunteer at a pioneering O2O (online-to-offline) charity store, where you will assist with sorting/organizing donated goods and managing the store's online platform
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Chinese New Year: The Ultimate Guide
Red envelopes, firecrackers, and a feast that puts your college meal plan to shame – Chinese New Year is the celebration of the year, and you don’t want to miss... keep reading
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
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Shanghai offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
Standard Housing: Includes a single room at a homestay or a double room at the residence hall on campus.
- Homestays: Homestays boast a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family.
- Residence Halls: Campus residence halls boast a shared kitchen, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Homestays: Students are invited to most meals but should budget for lunches and some weekend meals.
Residence Halls: Meals are not included in residence hall housing. The residence hall features a shared kitchen in the common area, equipped with multiple induction cooktops, microwaves, fridges, and other basic appliances. Students can prepare simple in-house meals with basic cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. There are also moderately priced cafeterias available on campus and various other options in the area surrounding the campus.
Academics
CIEE Shanghai: Study on the campus of East China Normal University (ECNU), CIEE's esteemed partner institution, CIEE Shanghai features a library, a student life office, and an academic advising office. Students are encouraged to use ECNU's library and outdoor facilities as needed.
East China Normal University (ECNU): East China Normal University (ECNU) is located in Shanghai – a renowned international metropolis with architectural landmarks that capture the eye with new aesthetic designs. Founded in October 1951, ECNU is renowned for its leadership in disciplines such as education, psychology, and Chinese language teaching, positioning itself as a prominent institution in these fields nationwide. ECNU also boasts three national "Double First-Class" disciplines in education, ecology, and statistics, as well as six Shanghai municipal peak disciplines, including education, world history, geography, statistics, island atmosphere and ecology, and intelligent education.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
CIEE Courses (in-person) | East China Normal University (ECNU) | ASU Courses (online) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism | Made in Shanghai: A City Exploration Tour Chinese Traditional Garden and Architecture Global Environment Change Modern City Management Urban Environment Processes | Introduction to Sustainability Sustainable World Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems Pathways to Sustainability |
Upon formal admission to the program, students will gain access to ECNU's comprehensive selection of courses through the online enrollment system. The course catalog spans across 85 undergraduate majors, encompassing fields such as literature, history, philosophy, education, economics, natural sciences, engineering, management, law, arts, and medicine.
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
- Building Sustainable Cities
- Sustainable Development in the 21st Century
- Business and Sustainability
- Engineering, Sustainability, and Society
- Sustainable Tourism
- Urban Ecology
- Culture and Cuisine in China
- Changing Nature of Business in China
- China's Economic Reforms
- China's International Relations
- China's Macroeconomic Impact
- Chinese Film and Society
- Global Issues in China
- Intercultural Communication and Leadership
- International Business Law: Policy, Decision Making and Law
- Issues in Chinese Society
- Marketing Management and Methods in East Asia and Emerging Markets
- Modern Chinese History
- Political Development in Modern China
- Social Psychology
- Chinese-Advanced High I
- Chinese-Advanced High II
- Chinese-Advanced I
- Chinese-Advanced II
- Chinese-Beginning for Heritage Learners
- Chinese-Beginning I
- Chinese-Beginning II
- Conversational Chinese-Beginning
- Chinese-Intermediate for Heritage Learners
- Chinese-Intermediate I
- Chinese-Intermediate II
- Chinese-Superior I
- Business Chinese
- Classical Chinese
- Organizational Internship
- Service-Learning Project
- Directed Independent Research (in Chinese)
- Directed Independent Research (in English)
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.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Architecture and Construction
Develop hands-on technical skills and responsible building planning while working for global architecture firms abroad.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Consumer Goods and Retail
Explore consumer behaviors, business strategies, international retail trends, and more in the global commerce marketplace.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Health Science
Immerse yourself in global healthcare systems to study cross-border medical practices and address public health challenges.
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.
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 Spring 2026 15 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*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.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
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...
Qianrong Tang
Student Life Director
Qianrong Tang is responsible for all aspects of student service & student activity administration, and health, safety & security.
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.
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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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