Global China Semester Program

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What's Included

Students in this program will have three study options: they may take one Chinese language course and 2 courses taught in English for a total of 12-semester credits, or they make take 3 courses taught in English plus a Chinese language course for a total of 15-semester credits. they may take 4 courses taught in English for a total of 12-semester credits.

What's Included?

Highlights

Pre Departure Services

Advising

@api Online System

Orientation Materials and Resources

Access to International Phone Plans

API Alumni Network

Social Networking

Scholarships

On Site Services

Airport Reception

On-Site Orientation

Housing

Resident Coordinator

Tuition

Medical and Life Insurance

Excursions (overnight, day)

Social and Cultural Activities

Welcome and Farewell Group Meals

Volunteer Opportunities

Transit Pass

Re-Entry Services

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Post-Program Evaluation

Transcript

Alumni Network and Global Leadership Academy
View all opportunities and amenities

Application Requirements

  • 2.5 G.P.A.
  • Open to 2nd-semester freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
  • Open to all levels of Mandarin speakers
  • Completed API application
  • University Approval Form
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Official transcript
  • One passport photo
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Entry requirements: valid passport and student visa
Excursions

During the program, students have the opportunity to broaden their classroom education through several organized excursions, which are included in the price of the program. Overnight lodging, breakfast, entrance fees and transportation to and from the excursion locations are included. Although excursions are subject to change depending on availability, weather and other factors, students are provided with an itinerary for their program excursions prior to departure.

  • Beijing

    API students will tour the capital of China, where they will be visiting such treasures as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Olympic Center, and the Silk Market.

  • Shanghai Landmark Tour

    Located in the center of Shanghai south of middle Huaihai road, Xin-Tian- Di has become an urban attraction which illustrates the historical and cultural legacy of the city. It is a fashionable pedestrian street composed of both Shikumen (Shanghai’s traditional residential buildings) and modern architecture. Nearby is the historical meeting site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, considered to be the birthplace of Communist China.

    The Huangpu River is the mother river of Shanghai. The Bund, the famous and attractive waterfront along the west bank of the Huangpu River, has been regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years. There are twenty-six diverse buildings of different architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classical and Renaissance. The Bund is a must-see landmark site in Shanghai. The night scene is beautiful beyond description when lights are focused on the World Architecture Exhibition on the Bund which spreads along the 1000-meter-long embankment of the Huangpu River. The most bustling section includes the well-known urban landscape of Shanghai. Taking a boat cruise on the Huangpu River is also a traditional tourist attraction in Shanghai. Cruising the river allows a panoramic view of the urban landscape on both banks. The east bank of the river is the newer district of Shanghai, its financial and commercial hub, named Lujiazui. It is now one of Shanghai’s most charming places. It provides the most substantial cross-section of cosmopolitan Shanghai. Lujiazui boasts not only an “outdoor museum of global architecture,” but also frames the skyline of modern Shanghai with its modern skyscrapers.

  • Shanghai Local Food Tour and Acrobatics Show

    Students will be able to satisfy their taste for traditional Chinese food while on this culinary tour in Shanghai City Center. After sampling some typical Shanghai-ness dishes, the group will then attend an acrobatics show! The ERA is a multimedia odyssey whose inspiration is a direct result of the combination of traditional Chinese acrobatic arts and modern technology. Just like Shanghai, ERA evolves through a constant collision between the past and the future. Not only will the audience be amazed by the acrobats’ control and precision, they will be enchanted by the world that is created by using multimedia technology, lighting and sound effects, elaborate costumes, original live music and much more!

  • Shanghai's History and Development Exhibition Hall & World Financial Center

    Located at the base of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Lujiazui of Pudong New District, the Shanghai History and Development Exhibition Hall is an exhibit of the Shanghai History Museum.The museum is dedicated to the century-long history of the city of Shanghai. Visitors can enjoy a tour of Shanghai’s past via a collection of waxwork figures and historic relics. Equipped with modern technology such as video and simulation, the museum also presents a vivid picture of old Shanghai city, covering six sections including the former concessions and old footsteps in Shanghai.

    The Shanghai World Financial Center is a symbol of commerce and culture that speaks to the city’s emergence as a global capital. Located in Shanghai’s Lujiazui of Pudong District, the multi-use Shanghai World Financial Center is a vertical city, containing offices, conference facilities, urban retail and dining spaces, and a hotel. Above the hotel, on the 94th to 100th floors, is a visitor’s center and observatory.

  • Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts

    The regal white building that houses the Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts dates back to the early 1900s. Visitors will find a vast collection of local artwork and artifacts that highlight the city’s history, development, and design. Though the museum is relatively small compared to others in the city, travelers say the coin and bill collection and jade and bamboo carvings are some of the best around. What makes this museum different from other museums is that visitors can see the artists at work, while they are seated in different rooms according to their craft. The first floor of the museum showcases paper-cutting, painted lanterns, paintings, and antiques. The second floor showcases various carvings of jade, ivory, wood, ink-stone, bamboo, porcelain, and lacquerware. The third and final floor of the museum showcases Gu embroidery, woolen

    needlepoint embroidery, theatrical costumes, woolen knitting, and dough modeling. The Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts is a melting pot of two cultures. It showcases the various crafts of Shanghai within the French interior design of carved ceiling swirls, fresh flowers above the fireplace, and red carpet on the spiral staircase. The three exhibition halls of national arts and crafts, sculpture, and brocades respectively and about ten specialized workrooms in the main building bring together about 50 industrious, artistic professionals.

  • Suzhou

    Today, Suzhou is considered a core city of China’s Yangtze River Delta economic zone, due to its high GDP contribution. In recent history, it has been a center of the silk trade and known for its gardens and canals. Suzhou has long been a haven for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen, which holds true even today.

    Suzhou was the capital of the Wu kingdom from the 12th to 4th century BC. Historically, it was the center of Wu culture, and its dialect (Wu language) is still considered the standard dialect, even though the language is now often called “Shanghainese.” Suzhou is a modern bustling city, although you can still see traces of a very old lifestyle centered around its canals.

    Jinji Lake, the largest inland city lake in China, is located in the central part of the Suzhou Industrial Park, just east of Suzhou’s old city. Deriving its name from the legendary golden rooster (Jinji) that once fell into a boat on the lake, Jinji Lake occupies an area of 10 square kilometers. The landmark buildings of Jinji Lake currently include the SSCAC Culture and Arts Centre, the Suzhou Expo Centre, and the Ferris Wheel Park. The Suzhou International Expo Centre intends to become a major venue and host for conferences and exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region. The shape of the Expo Centre is unique, resembling a huge open fan.The architectural structure of the SSCAC, located on the eastern side of Jinji Lake, bears a resemblance to Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest”, thus sometimes referred to as the Suzhou bird’s nest. There is even a massive LED Sky Screen that is said to be the largest in the world. As Suzhou’s ‘New Heaven on Earth’, Jinji Lake is definitely a must-visit place of interest!

