CET Shanghai: Academic Bridge Program
Leverage CET Shanghai resources to deliver an in-country, pre-term “Bridge” program to your incoming class of admitted international students in China. Better prepare your students to meet the academic demands of a US undergraduate education—in particular, reading comprehension, college-level writing, and critical thinking—and to develop the soft skills needed to integrate and communicate successfully on their US university campus.
Why a bridge program?
International students who participate in a bridge program are more likely to:
- Be attuned to your university brand and campus ethos
- Understand academic expectations and abide by university honor codes
- Become active participants within their campus communities
- Form strong relationships with their incoming class cohort
- Be more proactive and effective communicators with faculty
- Exercise greater degrees of academic success and retention
What if we already have a bridge program?
The CET Shanghai: Academic Bridge Program is suitable for institutions trying out a bridge program for the first time, or those who need additional support with an existing bridge program. Whether you are unable to operate your own bridge program this summer in China, or are looking for in-country alternatives to a US-based bridge program for international students, CET can customize program dates and inclusions to align with your vision for your program. We’re eager to talk to you about your institutional needs—please reach out with any questions.
Program Components
The CET Shanghai: Academic Bridge Program is customized to each university cohort and may include an in-person CET course, a remote US university course, on-campus housing, affinity-building activities, and staff support.
At a Glance
- Example start date: July 1, 2021*
- Example end date: July 31, 2021*
- Host University: Donghua University
- All-English, tailored program experience for incoming first-year students
- Customizable coursework for university groups
- Non-credit, experiential core course to introduce students to US classroom culture, social awareness and mental health, and understanding US campus resources
- On-campus dormitory housing to foster cohort-building
- Extra-curricular activities and excursions around Shanghai
*Program dates can be modified for specific university cohorts.
Coursework
The Bridge curriculum can be customized for each university group based on your on-site needs and program goals. CET can offer in-person coursework at the 100-level and may include university-specific coursework or a CET course (SH/ENGL 105 Writing and Rhetoric or similar first-year course options are available), you can deliver remote course instruction to your Shanghai-based cohort, or a combination thereof. All in-person courses are conducted in English using US-style teaching methods.
All Bridge partners are strongly encouraged to enroll their students in Strategies for Academic Success, an in-person, modular course.
SH/GNED 100 Strategies for Academic Success
This course introduces knowledge and enhances skillsets that give international students a head start in adapting to university life in the United States. Students who successfully complete this course in China will arrive on campus equipped with strategies for academic success, social engagement, and monitoring their mental health and physical well-being.
- Module 1: U.S. Classroom Culture & Academic Expectations
- Module 2: Social Awareness in the Campus Community Context
- Module 3: Seeking Support & Understanding Your Resources
Customized University Courses
We are eager to collaborate with you to develop in-person or remote coursework that aligns with your university’s goals and intended learning outcomes. Learn more about custom coursework.
On-Site Housing
Bridge students have the option of living in on-campus dormitories or opting out of program housing, depending on your preference. If you select a residential program, campus housing assignments are determined by CET, based on student responses to the Housing Preferences Form in their online materials. Optional on-campus housing at Donghua University
- International student dormitory
- 2 students/room or 3 students/suite
- En suite bathroom, communal kitchen, paid washer access
- Wired high-speed internet access, A/C, basic furnishing
- On-campus cafeteria and local eateries
Program-Led Activities
Orientation
CET offers an in-person orientation that covers the program calendar, coursework, policies/expectations, health and safety procedures, and program-led activities and excursions. Students can also expect excursions to help them familiarize with the campus and surrounding neighborhood, as well as affinity-building activities and university-specific information, delivered collaboratively by CET and their home institution.
Outside the Classroom
- Activities or guest speakers that highlight the school’s local alumni network
- Virtual information sessions or webinars with specific home institution offices, such as Library Services, Residential Life, Career Services, and International Student Services
- In-person affinity events for admitted student cohorts, such as school sports watch parties, activities and meals that highlight the home school locale
Staff Support
From pre-departure services to 24/7 on-site support from the program director and residential director, we provide you and your students support at every step of the way. CET also provides academic support for Bridge students, including academic oversight of all coursework, consistency in assessment and academic policies, and individualized student advising.
Jeremy Friedlein
Program Director
Allison Rottmann
Academic Director
Program Customization
Whether it’s additional courses, extra-curricular activities, or affinity-building events for your cohort, we work with you to fulfill the goals of your institution. Let us know your program vision, and we will tailor your program experience to best utilize our local resources to address the needs of your incoming students.
Custom Coursework
CET Shanghai offers a deep bench of experienced faculty from diverse academic disciplines, including writing, history, sociology, and economics, among others. We can work with you to develop coursework to meet your needs, as well as support and/or co-instruct remote coursework with partner university faculty—for those universities seeking to deliver a university-branded course to their students.
Cohort-Specific Activities
What's Included
All classes and program-related learning are included with the program fee.
Students can choose to live in on-campus housing at Donghua University. Program fees go toward rent, furnishing, and other management costs. A reduced rate is available for students opting out of program housing.
CET provides academic support to Bridge students, including academic oversight of all coursework, consistency in assessment and academic policies, and individualized student advising.
What's Not
Included
- Meals
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone/internet fees, etc.)
- Supplemental insurance
- Transport to the program site
- Medical expenses incurred
- Home university tuition or management fees
Interested in a bridge program for your international students? Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch to set up an initial call.