Study Abroad in China: Chinese Studies & Internship in Shanghai – City & Daily Life

Shanghai, China

There is no place in the world like Shanghai.

The doors of this vital trade port opened to the world in 1842. By the end of the 1930s, Shanghai had become an international center of business and finance. The city was a must-see on the list of every world traveler: Herbert Hoover honeymooned in Shanghai; Will Rogers had Christmas in Shanghai; Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin visited, too.

When the Communist government came to power in 1949, things changed. Shanghai’s 70,000 foreigners moved their operations to Hong Kong, and the city was subdued for the next 40 years. The reforms of the 1980s reversed this course. And in a generation, Shanghai transformed itself from a city with a glorious past, to a city with a glorious future. Today, Shanghai closely rubs elbows with New York and London as a global financial center.

CET Shanghai students witness first hand the challenges, pinnacles and contradictions of this transformation. They uncover the city’s winding history, and soak in its shimmering present. As a symbol of everything that is remarkable about 21st century China, there is no place in the world like Shanghai.

Donghua University

CET Shanghai is based at Donghua University. Donghua is one of few large universities in Shanghai with an undergraduate campus downtown. The campus boasts student organizations, exhibitions, concerts, lectures and athletic facilities. Students are quickly charmed by the surrounding neighborhood: tree-lined streets, European architecture and Dingxi Road—one of Shanghai’s famous food streets!

CET Center in Shanghai

The CET center is housed in one of Donghua University’s most historic buildings. The center features the CET office, a study lounge and multimedia classrooms. Wi-fi is available throughout.

Shanghai Housing & Meals

Students share rooms with local roommates in Donghua University’s international student dormitory. Dorm rooms are basic, but have private bathrooms and internet access. Small laundry rooms are located on every floor, and private laundry services are available off campus. The dorm is immediately across from the CET center. A metro stop is a short walk away.

Meals are not included in the program fee. Donghua University has several inexpensive cafeterias. Many students frequent the nearby noodle shops, cafés and snack stands. Some choose to cook their own meals with their roommates in the dormitory kitchen.

Chinese Roommates

CET Shanghai students share rooms with local roommates. Roommates are Donghua University students. They are selected by CET for their enthusiasm for cultural exchange. All roommates have some English under their belts, but most roommate pairs communicate in Chinese….and some pantomime!

Sharing a room with a local roommate is frequently cited by CET students as “one of the best parts of the program.” Many students and roommates become fast friends. Roommates attend activities and help with Chinese homework. Many roommates invite students to their homes for a weekend or holiday. A home-cooked Chinese meal is an experience not to be missed.