  • Wuzhen - Water Town

    Wuzhen, a 1300-year- old water town on the lower reaches of the Yangze River, is a national 5A scenic area and one of China’s top ten historical & cultural towns. It is located on the Hangzhou-Jiaxing- Huzhou plain in northern Zhejiang Province, at the center of the golden triangle consisting of Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. The small town, whose roofs of black bricks and gray tiles contrast sharply with their white walls, appears like a Chinese ink wash drawing. March to May is the best time to visit Wuzhen for the comfortable temperatures and spring scenery. The mist and drizzle make the ancient town even more beautiful.

  • Chinese Palatial Architecture & Chinese Martial Arts (WUSHU) Museum

    Shanghai’s many historic buildings have a variety of characteristics, charting the changing fortune of the city over the past century, and university campuses are a prime example of this. Chinese palatial architecture is a common sight in the older, large cities of northernChina, such as Beijing and Xian, but is rarely seen in the south. The former Shanghai Special Government Headquarters (now a Shanghai Sports University office building) is a contemporary version of the Forbidden City’s Taihe Temple .

    The Chinese Martial Arts Museum (Wushu Museum) in Shanghai was established to present genuine Chinese Kung Fu to all visitors. Located in the gymnasium of Shanghai University of Sports, the Chinese Martial Arts Museum provides a good platform to help people better understand Chinese martial arts which are beneficial for both self-protection and fitness. This is the first multifunctional museum in the world to display all aspects of the history and culture of Kung Fu.

  • Hangzhou

    Hangzhou is known as “Heaven on Earth” due to its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage with a history of over 2,500 years. It was described by Marco Polo as “the finest and most splendid city in the world”, and listed in the “Top 52 places to go in 2016” by The New York Times. West Lake, the legend of Hangzhou, is a symbol of the city, and is famous for its stunning scenery and various historical sites. It was selected as one of the “ 12 superb sunset spots around the world” by CNN.

  • Beijing

    API students will tour the capital of China, where they will be visiting such treasures as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Olympic Center, and the Silk Market.

  • Suzhou

    Today, Suzhou is considered a core city of China’s Yangtze River Delta economic zone, due to its high GDP contribution. In recent history, it has been a center of the silk trade and known for its gardens and canals. Suzhou has long been a haven for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen, which holds true even today.

    Suzhou was the capital of the Wu kingdom from the 12th to 4th century BC. Historically, it was the center of Wu culture, and its dialect (Wu language) is still considered the standard dialect, even though the language is now often called “Shanghainese.” Suzhou is a modern bustling city, although you can still see traces of a very old lifestyle centered around its canals.

    Jinji Lake, the largest inland city lake in China, is located in the central part of the Suzhou Industrial Park, just east of Suzhou’s old city. Deriving its name from the legendary golden rooster (Jinji) that once fell into a boat on the lake, Jinji Lake occupies an area of 10 square kilometers. The landmark buildings of Jinji Lake currently include the SSCAC Culture and Arts Centre, the Suzhou Expo Centre, and the Ferris Wheel Park. The Suzhou International Expo Centre intends to become a major venue and host for conferences and exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region. The shape of the Expo Centre is unique, resembling a huge open fan.The architectural structure of the SSCAC, located on the eastern side of Jinji Lake, bears a resemblance to Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest”, thus sometimes referred to as the Suzhou bird’s nest. There is even a massive LED Sky Screen that is said to be the largest in the world. As Suzhou’s ‘New Heaven on Earth’, Jinji Lake is definitely a must-visit place of interest!

  • Wuzhen - Water Town

    Wuzhen, a 1300-year- old water town on the lower reaches of the Yangze River, is a national 5A scenic area and one of China’s top ten historical & cultural towns. It is located on the Hangzhou-Jiaxing- Huzhou plain in northern Zhejiang Province, at the center of the golden triangle consisting of Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. The small town, whose roofs of black bricks and gray tiles contrast sharply with their white walls, appears like a Chinese ink wash drawing. March to May is the best time to visit Wuzhen for the comfortable temperatures and spring scenery. The mist and drizzle make the ancient town even more beautiful.

  • Chinese Palatial Architecture & Chinese Martial Arts (WUSHU) Museum

    Shanghai’s many historic buildings have a variety of characteristics, charting the changing fortune of the city over the past century, and university campuses are a prime example of this. Chinese palatial architecture is a common sight in the older, large cities of northernChina, such as Beijing and Xian, but is rarely seen in the south. The former Shanghai Special Government Headquarters (now a Shanghai Sports University office building) is a contemporary version of the Forbidden City’s Taihe Temple .

    The Chinese Martial Arts Museum (Wushu Museum) in Shanghai was established to present genuine Chinese Kung Fu to all visitors. Located in the gymnasium of Shanghai University of Sports, the Chinese Martial Arts Museum provides a good platform to help people better understand Chinese martial arts which are beneficial for both self-protection and fitness. This is the first multifunctional museum in the world to display all aspects of the history and culture of Kung Fu.

  • Shanghai Landmark Tour

    Located in the center of Shanghai south of middle Huaihai road, Xin-Tian- Di has become an urban attraction which illustrates the historical and cultural legacy of the city. It is a fashionable pedestrian street composed of both Shikumen (Shanghai’s traditional residential buildings) and modern architecture. Nearby is the historical meeting site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, considered to be the birthplace of Communist China.

    The Huangpu River is the mother river of Shanghai. The Bund, the famous and attractive waterfront along the west bank of the Huangpu River, has been regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years. There are twenty-six diverse buildings of different architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classical and Renaissance. The Bund is a must-see landmark site in Shanghai. The night scene is beautiful beyond description when lights are focused on the World Architecture Exhibition on the Bund which spreads along the 1000-meter-long embankment of the Huangpu River. The most bustling section includes the well-known urban landscape of Shanghai. Taking a boat cruise on the Huangpu River is also a traditional tourist attraction in Shanghai. Cruising the river allows a panoramic view of the urban landscape on both banks. The east bank of the river is the newer district of Shanghai, its financial and commercial hub, named Lujiazui. It is now one of Shanghai’s most charming places. It provides the most substantial cross-section of cosmopolitan Shanghai. Lujiazui boasts not only an “outdoor museum of global architecture,” but also frames the skyline of modern Shanghai with its modern skyscrapers.

  • Shanghai Local Food Tour and Acrobatics Show

    Students will be able to satisfy their taste for traditional Chinese food while on this culinary tour in Shanghai City Center. After sampling some typical Shanghai-ness dishes, the group will then attend an acrobatics show! The ERA is a multimedia odyssey whose inspiration is a direct result of the combination of traditional Chinese acrobatic arts and modern technology. Just like Shanghai, ERA evolves through a constant collision between the past and the future. Not only will the audience be amazed by the acrobats’ control and precision, they will be enchanted by the world that is created by using multimedia technology, lighting and sound effects, elaborate costumes, original live music and much more!

