Our goal is to offer every course every term, but sometimes factors like faculty availability and program enrollment keep us from reaching that goal. If you’re concerned about needing to enroll in one particular course, please contact us!
CET Shanghai: Summer Study Abroad
CET Shanghai: Summer At-a-Glance
Summer
- Arrival: 06/11/2025
- Departure: 08/09/2025
- Recommended Credits: 7-9
- Fee: $8,790
- Application Deadline: March 1
A summer of study abroad in Shanghai offers both China novices and experts the perfect opportunity to develop a better understanding of how the country is shaping and shaped by global systems. With a highly customized curriculum, English-taught electives for diverse interests, and emphasis on learning beyond the classroom, you’ll leave with improved language skills, marketable international experience, and a nuanced understanding of Shanghai and China.
Academics in Shanghai
Summer
Snapshot
- Pre-requisites: None
- Diverse English-taught electives
- Chinese language courses for every level
- Internship elective option
- Out-of-class learning and assignments
- Host University: Donghua University
Curriculum & Syllabi
Choose between two different curriculum options to tailor your summer and meet a total 6 to 9 recommended credits.
Design Your Curriculum
6-credit curriculum:
Chinese language + one elective
In the 6-credit curriculum, students take Chinese language plus one 3-credit elective.
7-credit curriculum:
Chinese + one elective + internship
Students who wish to participate in an internship will take a 1-credit internship course in addition to their Chinese language plus one 3-credit elective, for a total of 7 credits.
9-credit curriculum:
Chinese + two electives
If students do not wish to participate in an internship, students may take Chinese language plus two 3-credit electives for a total of 9 credits.
Electives
Choose one or two of these 3-credit, English-taught elective courses, according to your curriculum choice.
economics
- SH/ECON 230 The Chinese Economy
- SH/ECON 310 International Economics
- SH/ECON 335 The Chinese Consumer: Remaking the World Economy
- SH/ECON 355 Comparative History of Economic Thought
business & marketing
area studies
- SH/EAST 245 Chinese Food, Culture, and Identity
- SH/EAST 252 The Making of Modern East Asia
- SH/FILM 370 Contemporary Chinese Cinema
- SH/LITR 380 Chinese Literature Today
- SH/URBN 353 Globalization and the Chinese City
history, political science, & international affairs
- SH/HIST 350 Shanghai: Key to Modern China
- SH/INTR 320 China’s Foreign Policy
- SH/INTR 333 Political Economy Of Development
- SH/POLI 340 Politics and Governance in China
internship
- SH/INTS 352 Professional Internship Seminar (75 hours, 1 credit)
Chinese Language
You are placed into one of these comprehensive language courses for 3 credits:
Choose your adventure in Shanghai
Advance your Chinese. Small class sizes, weekly one-on-ones, and passionate instructors help you establish or grow your Chinese language skills, while language practica get you using your Chinese beyond the classroom where it really counts.
Intern in Shanghai. If you elect to intern while in Shanghai, we take your interests and skills and match them to the needs of a host organization. And you’re never without support—we check in with you (and your host) continually throughout the summer to help you get the most out of your internship.
Learn more about
Housing and Meals
- Dormitory
- On-campus housing
- Live with a local roommate and/or CET peers
- 2 people/room
- En suite bathroom, communal kitchen, paid washer access
- Wired and wireless internet access, mini fridge, A/C, linens, basic furnishing, TV
Living Like a Local
Local Roommates. You have the option to live with a local roommate or simply live with other CET students. Sharing a dorm with a Chinese student can give you insider access to the campus community and an overall invaluable resource for life in China, while living with an American student partners you with someone who is also discovering Shanghai with fresh eyes. Both housing arrangements offer their own advantages and allow you to tailor your summer experience one step further. Learn more about living with a local roommate.
Eating in Shanghai. For meals, do as the local students do and eat at the budget-friendly campus cafeterias, try nearby food stalls, or find your favorite neighborhood restaurant. Feeling a home-cooked meal? Have a night in with your roommate and trade cooking tips as you prepare dinner together in the dorm’s shared kitchen. Learn more about accommodating your dietary needs in Shanghai.
