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Overview

Advance your Chinese language skills on the CIEE China: Accelerated Chinese Language in Shanghai program in China's largest city by population. Known as China's global hub of culture, commerce, and finance, Shanghai is the perfect location to better understand traditional Chinese culture while exploring and connecting with the local community. Students combine two accelerated courses focused on rapid Chinese language acquisition with one additional elective course in English or Chinese.

Although it is helpful, you do not need to have prior experience with the Chinese language in order to apply.

Academics

The CIEE Shanghai is located on the East China Normal University (ECNU) downtown Putuo campus, which is known as the “Garden University” for its beautiful grounds by the Liwa River. Chinese language and elective courses are taught by professional faculty members, including the CIEE language instructors and adjunct faculty from ECNU or other prestigious institutions.

You will have the ability to choose elective / area studies courses from a wide variety of field studies, such as Economics, History, East Asian Studies, International Relations, and more.

Program Features

Students have the option of living in homestays or campus residence halls with a Chinese roommate. All housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to CIEE Shanghai.

Outside the classroom, all courses are complemented with co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE beyond the city to enhance your classroom learning and provide you with intercultural understanding.

Eligibility

Review eligibility to ensure that you meet all Columbia requirements to study abroad.

Review the external program webpage to understand any additional program prerequisites.
Note the program language requirements.

Application Instructions

To apply, you must complete the two steps below. Deadlines vary and some applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Therefore, you should complete the steps below simultaneously:

  • To apply for Columbia clearance (approval) to study abroad, click on "Start Your Application" on this webpage. Clearance applications are approved on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this webpage.
  • To apply for program admission, complete an external application directly on the program webpage. Note that this deadline may be in advance of the Columbia clearance deadline.