  • Shanghai's History and Development Exhibition Hall & World Financial Center

    Located at the base of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Lujiazui of Pudong New District, the Shanghai History and Development Exhibition Hall is an exhibit of the Shanghai History Museum.The museum is dedicated to the century-long history of the city of Shanghai. Visitors can enjoy a tour of Shanghai’s past via a collection of waxwork figures and historic relics. Equipped with modern technology such as video and simulation, the museum also presents a vivid picture of old Shanghai city, covering six sections including the former concessions and old footsteps in Shanghai.

    The Shanghai World Financial Center is a symbol of commerce and culture that speaks to the city’s emergence as a global capital. Located in Shanghai’s Lujiazui of Pudong District, the multi-use Shanghai World Financial Center is a vertical city, containing offices, conference facilities, urban retail and dining spaces, and a hotel. Above the hotel, on the 94th to 100th floors, is a visitor’s center and observatory.

  • Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts

    The regal white building that houses the Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts dates back to the early 1900s. Visitors will find a vast collection of local artwork and artifacts that highlight the city’s history, development, and design. Though the museum is relatively small compared to others in the city, travelers say the coin and bill collection and jade and bamboo carvings are some of the best around. What makes this museum different from other museums is that visitors can see the artists at work, while they are seated in different rooms according to their craft. The first floor of the museum showcases paper-cutting, painted lanterns, paintings, and antiques. The second floor showcases various carvings of jade, ivory, wood, ink-stone, bamboo, porcelain, and lacquerware. The third and final floor of the museum showcases Gu embroidery, woolen

    needlepoint embroidery, theatrical costumes, woolen knitting, and dough modeling. The Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts is a melting pot of two cultures. It showcases the various crafts of Shanghai within the French interior design of carved ceiling swirls, fresh flowers above the fireplace, and red carpet on the spiral staircase. The three exhibition halls of national arts and crafts, sculpture, and brocades respectively and about ten specialized workrooms in the main building bring together about 50 industrious, artistic professionals.

  • Hangzhou

    Hangzhou is known as “Heaven on Earth” due to its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage with a history of over 2,500 years. It was described by Marco Polo as “the finest and most splendid city in the world”, and listed in the “Top 52 places to go in 2016” by The New York Times. West Lake, the legend of Hangzhou, is a symbol of the city, and is famous for its stunning scenery and various historical sites. It was selected as one of the “ 12 superb sunset spots around the world” by CNN.

  • Great World (Da Shi Jie)

    Many of China’s Intangible cultural heritage is scattered around the venue at this event, showcasing historical objectives from not only just Shanghai but around China. The event features a big stage, events such as traditional opera, amusing instrument performances, tea ceremonies, and magic shows are happening here. Da Shi Jie added in digital technology and contemporary art as well, like a VR room where the audience can see the view of old Shanghai. An artificial cave set up with trippy-looking Dunhuang painting projections.

  • Beijing

    API students will tour the capital of China, where they will be visiting such treasures as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Olympic Center, and the Silk Market.

  • Suzhou

    Today, Suzhou is considered a core city of China’s Yangtze River Delta economic zone, due to its high GDP contribution. In recent history, it has been a center of the silk trade and known for its gardens and canals. Suzhou has long been a haven for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen, which holds true even today.

    Suzhou was the capital of the Wu kingdom from the 12th to 4th century BC. Historically, it was the center of Wu culture, and its dialect (Wu language) is still considered the standard dialect, even though the language is now often called “Shanghainese.” Suzhou is a modern bustling city, although you can still see traces of a very old lifestyle centered around its canals.

    Jinji Lake, the largest inland city lake in China, is located in the central part of the Suzhou Industrial Park, just east of Suzhou’s old city. Deriving its name from the legendary golden rooster (Jinji) that once fell into a boat on the lake, Jinji Lake occupies an area of 10 square kilometers. The landmark buildings of Jinji Lake currently include the SSCAC Culture and Arts Centre, the Suzhou Expo Centre, and the Ferris Wheel Park. The Suzhou International Expo Centre intends to become a major venue and host for conferences and exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region. The shape of the Expo Centre is unique, resembling a huge open fan.The architectural structure of the SSCAC, located on the eastern side of Jinji Lake, bears a resemblance to Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest”, thus sometimes referred to as the Suzhou bird’s nest. There is even a massive LED Sky Screen that is said to be the largest in the world. As Suzhou’s ‘New Heaven on Earth’, Jinji Lake is definitely a must-visit place of interest!

  • Wuzhen - Water Town

    Wuzhen, a 1300-year- old water town on the lower reaches of the Yangze River, is a national 5A scenic area and one of China’s top ten historical & cultural towns. It is located on the Hangzhou-Jiaxing- Huzhou plain in northern Zhejiang Province, at the center of the golden triangle consisting of Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. The small town, whose roofs of black bricks and gray tiles contrast sharply with their white walls, appears like a Chinese ink wash drawing. March to May is the best time to visit Wuzhen for the comfortable temperatures and spring scenery. The mist and drizzle make the ancient town even more beautiful.

  • Shanghai Landmark Tour

    Located in the center of Shanghai south of middle Huaihai road, Xin-Tian- Di has become an urban attraction which illustrates the historical and cultural legacy of the city. It is a fashionable pedestrian street composed of both Shikumen (Shanghai’s traditional residential buildings) and modern architecture. Nearby is the historical meeting site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, considered to be the birthplace of Communist China.

    The Huangpu River is the mother river of Shanghai. The Bund, the famous and attractive waterfront along the west bank of the Huangpu River, has been regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years. There are twenty-six diverse buildings of different architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classical and Renaissance. The Bund is a must-see landmark site in Shanghai. The night scene is beautiful beyond description when lights are focused on the World Architecture Exhibition on the Bund which spreads along the 1000-meter-long embankment of the Huangpu River. The most bustling section includes the well-known urban landscape of Shanghai. Taking a boat cruise on the Huangpu River is also a traditional tourist attraction in Shanghai. Cruising the river allows a panoramic view of the urban landscape on both banks. The east bank of the river is the newer district of Shanghai, its financial and commercial hub, named Lujiazui. It is now one of Shanghai’s most charming places. It provides the most substantial cross-section of cosmopolitan Shanghai. Lujiazui boasts not only an “outdoor museum of global architecture,” but also frames the skyline of modern Shanghai with its modern skyscrapers.

  • Shanghai Local Food Tour and Acrobatics Show

    Students will be able to satisfy their taste for traditional Chinese food while on this culinary tour in Shanghai City Center. After sampling some typical Shanghai-ness dishes, the group will then attend an acrobatics show! The ERA is a multimedia odyssey whose inspiration is a direct result of the combination of traditional Chinese acrobatic arts and modern technology. Just like Shanghai, ERA evolves through a constant collision between the past and the future. Not only will the audience be amazed by the acrobats’ control and precision, they will be enchanted by the world that is created by using multimedia technology, lighting and sound effects, elaborate costumes, original live music and much more!

