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Program highlights for Shanghai, 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:
Shanghai Normal University

Language of instruction:
English, Chinese

Terms offered:
Spring, Summer, Fall, 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

Spring 2027:
October 15

Eligibility:
Minimum GPA: 2.5

Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Deadlines vary

  • A traditional Chinese pagoda building in Shanghai, China.Learn Chinese inside and outside the classroom, a language which is becoming increasingly popular in today’s global society.
  • Explore the city’s sophistication, fine arts, spectacular museums, culinary fusion, and world-class entertainment.
  • Gain international business experience: 300 of the world’s Fortune 500 companies have a major presence in Shanghai.
  • Enjoy overnight trips to places like the Yangtze River Delta, the beautiful water village of Xitang, and more.
  • 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 Shanghai?

A student on a bamboo raft in Shanghai, China.

Students exploring downtown in Shanghai, China.If you are searching for interesting, rich history alongside the modern amenities of a sophisticated city, Shanghai is the place for you. Once a sleepy fishing town, Shanghai is now the hallmark of China’s booming economy, generating a stunning 3.63% of China's GDP. Despite its enormous size, it ranks among the world's safest cities and is easy to get around using the subway system or ride share bicycles.

This hip city is favored among China's young professionals as well as global Fortune 500 companies, and is legendary for its nightlife, including jazz, raves, and dance clubs. Yet the history and heritage of Shanghai are readily discovered, too: taste traditional cuisine, wander through art museums, learn folk crafts, visit a tea house, see an opera troupe, or watch people practicing tai chi or ballroom dancing in the parks.

The Shanghai program is ideal for students who are interested in learning the Chinese language while also studying the economic and business environment of China and East Asia. Choose from a variety of courses in Chinese Language, International Business, and Chinese studies. One language course is required for all students, but students are highly encouraged to complete the entire track. The languages courses use an intensive approach that allows you to complete up to one year of university foreign language coursework in only one semester. You may choose to study for one or two summer sessions, a spring or fall semester, or a full academic year.

Apply