Life in Shanghai
- Known locally as: 上海 Shànghăi
- Population: 26.32 million
- Local Currency: Chinese Yuan, aka renminbi
- Famous for: The Bund, a mix of Eastern and Western influence, major transport hub, plentiful job opportunities, economic and financial center of China, vibrant street culture
Enjoy the perks of cosmopolitan city life—plenty of modern amenities, great public transit systems, and diversity in the food scene, industries, and communities. Wake up before the sun to see older city residents practice taijiquan (Chinese martial art form) along the Bund. Explore a new-to-you neighborhood of the city. Try all the different styles of huoguo (hot pot) with friends and roommates. Enjoy the city’s busy calendar of summer events.
Experience Shanghai with CET
A Weekend Away. Take a breather from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai with a program-led weekend trip to Ninghai—a place known for its ancient villages and beautiful nature. Bike around Dongqian Lake. Take in the stunning mountain scenery during a group hike, then relax at the hot springs. And of course, enjoy local snacks and cuisine. Soak up the fresh air and hospitality of the Chinese countryside.
On-the-ground support
Navigating a new city, country, and culture is a big challenge worth taking—and we’re here to help you along on this adventure. Our on-site team is bilingual, provides round-the-clock support, and is passionate about sharing their love of Shanghai (and China!) with you.
Program Fees
Summer
$8,790
What's Included
Tuition
All of your classes and program-related learning are included with your tuition.
Housing
We arrange for you to live in a shared apartment with a local roommate. Your program fees go toward rent, furnishing, and other management costs.
Internship Placement & Support
If you choose to intern while in Shanghai, we help you land the internship and make sure you’re prepared. And after you get started, we stay in close touch with your host organization to provide support all semester long.
Staff Support
From pre-departure to orientation, from on site to re-entry, CET provides you with the support you need every step of the way.
Insurance
You’re provided with a comprehensive insurance plan through GeoBlue that even includes medical evacuation coverage.
Activities & Excursions
The activities and excursions that we arrange are included in your program fee. All you need to do is remember to bring your camera!
Visa Fees & Support
We guide you step-by-step through the visa process. You’ll need to do the legwork, but we pay the consular fees if you obtain your visa through the service we recommend.
Course Materials
Your textbooks and course supplies are covered and waiting for you on site.
Transcript
You’ll receive an official transcript jointly issued by CET and Donghua University. If your home institution requires a School of Record transcript, CET is able to provide one through the University of Minnesota.
More on finances
Program Fee Breakdown. Of the total program fee, $6,790 goes to tuition and fees, and $2,000 goes to housing and other student life fees.
Local Cost of Living. Day-to-day cost of living in Shanghai is generally cheaper than the United States. Meals and transit are cheaper, but western comforts (restaurants, coffee, etc.) cost about the same or more than they do in the US.
Estimated out-of-pocket expenses:
- Round-trip Airfare: $1,500 - $1,750
- Meals: $800
- Personal Expenses: $750
- Local Cell Phone Plan/SIM Card: $45
additional resources
How to Apply
Eligibility
• Pre-requisites: None. Open to students of any Chinese level, including absolute beginners
• Must be 18 or older at the time of program participation.
• Open to students from any US college or university
• GPA: 3.0 or higher is recommended, students with lower GPAs will be asked for a faculty recommendation to supplement their application
Online Application Form
This is a brief form that asks for basic information and has a few short answer questions about why you want to study abroad.
Passport Information
Upload a scan of your passport to your CET Compass account. This should be a single scan that includes the signed signature page and the photo/personal details page. Don’t have a passport yet? Let us know and we can help advise you.
Language Level Recommendation
This is an online form that your current or most recent language instructor completes to help us get an idea of your language level. Use the link in your CET Compass account to send the recommendation request.
Study Abroad Office Recommendation
This is an online form that your study abroad office completes to let us know you meet the requirements to study abroad. To send the electronic form request, simply enter the name and email address of your study abroad advisor in the designated fields of your CET Compass account.
Official Transcript
Your CET Compass account has specific instructions for submitting an official transcript.
Price Subject to Change:
CET reserves the right to increase quoted charges at any time without prior notification, based on increased instruction costs, exchange rate fluctuation or other cost increases beyond CET’s control.