  • Shanghai's History and Development Exhibition Hall & World Financial Center

    Located at the base of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Lujiazui of Pudong New District, the Shanghai History and Development Exhibition Hall is an exhibit of the Shanghai History Museum.The museum is dedicated to the century-long history of the city of Shanghai. Visitors can enjoy a tour of Shanghai’s past via a collection of waxwork figures and historic relics. Equipped with modern technology such as video and simulation, the museum also presents a vivid picture of old Shanghai city, covering six sections including the former concessions and old footsteps in Shanghai.

    The Shanghai World Financial Center is a symbol of commerce and culture that speaks to the city’s emergence as a global capital. Located in Shanghai’s Lujiazui of Pudong District, the multi-use Shanghai World Financial Center is a vertical city, containing offices, conference facilities, urban retail and dining spaces, and a hotel. Above the hotel, on the 94th to 100th floors, is a visitor’s center and observatory.

  • Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts

    The regal white building that houses the Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts dates back to the early 1900s. Visitors will find a vast collection of local artwork and artifacts that highlight the city’s history, development, and design. Though the museum is relatively small compared to others in the city, travelers say the coin and bill collection and jade and bamboo carvings are some of the best around. What makes this museum different from other museums is that visitors can see the artists at work, while they are seated in different rooms according to their craft. The first floor of the museum showcases paper-cutting, painted lanterns, paintings, and antiques. The second floor showcases various carvings of jade, ivory, wood, ink-stone, bamboo, porcelain, and lacquerware. The third and final floor of the museum showcases Gu embroidery, woolen

    needlepoint embroidery, theatrical costumes, woolen knitting, and dough modeling. The Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts is a melting pot of two cultures. It showcases the various crafts of Shanghai within the French interior design of carved ceiling swirls, fresh flowers above the fireplace, and red carpet on the spiral staircase. The three exhibition halls of national arts and crafts, sculpture, and brocades respectively and about ten specialized workrooms in the main building bring together about 50 industrious, artistic professionals.

  • Chinese Palatial Architecture & Chinese Martial Arts (WUSHU) Museum

    Shanghai’s many historic buildings have a variety of characteristics, charting the changing fortune of the city over the past century, and university campuses are a prime example of this. Chinese palatial architecture is a common sight in the older, large cities of northernChina, such as Beijing and Xian, but is rarely seen in the south. The former Shanghai Special Government Headquarters (now a Shanghai Sports University office building) is a contemporary version of the Forbidden City’s Taihe Temple .

    The Chinese Martial Arts Museum (Wushu Museum) in Shanghai was established to present genuine Chinese Kung Fu to all visitors. Located in the gymnasium of Shanghai University of Sports, the Chinese Martial Arts Museum provides a good platform to help people better understand Chinese martial arts which are beneficial for both self-protection and fitness. This is the first multifunctional museum in the world to display all aspects of the history and culture of Kung Fu.

  • Hangzhou

    Hangzhou is known as “Heaven on Earth” due to its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage with a history of over 2,500 years. It was described by Marco Polo as “the finest and most splendid city in the world”, and listed in the “Top 52 places to go in 2016” by The New York Times. West Lake, the legend of Hangzhou, is a symbol of the city, and is famous for its stunning scenery and various historical sites. It was selected as one of the “ 12 superb sunset spots around the world” by CNN.

  • Great World (Da Shi Jie)

    Many of China’s Intangible cultural heritage is scattered around the venue at this event, showcasing historical objectives from not only just Shanghai but around China. The event features a big stage, events such as traditional opera, amusing instrument performances, tea ceremonies, and magic shows are happening here. Da Shi Jie added in digital technology and contemporary art as well, like a VR room where the audience can see the view of old Shanghai. An artificial cave set up with trippy-looking Dunhuang painting projections.
Program Details

What You’ll Study

TOTAL CREDITS - 12-16 per semester

Students who choose to study abroad in Shanghai with API will take courses at East China Normal University (ECNU). ECNU a nationally renowned university under the direct auspices of the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China is one of the most prestigious universities in the country. Founded in 1951, it is nationally accredited by the Ministry of Education of the PRC and a member of the prestigious 211 and 985 projects. Boasting one of the most beautiful university campuses in China, the university is reputed as the “garden university.”

ECNU is a research university with an extensive range of disciplines including education, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences & technologies, and administrative sciences. ECNU currently enrolls more than 30,000 students from all parts of China and abroad, of which more than 5,000 are international students. The Global China Program will be hosted in ECNU North Zhongshan Road Campus (Downtown Campus).

Students in this program will have several study options:

  • Select one Chinese language course for 6 credits and 2 courses taught in English for a total of 12 semester credits; or
  • Select 3 courses taught in English plus a Chinese language course for 6 credits for a total of 15 semester credits; or
  • Select 4 courses taught in English for a total of 12 semester credits; or
  • Select the Internship course (4 credits) plus one 6 credit language course and 2 English courses for a total of 16 credits
  • Select the internship course (4 credits) plus three English courses for a total of 13 credits
  • Select the internship course (6 credits) plus three English courses for a total of 15 credits

INTERNSHIP

ECNU offers an Internship course for either 4 or 6 credits. Placements are available in business, NGO administration, social services and other areas. Here is a sampling of Spring 2018 placements (subject to availability). The four-credit option includes 224 workplace contact hours and 26 seminar hours. The six-credit option includes 340 work placement hours and 26 seminar hours. There is a supplemental $700 internship placement fee for enrollment in the Internship course.In addition to the API application materials, students selecting the Internship course option must submit:

  • Provide three placements in order of preference (refer to placement listings)
  • A one-page Resume
  • A 200-400 word Cover Letter

TRANSCRIPTS

API students receive their transcript from East China Normal University upon completion of their program.

Staff & Coordinators

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    Corrine Zhou

    Corrine Zhou will be your Resident Coordinator and a resource for you on-site.

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    Manuel Ramirez

    Manuel Ramirez will be your Program Coordinator and prepare you to go abroad!

    Email - manuel.ramirez@apiabroad.com

Courses

The Global China Program provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn about China through academic and cultural immersion during one semester. This program is open to current college students who wish to study in China for one semester (15 weeks). The program consists of two parts—Chinese Language course and Content courses on China Studies which will be conducted in English

The Global China Program offers a credit structure which is identical to the majority of North American universities and colleges. Course contents are carefully designed to meet the requirements of North American universities and colleges.

CREDIT INFORMATION

The Global China Program at East China Normal University (ECNU) offers a credit structure which is identical to the majority of North American universities and colleges. Course contents are carefully designed to meet the requirements of North American universities and colleges, and courses are generally 3 U.S. semester credits each.

Beginning Chinese (Mandarin)

Chinese language is regarded as one of the most difficult languages to learn due to its distinct pronunciation and pictographic characters. However, learning Chinese is never a mission impossible. Students at this level are expected to acquire the elementary vocabulary and patterns, which may seem to be hard at the outset. It is the indispensable step for the Chinese language learning though. This entry-level Chinese language course will offer students a genuine vision of what and how the Chinese people are thinking and talking, thus helping them to pave the way for a more real and pleasant experience of the Chinese culture.

