Shanghai is a gorgeous metropolitan city and one of China’s major hubs for economic development, finance, culture and scientific research. Today we’re spotlighting our semester programs available in this amazing city – and talking about what steps you should take if you’re interested in studying abroad in China in 2020!
Study at one of China’s most prestigious universities
East China Normal University (ECNU) is a nationally renowned research university with an extensive range of disciplines. Students can choose coursework from a variety of topics, including education, social sciences, technology, natural sciences and more. Of its 30,000 students, more than 5,000 are international students, which means you’ll meet people from all over the world!
Chinese Language Semester Program
If you choose to enroll in API’s Chinese Language Semester Program, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from one of two academic language tracks. The Intensive track runs 18-20 weeks and consists of 29 contact hours per week over the course of the semester. The Standard track consists of 20 contact hours per week over the course of 18-20 weeks. API recommends that students expect to transfer 12-semester credits for the Standard Chinese Language Track to be verified with home university language departments.
If you’re not an expert Chinese speaker, don’t worry! These two tracks offer immersive and intensive Chinese language instruction for students at all levels, from complete beginners to more advanced language learners. The Intensive Chinese Language Track offers courses at a faster pace, intended for those who want to learn the most in the shortest period of time. Both tracks boast small class sizes (no more than 20 students) and implements listening, speaking, reading and writing Chinese.
Chinese Language & Culture Program
If you’d like to take some classes in English as well, the Chinese Language & Culture program is for you! Lots of options are available. Some students choose to take one Chinese language course and two courses taught in English (for a total of 12 credits), while others choose 3 English-speaking courses (for a total of 15 credits). There are also options for students who want to take classes only in English. Some course examples include China’s Macroeconomic Impact, International Marketing, History of Modern China and Chinese Philosophy.
As part of this program, ECNU also offers an internship course for either 4 or 6 credits. Students can choose from placements in the fields of business, NGO administration, social services and more.
See more of China with API
Our on-site staff in Shanghai will take students on excursions across China throughout the semester. Included in your program cost is a visit to Beijing, where students can check a lot of amazing places off of the bucket list: The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and more. Other amazing cities you’ll visit: Hangzhou (described by Marco Polo as the “finest and most splendid city in the world”), Suzhou, and Wuzhen (a 1300 year old water town!).
Cultural activities within Shanghai are also included in your program cost. Visit the Museum of Arts and Crafts, Shanghai’s History & Development Exhibition Hall & World Financial Center, and head out on a local food tour and acrobatics show.
Live on campus with other students
Our Shanghai programs house students in dormitories on campus. These apartments are furnished with two beds, two desks, a shared bathroom and free internet. You’ll also have access to a communal kitchen and laundry room. Just outside the dorms are a university dining hall, and outdoor basketball/volleyball/soccer courts.
