GEO Ready Faculty-Led Programs in Shanghai, China

About the program

Shanghai is a global economic powerhouse and a key player in international trade, finance, and diplomacy, making it an ideal destination for studying business, economics, entrepreneurship, and international relations. As China’s financial capital, the city hosts the Shanghai Stock Exchange, multinational corporations, and a thriving startup ecosystem, offering direct insights into China’s economic policies, innovation strategies, and global business influence.

Beyond economics, Shanghai plays a crucial role in international relations, serving as a bridge between China and the world. As a host city for major diplomatic events and headquarters for international organizations, Shanghai provides a unique setting to examine China’s foreign policy, trade relations, and global governance strategies. Students can engage with business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, gaining a deep understanding of China’s evolving role in the global economy and its impact on international affairs.

In Shanghai, the city melds traditional with the future. Shanghai is old-school, with traditional cuisine, opera troupes, tea houses, folk crafts, art museums, and people practicing tai chi or ballroom dancing in the parks. Cosmopolitan Shanghai is a hip city favored among China's young professionals. Nightlife includes jazz, raves, and dance clubs. With some of the most creative, futuristic skyscrapers, the city remains an architectural mecca. Despite Shanghai's mega-city status (population nearly 25 million), it ranks among the world's safest cities; and it's easy to get around, either on the modern subway system or the ride share bicycles.

Program options and components

The following are logistics and services that can be incorporated into the GEO Ready Faculty-Led program. Please note: Availability of services and activities listed are not guaranteed until confirmed and are determined based on length of stay.

Academic and co-curricular opportunities

• Classroom space: Classroom space provided through USAC's host institution, Shanghai Normal University.
• Up to four guest lectures or presenters. Topics to select from include:
  • Chinese Business Issues and Practices
  • Managing in a Global Economy with Emphasis on China
  • Entrepreneurship in a Global Market
  • Transformation and Evolution in China's Trade and investment
  • Strategic Management in China
  • Chinese Fintech and Finlife
  • Venture Capital and Hedge Funds in China
  • Chinese E-Commerce and M-Commerce
  • Chinese Business Law: Opportunity, Risk and Compliance
  • Marketing in China
  • Government and Politics in China
  • Modern Chinese Culture and Society
  • Contemporary Chinese Foreign Relations
• Up to four co-curricular activities or visits related to academic area. Examples include:
  • Shanghai Hi-tech Park & Entrepreneurship Community
  • CIE (Entrepreneurship & Innovation center)
  • Local manufacturing factories
  • Chinese subsidiaries of multinational companies
  • Small local business
  • Family-owned business
  • Cooperatives
• Courses: Course identified and taught by Institution's faculty. Course, academic content, syllabus, and credit determined by Institution. No USAC credit is given, and cost of instruction is not included in the program.

Cultural immersion and site experiences

Local site activities

• City tour led by a professional guide or USAC staff.
• 1-3 local site activities. Examples include:
  
  • Tea Ceremony
  • Chinese Calligraphy Workshop
  • Chinese Cuisine Workshop
  • Chinese Martial Arts Workshop
  • Acrobatic Show/Local Theatre Performances
  • Museum Visit
  • Traditional Garden Visit

Day trip

One day trip to a surrounding area. Examples include:

• Xitang Water Village
• Suzhou City
• Chongming Island
• Wuxi City

Optional add-on

Crash course in the local language. 1-3 hours, non-credit.

What's included