Language of Instruction: Chinese    Language Level Required: Beginning  

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

Intermediate Chinese (Mandarin)

This course is designed to improve students’ overall ability to understand and use Chinese language. The course consists of pronunciation practice, explanations and practice of new linguistic items, and practice of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The course aims at improving students’ overall language proficiency through a variety of learning activities and tasks.

Language of Instruction: Chinese    Language Level Required: Intermediate  

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

Advanced Chinese (Mandarin)

This advanced Chinese class focuses more on analyzing the reading material or social phenomenon then presenting one’s opinions on it as well as writing reports. Students are expected to be familiar with the new words and new text before they come to the lessons thus in the class, the main focus will be discussions, reports, and presentations.

Language of Instruction: Chinese    Language Level Required: Advanced  

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

China's Macroeconomic Impact

Since 1978 when China initiated economic reforms and opening up policies, the Chinese economy has been one of the fastest growing economies. China is now the world’s second-biggest economy and second biggest exporter. What are the impacts of China’s rise on the global economy? What will other countries react to China’s economic emerge? This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge of what has happened to China and its impact on global economy in the last three decades. The course will offer an in-depth discussion of Chinese macroeconomic development, industrial structure, trade pattern, economic imbalance, and its impact on the rest of the world economy, particularly on Asia, the US, and Africa.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

International Marketing (China Focus)

This course assesses the parameters of marketing strategy and success in the context of prevailing Chinese cultural norms and expectations in a rapidly developing consumer culture wherein social mobility, rapid change, technological sophistication and the growing incursion of foreign mass media and popular culture are the conditions of the day. The course lays out the underlying cultural logic that informs management and considers how these matters impact product development strategies, market research, and approaches to customer and public relations. Likewise, the course examines marketing questions with reference to a common product, price, place, and promotion strategies in China. This course will include case studies from successful Western firms in China such as Apple and KFC and Asian firms like Toyota, Haier and Alibaba.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

History of Modern China

This course serves as a survey of modern Chinese history. It will guide the students to explore the drastic social, cultural and political transitions occurred in China in the past one and half centuries, which have led to the country’s current condition. Lectures and discussions will center on the introduction of the general social context of different historical periods, significant incidents and events, key historical figures, as well as landmark literary texts and cultural artifacts. While generally following a chronological order, the course content will also be arranged in such a way as to address the various themes of social changes that have significant implications in the contemporary era – the reconstruction of national and ethnic identities of modern time, China’s international relationships, religions and secret societies, the transformation of gender role and family relationship, changes in economic policies, as well as trends in literatures and popular cultures. Through the study of an array of texts that include historical documents, literary works, documentary and feature films, the course will provide the opportunities for the students to acquire and exercise analytical skills to critically examine materials from varied medium, sources, and perspectives.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Globalization and Urbanization: China's Urban Transformation and What it Means for the World

This course introduces students to the recent literature on China’s immense urban transformation process, spatial restructuring and urban problems it causes. Much of the course focuses on the post-1978 period, which fundamentally differs from the preceding 30 years of state socialism. The topics are mainly divided into three parts. Part 1 is on the process and the uniqueness of urbanization in China. Issues such as the socialist ideology, the household registration (hukou) system, rural-urban migration, and globalization will be discussed. We will also pay special attention to the process of urban development in Shanghai. Part 2 is on the spatial restructuring of Chinese cities. Students will study the dominant work unit (danwei) compounds in pre-reform era, urban renewal and expansion and the diversified urban landscapes in the post-reform era. Part 3 will examine various urban issues emerging with the rapid urbanization, such as the massive migration and assimilation, housing problems, urban inequality, and discontent.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Issues in Contemporary Chinese Society

China’s transition to a market economy and return to the global community have huge impacts over the lives of its people, as well as the rest of the world. While covering other fields such as anthropology, political science, gender studies and urban studies, this course mostly employs a sociological perspective to examine issues in contemporary Chinese society. Topics examined include not only these well-known aspects of Chinese society such as guanxi and face, collectivism and family-centered culture, but also the emerging civil society, onging sexual revolution, and increasing social polarization that are more likely associated with the enormous social change over the past three decades. Students will be asked to critically and creatively think about change and continuity in contemporary China in relation to the dynamic and complex interaction of local factors and global forces.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Chinese Philosophy

The course is a comprehensive historical survey of the main religious traditions in China, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and some comparative study of Chinese
religion and Christianity. Through lectures, discussions, and reading of select primary
and secondary sources, we will explore the formulations and subsequent transformations
of key beliefs, doctrines, practices, and institutions that characterized specific religious
traditions. We will also examine the patterns of interaction among different traditions, as
well as the general character of religious life in China.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Internship Course

Internship Course (4 credits and 224 placement hours, OR 6 credits and 340 placement hours PLUS 26 seminar hours) - Conducted in English

In an increasingly interconnected global labor market, employers are looking to hire people with experience in diverse and multicultural environments. The ability to engage and communicate across cultures is an important skill that enables job seekers in navigating the job market and a constantly evolving workplace. An avenue to greater cultural immersion, this semester-long, unpaid international internship represents a unique opportunity to gain awareness of the challenges, subtleties, and pitfalls of working and living in a culture other than your own.

This course is comprised of two parts which together offer experience in and significant reflection on the multicultural workplace. First, you will be placed in a semester-long internship in Shanghai within a sector related to your professional ambitions. Second, you will enroll in an academic seminar that will require you to analyze and evaluate the workplace culture and the daily business environment you experience. While the seminar is conducted in English, your internship placement will be available in English and/or the language of your host country.

*There is an additional placement fee of $700 to enroll in the Internship Course. The course fee includes two business tours in Shanghai and one overnight trip over a weekend.

[4 Credit Syllabus]

[6 Credit Syllabus]

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 4  

Chinese Language Course Class 1 - Elementary

This course is designed for the beginner. By taking this course, students will learn pronunciation, radicals and core characters, understand basic grammars and structures, be able to talk about some basic topics, such as greeting, talking about age, nationality, hometown, family, time and schedule, hobbies, describe a person, complete basic tasks in real life such as order food and shopping.

Language of Instruction: Chinese   

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

Chinese Language Course Class 2 - Intermediate

This course is designed for students who have studied Chinese for a period of time and mastered some basic language knowledge. By taking this course, students will know more Chinese characters, words and grammars and how to communicate with Chinese in their daily life. A variety of topics are covered in this course, like weather and seasons, study, sports, travel, transport, etc. Students will learn to complete more tasks in daily life such as seeing a doctor, asking for directions, checking in hotel, making an appointment. This course may help students improve pronunciation and appropriate expressions, as well as understand more about Chinese culture.

Language of Instruction: Chinese   

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

Chinese Language Course Class 3 - Advanced Chinese

This course is designed for intermediate students. By taking this course, students will comprehensively improve listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and master the strategy of communication and expression. Students will learn to talk about more topics in greater details, such as the characteristics of a person, housing, lifestyle, examination, occupations, itinerary of a trip, etc.

