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Program highlights for Chengdu, China

The city

Language spoken:
Chinese

Currency:
China Yuan Renminbi (RMB, ¥)

Climate:
Subtropical

City type:
Metropolis (Population >500,000)

Passport & Visa requirements

The program

Program type:
Specialty

Host university:
Sichuan Normal University

Language of instruction:
English, Chinese

Terms offered:
Spring, Summer, Fall, January, Yearlong

Program capacity:
50 students

Credit type:
U.S. semester credit

Deadline to apply

Summer 2026:
Session 1 or 1&2: March 15
Session 2: April 15

Fall/Yearlong 2026-27
May 15

January 2027
October 1

Spring 2027:
October 15

Eligibility:
Minimum GPA: 2.5

Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Deadlines vary

  • A student eating a Sichuan fried scorpion in Chengdu, China.Learn Mandarin Chinese, a language which is becoming increasingly popular in today’s global society, and practice it both inside and outside the classroom.
  • Live in a very friendly city known as “China’s China,” with a rich history and unique local culture.
  • Visit the home of the panda, the international symbol of Chinese friendship and goodwill.
  • Sample spicy Sichuan food, enjoy picturesque scenery, experience a traditional tea house, and visit the largest building in the world, the New Century Global Center.
  • Adjust to life abroad easily with the full-time on-site USAC Resident Director and staff, and participate in cultural immersion activities like field trips to have the best study abroad experience possible.

Why study in Chengdu?

A local man on a traditional boat on the river surrounded by water lily pads in Chengdu, China.Students sitting on a traditional mountain transportation bike in Chengdu, China.Experience life in one of the most ancient, culturally fascinating, and authentic places in all of China. Chengdu is one of the world’s fastest growing economies as well as a hub of transportation and communication, but alongside this modernity you’ll find beautiful culture, history, and heritage.

Chengdu is known for its ethnically diverse culture, incredible cuisine, and relaxing lifestyle. Learn about the history and many ethnic groups of China through exciting festivals, beautiful heritage sites, stunning temples, and interesting museums. Enjoy some of China's most beautiful scenery, including Juizhaigou National Park, or easily head out of the city to explore the surrounding areas using public transportation.

You may study for a summer, semester, or year in Chengdu. Choose the academic focus that suits your goals best: Chinese intensive language or Chinese Studies. If you choose the language focus, you may also take one or two elective courses such as Tai Chi, Chinese culture, Chinese history, or Chinese cuisine. The intensive approach allows you to complete up to one and a half years of Chinese language coursework in only one semester. If you choose the Chinese Studies focus, you will take a required Elementary Chinese Language I course and then choose from electives taught in English in topics like Chinese history, literature, government and politics, culture, and society.