Chinese Language & Culture
Why Choose This Program?
Experience authentic immersion in the Chinese language and culture.
Meet new friends and gain a new family. Make lasting memories and connections.
Jump up a level in Mandarin Chinese. Shine on college applications.
The Destination
Welcome to Shanghai, known as the “Paris of the East.”
The dynamic and modern city of Shanghai is located in east-central China. The Huangpu River divides Shanghai into two distinctive areas, the Puxi (West bank), marked by its varied western architecture, and Pudong (East bank), with its towering, cutting-edge buildings. Cruising down the river, you can enjoy breathtaking scenery on both sides, such as the Yangpu Bridge, the Nanpu Bridge, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, gracing the sky. Shanghai’s mix of old architecture and gleaming skyscrapers is truly a sight to see. As the country’s largest and most populous city—boasting over 26 million residents—it stands as a bustling symbol of China’s modern transformation and variety.
Around town, visit famous sites, like the Yu Garden, the colonial buildings in The Bund, the City God Temple, the shopping district of Nanjing Road, and dozens of specialty museums. Don’t leave Shanghai without tasting delicious dumplings, like xiaolongbao and dim sum, and dan bing (egg pancakes)!
Cultural Awareness
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.
Sample Itinerary
Sample Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
Master new skills in martial arts, learn to play the erhu (a Chinese two-stringed fiddle), or try your hand at Chinese painting or calligraphy in classes with other Global Navigators.
Catch a glimpse of how the city of Shanghai was planned and developed at the Shanghai Urban Planning Museum.
Take a daytrip to the 1700-year-old town of Zhujiajiao, known as the “Venice of Shanghai.” Take a boat along its ancient bridges and streets, Ming-Qing dynasty architecture, old Buddhist and Taoist sites, and more.
Check out the intricate Buddha statues at the Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai’s most famous Buddhist Temple, located in the city’s downtown area.
Pack your bags for a trip to Hangzhou, the capital of the Zheijiang province, where green spaces, lakeside views, and mountain ranges meet. Marco Polo once called Hangzhou “the City of Heaven.”
Please note activities are based on past programs and 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.
Country Life in the City: Day Trip to Qingpu!
This past Saturday (July 13), HSSA Shanghai ventured out to Qingpu for a day-trip in the countryside! Upon stepping off the bus, students were greeted with mud and rain —... keep reading
How to Apply for Your First Passport
Prepare early for your study abroad adventure and apply for your first passport. Here’s how!
7 Things to Know About High School Summer Abroad Housing
High school summer abroad is not just about teens exploring a topic in an exciting location. It’s also about finding a temporary home away from home. Read the 7 things you should know about our housing options.
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- All proficiency levels
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Optional College Credit Fee
$150
Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $7,050 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $7,050 |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and 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.
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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