Language of Instruction: Chinese   

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

History of Modern China

This course serves as a survey of modern Chinese history. It will guide the students to explore the drastic social, cultural and political transitions occurred in China in the past one and half centuries, which have led to the country’s current condition. Lectures and discussions will center on the introduction of the general social context of different historical periods, significant incidents and events, key historical figures, as well as landmark literary texts and cultural artifacts. While generally following a chronological order, the course content will also be arranged in such a way as to address the various themes of social changes that have significant implications in the contemporary era – the reconstruction of national and ethnic identities of modern time, China’s international relationships, religions and secret societies, the transformation of gender role and family relationship, changes in economic policies, as well as trends in literatures and popular cultures. Through the study of an array of texts that include historical documents, literary works, documentary and feature films, the course will provide the opportunities for the students to acquire and exercise analytical skills to critically examine materials from varied medium, sources, and perspectives.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Globalization and Urbanization: China's Urban Transformation and What it Means for the World

This course introduces students to the recent literature on China’s immense urban transformation process, spatial restructuring and urban problems it causes. Much of the course focuses on the post-1978 period, which fundamentally differs from the preceding 30 years of state socialism. The topics are mainly divided into three parts. Part 1 is on the process and the uniqueness of urbanization in China. Issues such as the socialist ideology, the household registration (hukou) system, rural-urban migration, and globalization will be discussed. We will also pay special attention to the process of urban development in Shanghai. Part 2 is on the spatial restructuring of Chinese cities. Students will study the dominant work unit (danwei) compounds in pre-reform era, urban renewal and expansion and the diversified urban landscapes in the post-reform era. Part 3 will examine various urban issues emerging with the rapid urbanization, such as the massive migration and assimilation, housing problems, urban inequality, and discontent.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Issues in Contemporary Chinese Society

China’s transition to a market economy and return to the global community have huge impacts over the lives of its people, as well as the rest of the world. While covering other fields such as anthropology, political science, gender studies and urban studies, this course mostly employs a sociological perspective to examine issues in contemporary Chinese society. Topics examined include not only these well-known aspects of Chinese society such as guanxi and face, collectivism and family-centered culture, but also the emerging civil society, onging sexual revolution, and increasing social polarization that are more likely associated with the enormous social change over the past three decades. Students will be asked to critically and creatively think about change and continuity in contemporary China in relation to the dynamic and complex interaction of local factors and global forces.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Chinese Philosophy

The course is a comprehensive historical survey of the main religious traditions in China, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and some comparative study of Chinese
religion and Christianity. Through lectures, discussions, and reading of select primary
and secondary sources, we will explore the formulations and subsequent transformations
of key beliefs, doctrines, practices, and institutions that characterized specific religious
traditions. We will also examine the patterns of interaction among different traditions, as
well as the general character of religious life in China.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Internship Course

Internship Course (4 credits and 224 placement hours, OR 6 credits and 340 placement hours PLUS 26 seminar hours) - Conducted in English

In an increasingly interconnected global labor market, employers are looking to hire people with experience in diverse and multicultural environments. The ability to engage and communicate across cultures is an important skill that enables job seekers in navigating the job market and a constantly evolving workplace. An avenue to greater cultural immersion, this semester-long, unpaid international internship represents a unique opportunity to gain awareness of the challenges, subtleties, and pitfalls of working and living in a culture other than your own.

This course is comprised of two parts which together offer experience in and significant reflection on the multicultural workplace. First, you will be placed in a semester-long internship in Shanghai within a sector related to your professional ambitions. Second, you will enroll in an academic seminar that will require you to analyze and evaluate the workplace culture and the daily business environment you experience. While the seminar is conducted in English, your internship placement will be available in English and/or the language of your host country.

*There is an additional placement fee of $700 to enroll in the Internship Course. The course fee includes two business tours in Shanghai and one overnight trip over a weekend.

[4 Credit Syllabus]

[6 Credit Syllabus]

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 4  

Managing Global Supply Chains

Supply chain management is becoming more and more important for businesses as the scope to outsource globally increases. Companies now have to deal with emerging countries just beginning to compete in global markets. A supply chain is the network of entities from the raw material supplier at one end, going through the plants, warehouses and distribution centers, to retailers, and sometimes the final customer, at the other end.

Supply chain management is the integrated management of the flow and storage of materials, information and funds between the entities comprising the supply chain. The main objective of the supply chain is to create and enhance value as the product, in its intermediate or final form, progresses through the network. The focus of this course will be on Asia and key issues within operations, which are of relevance in a firm’s ability to remain competitive in a global economy.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Global Issues in China

This course is based on the combination of domestic politics and foreign relations. It not only pays attention to the development of China's domestic politics but also focuses on China's foreign relations. It not only sheds light upon the secrets of China's successful development in the past 40 years, but also reveals the road of China's further development in the future. It not only pays close attention to the security hotspots around China, but also in general unveils the fundamental characteristics of China's foreign strategy, especially the formation of China's peaceful development, the new type of international relations and the concept of global community of common destiny. Also the course is designed to introduce the important role China plays in a global context and to help students understand Chinese perspectives on global issues that affect the world today.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Chinese Civilization

This is an introductory course to multiple sociocultural aspects of China as an old civilized country undergoing a critical economic and political transition. With the understanding that contemporary Chinese sociocultural issues might be better interpreted and comprehended in the background of China’s abundant but complicated tradition, the course mainly covers two parts: the part of the tradition and the part of modernity, and tries to build a link between the two through comparison and connection. It starts from a general introduction to some basics of China, with a highlight on the brief depiction of China’s history, and is followed by the elaborations on several important topics of China’s tradition and culture. In the part of modernity, it focuses on China's political structure and its main function, and a series of social, economic and environmental issues of concern in the process of China’s urbanization, with both general discussion and specific case study.

The course is aimed to present a diversified vision about China’s development, selectively raising some key topics concerning China’s change in both ideological and material spheres, in the hope of helping students acquire some basic understanding about China and develop some fields to their own interest. Students are required to bring one or two questions about the analyzed topics of China into the class discussion. The Lecture- Discussion method is applied to provide a better understanding of Chinese people and society.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Chinese Language Course Class 1 - Elementary

This course is designed for the beginner. By taking this course, students will learn pronunciation, radicals and core characters, understand basic grammars and structures, be able to talk about some basic topics, such as greeting, talking about age, nationality, hometown, family, time and schedule, hobbies, describe a person, complete basic tasks in real life such as order food and shopping.

Language of Instruction: Chinese   

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

Chinese Language Course Class 2 - Intermediate

This course is designed for students who have studied Chinese for a period of time and mastered some basic language knowledge. By taking this course, students will know more Chinese characters, words and grammars and how to communicate with Chinese in their daily life. A variety of topics are covered in this course, like weather and seasons, study, sports, travel, transport, etc. Students will learn to complete more tasks in daily life such as seeing a doctor, asking for directions, checking in hotel, making an appointment. This course may help students improve pronunciation and appropriate expressions, as well as understand more about Chinese culture.

