IES Abroad: Shanghai - Economy, Business & Society
- Hosted at: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Location(s): Shanghai, China
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad
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There is no mistaking Shanghai’s skyline. From the soaring Oriental Pearl Tower to the sweeping Bund across the Huangpu River, Shanghai shimmers with possibility. We invite you to experience first-hand all that this exciting city has to offer.Shan... read more
All Reviews
As a Political Science major with a focus on International Relations, my study abroad in Shanghai exposed me to a wide range of academic and professional arenas I can see myself working on. The program has broaden my horizon and helped me incorporated new possibilities in my career path. Mirana Randriamanantsoa - Lafayette College View Entire Review
Living in China is becoming a more influential resume builder as China becomes an international player. Immersion in China is difficult for any foreigner, and traveling around the country isn't meant for noncitizens. However, IES Abroad staff are quite helpful in guiding students to helpful resources in order to facilitate trave... Alexander Wolfe - Duquesne University View Entire Review
I learned about who I am, and who I want to be after this experience abroad. There were times when I was/felt very alone, and it wasn't a bad thing; it was an opportunity to practice navigating the world on my own and forging my own path. It meant that I was forced to be more confident in myself and my abilities, because there m... Jasmine Forberss - University of Michigan - Ann Arbor View Entire Review
I learned how to be independent. A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
I learned more and more about China and what it means to live and work there in the future. I also validated my desire to improve my own Chinese speaking abilities. Brandon Pollock - Berea College View Entire Review
to push yourself outside of you comfort zone and isolate yourself from your program...don't rely too much on the comfort/luxury of your program Paige Brown - Trinity University View Entire Review
I gained so much. I gained an appreciation for Chinese culture, an appreciation for the diversity of Asia, and an appreciation for my skills and handwork. It was incredibly worthwhile and given the opportunity I would do it again in a heartbeat. A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
I met 20 life long friends, and travelled and learned about different cultures in Southeast Asia. I learned the mandarin language extensively through class, but I saw most improvement through the opportunity to use it daily when communicating with locals. Kimberly N - Simmons College View Entire Review
Before I studied in Shanghai, I knew nothing about the Chinese language and very little about Chinese business or culture. I came out of the program with a much greater understanding of all three of these topics. It was a very enjoyable experience that I would highly recommend. brita.preus - Gustavus Adolphus College View Entire Review
Studying abroad with IES in Shanghai was a life changing experience. I met people from all over the country that I definitely would not have met otherwise, we had fun field trips to places like Suzhou and Hong Kong, and the classes were both fun and practical. It was the epitome of a holistic learning experience. We were given p... A student - University of California - Irvine View Entire Review
My Chinese improved a bit. The experience itself is worth going for. The sights, the food, the people, and just the change in lifestyle that comes with living in China is remarkable. A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
I gained improved language skills, a greater comfort with my speaking skills, and a few friends I'd like to remain in contact with. A student - Austin College View Entire Review
My Chinese improved, my independence grew, and I learned a lot about Shanghai and China in general. After looking back at both of my semesters, I am glad I went. Jeni B - Austin College View Entire Review
My chinese language level improved immensely, learning vocab that was directed more towards my business major. It was definitely worthwhile! Isabela Byerly - University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh View Entire Review
Aside from an incredible increase in my language ability, I gained a greater global perspective. Asia is an amazing region of the world, and China specifically will be the centerpiece of the next century. My exposure to China shaped my career interests and understanding of many global issues, such as climate change, geopolitical... John Cole - University of Rochester View Entire Review
It was absolutely worthwhile as I gained so much from being abroad for the semester. I learned a lot about myself as well as my host culture and I'm truly grateful for the experience! Kameelah - Spelman College View Entire Review
I learned to broaden my horizon and to be more accepting of new ideas. It was definitely worthwhile. Curtis Segarra - Trinity University View Entire Review
I learned Mandarin and about chinese culture, as well as gaining confidence in myself for going out of my comfort zone Carolina Manent - University of Rochester View Entire Review

The biggest skills I gained was improving my confidence and learning how to quickly adapt. China is a country in constant flux and Shanghai is very fast paced, but I proved to myself that I could do it. I could live abroad. Not a day goes by where I don't miss it. Paige Scrivener - University of Tennessee - Knoxville View Entire Review
I learned so much from being abroad about myself and my own country A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
I gained new insight, new perspective, new appreciation, and I learned about the Chinese culture and how business works in China, among many other things. It was definitely worthwhile. Rebekah J - Clemson University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about Chinese cultures and traditions. Although China is one large country, each region is very different from other cities. Theresa L - Santa Clara University View Entire Review
Adaptation, how to have fun. William P - Trinity University View Entire Review
Learned a great deal of Chinese and became close to my classmates. I was also very satisfied with how much time I had to explore Shanghai. It was worthwhile but the program definitely needs to be improved. Campbell1 - Trinity University View Entire Review

Learned a lot about the Chinese and will remember this experience forever. I look at life in a different aspect and am more appreciative. It was definitely worthwhile. Genevieve N - Austin College View Entire Review
About
There is no mistaking Shanghai’s skyline. From the soaring Oriental Pearl Tower to the sweeping Bund across the Huangpu River, Shanghai shimmers with possibility. We invite you to experience first-hand all that this exciting city has to offer.
Shanghai is an economic and cultural hub of more than 22 million people. You will learn and communicate in Mandarin and English, while being exposed to the local Shanghai dialect—just one example of the many unique languages and cultures that exist in different regions throughout the country.
While in Shanghai, study the diversity and impact that international influences from all over the globe have on Chinese culture. Witness how globalization affects Shanghai and develop a greater understanding of how China’s influence is increasingly affecting the world.
You have the opportunity to study on the campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), which is consistently ranked as one of the top five universities in China. SJTU is known for its academic rigor across more than 30 departments. You will take courses in English on the Xihui campus in subjects such as International Business and Relations, Political Science, Urban Studies, and more.
Shanghai will be your classroom. Discover the eclectic mix of Eastern and Western influences in the city’s architecture. Explore the Yuyuan Gardens in the Old City to get a sense of Shanghai’s past. Drink at one of the city’s many tea houses. Comparative course-related excursions to Tokyo (fall) or Hong Kong (spring) put the city’s powerful global and historical influence into context.
We want you to feel at home in China, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in Shanghai. From relevant coursework to unique course-related excursions—including visits to businesses, NGOs, and research institutions—we help you explore Shanghai in its local, regional, and global contexts. As China’s financial powerhouse, Shanghai provides an environment for learning not only about China, but also about Asia and the world at large.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
- Chinese - Mandarin
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Studies
- Asian Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Chinese Language, Literature
- Religion / Religious Studies
- Economics
- International Relations
- Political Science and Government
- Urban Studies
- International Business
- Marketing
Minimum GPA:
2.75Website
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