Language of Instruction: Chinese   

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

Chinese Language Course Class 3 - Advanced Chinese

This course is designed for intermediate students. By taking this course, students will comprehensively improve listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and master the strategy of communication and expression. Students will learn to talk about more topics in greater details, such as the characteristics of a person, housing, lifestyle, examination, occupations, itinerary of a trip, etc.

Language of Instruction: Chinese   

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

History of Modern China

This course serves as a survey of modern Chinese history. It will guide the students to explore the drastic social, cultural and political transitions occurred in China in the past one and half centuries, which have led to the country’s current condition. Lectures and discussions will center on the introduction of the general social context of different historical periods, significant incidents and events, key historical figures, as well as landmark literary texts and cultural artifacts. While generally following a chronological order, the course content will also be arranged in such a way as to address the various themes of social changes that have significant implications in the contemporary era – the reconstruction of national and ethnic identities of modern time, China’s international relationships, religions and secret societies, the transformation of gender role and family relationship, changes in economic policies, as well as trends in literatures and popular cultures. Through the study of an array of texts that include historical documents, literary works, documentary and feature films, the course will provide the opportunities for the students to acquire and exercise analytical skills to critically examine materials from varied medium, sources, and perspectives.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Globalization and Urbanization: China's Urban Transformation and What it Means for the World

This course introduces students to the recent literature on China’s immense urban transformation process, spatial restructuring and urban problems it causes. Much of the course focuses on the post-1978 period, which fundamentally differs from the preceding 30 years of state socialism. The topics are mainly divided into three parts. Part 1 is on the process and the uniqueness of urbanization in China. Issues such as the socialist ideology, the household registration (hukou) system, rural-urban migration, and globalization will be discussed. We will also pay special attention to the process of urban development in Shanghai. Part 2 is on the spatial restructuring of Chinese cities. Students will study the dominant work unit (danwei) compounds in pre-reform era, urban renewal and expansion and the diversified urban landscapes in the post-reform era. Part 3 will examine various urban issues emerging with the rapid urbanization, such as the massive migration and assimilation, housing problems, urban inequality, and discontent.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Issues in Contemporary Chinese Society

China’s transition to a market economy and return to the global community have huge impacts over the lives of its people, as well as the rest of the world. While covering other fields such as anthropology, political science, gender studies and urban studies, this course mostly employs a sociological perspective to examine issues in contemporary Chinese society. Topics examined include not only these well-known aspects of Chinese society such as guanxi and face, collectivism and family-centered culture, but also the emerging civil society, onging sexual revolution, and increasing social polarization that are more likely associated with the enormous social change over the past three decades. Students will be asked to critically and creatively think about change and continuity in contemporary China in relation to the dynamic and complex interaction of local factors and global forces.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Chinese Philosophy

The course is a comprehensive historical survey of the main religious traditions in China, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and some comparative study of Chinese
religion and Christianity. Through lectures, discussions, and reading of select primary
and secondary sources, we will explore the formulations and subsequent transformations
of key beliefs, doctrines, practices, and institutions that characterized specific religious
traditions. We will also examine the patterns of interaction among different traditions, as
well as the general character of religious life in China.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Internship Course

Internship Course (4 credits and 224 placement hours, OR 6 credits and 340 placement hours PLUS 26 seminar hours) - Conducted in English

In an increasingly interconnected global labor market, employers are looking to hire people with experience in diverse and multicultural environments. The ability to engage and communicate across cultures is an important skill that enables job seekers in navigating the job market and a constantly evolving workplace. An avenue to greater cultural immersion, this semester-long, unpaid international internship represents a unique opportunity to gain awareness of the challenges, subtleties, and pitfalls of working and living in a culture other than your own.

This course is comprised of two parts which together offer experience in and significant reflection on the multicultural workplace. First, you will be placed in a semester-long internship in Shanghai within a sector related to your professional ambitions. Second, you will enroll in an academic seminar that will require you to analyze and evaluate the workplace culture and the daily business environment you experience. While the seminar is conducted in English, your internship placement will be available in English and/or the language of your host country.

*There is an additional placement fee of $700 to enroll in the Internship Course. The course fee includes two business tours in Shanghai and one overnight trip over a weekend.

[4 Credit Syllabus]

[6 Credit Syllabus]

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 4  

Managing Global Supply Chains

Supply chain management is becoming more and more important for businesses as the scope to outsource globally increases. Companies now have to deal with emerging countries just beginning to compete in global markets. A supply chain is the network of entities from the raw material supplier at one end, going through the plants, warehouses and distribution centers, to retailers, and sometimes the final customer, at the other end.

Supply chain management is the integrated management of the flow and storage of materials, information and funds between the entities comprising the supply chain. The main objective of the supply chain is to create and enhance value as the product, in its intermediate or final form, progresses through the network. The focus of this course will be on Asia and key issues within operations, which are of relevance in a firm’s ability to remain competitive in a global economy.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Global Issues in China

This course is based on the combination of domestic politics and foreign relations. It not only pays attention to the development of China's domestic politics but also focuses on China's foreign relations. It not only sheds light upon the secrets of China's successful development in the past 40 years, but also reveals the road of China's further development in the future. It not only pays close attention to the security hotspots around China, but also in general unveils the fundamental characteristics of China's foreign strategy, especially the formation of China's peaceful development, the new type of international relations and the concept of global community of common destiny. Also the course is designed to introduce the important role China plays in a global context and to help students understand Chinese perspectives on global issues that affect the world today.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Chinese Civilization

This is an introductory course to multiple sociocultural aspects of China as an old civilized country undergoing a critical economic and political transition. With the understanding that contemporary Chinese sociocultural issues might be better interpreted and comprehended in the background of China’s abundant but complicated tradition, the course mainly covers two parts: the part of the tradition and the part of modernity, and tries to build a link between the two through comparison and connection. It starts from a general introduction to some basics of China, with a highlight on the brief depiction of China’s history, and is followed by the elaborations on several important topics of China’s tradition and culture. In the part of modernity, it focuses on China's political structure and its main function, and a series of social, economic and environmental issues of concern in the process of China’s urbanization, with both general discussion and specific case study.

The course is aimed to present a diversified vision about China’s development, selectively raising some key topics concerning China’s change in both ideological and material spheres, in the hope of helping students acquire some basic understanding about China and develop some fields to their own interest. Students are required to bring one or two questions about the analyzed topics of China into the class discussion. The Lecture- Discussion method is applied to provide a better understanding of Chinese people and society.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Chinese Language Course Class 1 - Elementary

This course is designed for the beginner. By taking this course, students will learn pronunciation, radicals and core characters, understand basic grammars and structures, be able to talk about some basic topics, such as greeting, talking about age, nationality, hometown, family, time and schedule, hobbies, describe a person, complete basic tasks in real life such as order food and shopping.

Language of Instruction: Chinese   

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

Chinese Language Course Class 2 - Intermediate

This course is designed for students who have studied Chinese for a period of time and mastered some basic language knowledge. By taking this course, students will know more Chinese characters, words and grammars and how to communicate with Chinese in their daily life. A variety of topics are covered in this course, like weather and seasons, study, sports, travel, transport, etc. Students will learn to complete more tasks in daily life such as seeing a doctor, asking for directions, checking in hotel, making an appointment. This course may help students improve pronunciation and appropriate expressions, as well as understand more about Chinese culture.

Language of Instruction: Chinese   

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

Chinese Language Course Class 3 - Advanced Chinese

This course is designed for intermediate students. By taking this course, students will comprehensively improve listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and master the strategy of communication and expression. Students will learn to talk about more topics in greater details, such as the characteristics of a person, housing, lifestyle, examination, occupations, itinerary of a trip, etc.

Language of Instruction: Chinese   

Recommended US semester credits: 6  

View Syllabus   

China's Macroeconomic Impact

Since 1978 when China initiated economic reforms and opening up policies, the Chinese economy has been one of the fastest growing economies. China is now the world’s second-biggest economy and second biggest exporter. What are the impacts of China’s rise on the global economy? What will other countries react to China’s economic emerge? This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge of what has happened to China and its impact on global economy in the last three decades. The course will offer an in-depth discussion of Chinese macroeconomic development, industrial structure, trade pattern, economic imbalance, and its impact on the rest of the world economy, particularly on Asia, the US, and Africa.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

International Marketing (China Focus)

This course assesses the parameters of marketing strategy and success in the context of prevailing Chinese cultural norms and expectations in a rapidly developing consumer culture wherein social mobility, rapid change, technological sophistication and the growing incursion of foreign mass media and popular culture are the conditions of the day. The course lays out the underlying cultural logic that informs management and considers how these matters impact product development strategies, market research, and approaches to customer and public relations. Likewise, the course examines marketing questions with reference to a common product, price, place, and promotion strategies in China. This course will include case studies from successful Western firms in China such as Apple and KFC and Asian firms like Toyota, Haier and Alibaba.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

History of Modern China

This course serves as a survey of modern Chinese history. It will guide the students to explore the drastic social, cultural and political transitions occurred in China in the past one and half centuries, which have led to the country’s current condition. Lectures and discussions will center on the introduction of the general social context of different historical periods, significant incidents and events, key historical figures, as well as landmark literary texts and cultural artifacts. While generally following a chronological order, the course content will also be arranged in such a way as to address the various themes of social changes that have significant implications in the contemporary era – the reconstruction of national and ethnic identities of modern time, China’s international relationships, religions and secret societies, the transformation of gender role and family relationship, changes in economic policies, as well as trends in literatures and popular cultures. Through the study of an array of texts that include historical documents, literary works, documentary and feature films, the course will provide the opportunities for the students to acquire and exercise analytical skills to critically examine materials from varied medium, sources, and perspectives.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Globalization and Urbanization: China's Urban Transformation and What it Means for the World

This course introduces students to the recent literature on China’s immense urban transformation process, spatial restructuring and urban problems it causes. Much of the course focuses on the post-1978 period, which fundamentally differs from the preceding 30 years of state socialism. The topics are mainly divided into three parts. Part 1 is on the process and the uniqueness of urbanization in China. Issues such as the socialist ideology, the household registration (hukou) system, rural-urban migration, and globalization will be discussed. We will also pay special attention to the process of urban development in Shanghai. Part 2 is on the spatial restructuring of Chinese cities. Students will study the dominant work unit (danwei) compounds in pre-reform era, urban renewal and expansion and the diversified urban landscapes in the post-reform era. Part 3 will examine various urban issues emerging with the rapid urbanization, such as the massive migration and assimilation, housing problems, urban inequality, and discontent.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Issues in Contemporary Chinese Society

China’s transition to a market economy and return to the global community have huge impacts over the lives of its people, as well as the rest of the world. While covering other fields such as anthropology, political science, gender studies and urban studies, this course mostly employs a sociological perspective to examine issues in contemporary Chinese society. Topics examined include not only these well-known aspects of Chinese society such as guanxi and face, collectivism and family-centered culture, but also the emerging civil society, onging sexual revolution, and increasing social polarization that are more likely associated with the enormous social change over the past three decades. Students will be asked to critically and creatively think about change and continuity in contemporary China in relation to the dynamic and complex interaction of local factors and global forces.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Chinese Philosophy

The course is a comprehensive historical survey of the main religious traditions in China, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and some comparative study of Chinese
religion and Christianity. Through lectures, discussions, and reading of select primary
and secondary sources, we will explore the formulations and subsequent transformations
of key beliefs, doctrines, practices, and institutions that characterized specific religious
traditions. We will also examine the patterns of interaction among different traditions, as
well as the general character of religious life in China.

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 3  

View Syllabus   

Internship Course

Internship Course (4 credits and 224 placement hours, OR 6 credits and 340 placement hours PLUS 26 seminar hours) - Conducted in English

In an increasingly interconnected global labor market, employers are looking to hire people with experience in diverse and multicultural environments. The ability to engage and communicate across cultures is an important skill that enables job seekers in navigating the job market and a constantly evolving workplace. An avenue to greater cultural immersion, this semester-long, unpaid international internship represents a unique opportunity to gain awareness of the challenges, subtleties, and pitfalls of working and living in a culture other than your own.

This course is comprised of two parts which together offer experience in and significant reflection on the multicultural workplace. First, you will be placed in a semester-long internship in Shanghai within a sector related to your professional ambitions. Second, you will enroll in an academic seminar that will require you to analyze and evaluate the workplace culture and the daily business environment you experience. While the seminar is conducted in English, your internship placement will be available in English and/or the language of your host country.

*There is an additional placement fee of $700 to enroll in the Internship Course. The course fee includes two business tours in Shanghai and one overnight trip over a weekend.

[4 Credit Syllabus]

[6 Credit Syllabus]

Language of Instruction: English   

Recommended US semester credits: 4  

Highlights
  • Courses in Chinese (Mandarin)
Housing

Students in Shanghai will be housed in student dormitory accommodations on campus. Dorms are furnished with two beds, two desks, shared bathroom, and free internet, and all students have access to a communal kitchen and shared bathrooms and a shared laundry room. Just outside the dorms are a university dining hall, and outdoor basketball/volleyball/soccer courts.

Shanghai Housing 33300104660 O
Shanghai Housing 33643478646 O
Shanghai Housing 33643478946 O
Shanghai Housing 33643479026 O
Dates & Fees

*There is an additional placement fee of $700 to enroll in the Internship Course for the Global China Semester program. The course fee includes two business tours in Shanghai and one overnight trip over a weekend.

Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Payment Deadline
Fall Aug 30, 2019 - Dec 14, 2019 $10,800 May 1, 2019 May 15, 2019
Academic Year Aug, 2019 - Jun, 2020 $20,600 May 1, 2019 May 15, 2019
Spring Feb, 2020 - Jun, 2020 $10,800 Nov 1, 2019 Dec 1, 2019
Spring Feb 15, 2019 - Jun 1, 2019 $10,800 Nov 1, 2018 Nov 15, 2018