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Programs : Brochure

This page is the brochure for your selected program. You can view the provided information for this program on this page and click on the available buttons for additional options.
Program Description:

Overview

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 2.50 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application review
  • Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program 

Program Description 

Students will choose from one of two program tracks on the CIEE Shanghai program:

Accelerated Chinese Language

Fast-forward your Mandarin language skills in one of the most rapidly developing cities on earth. Kick learning into high gear with daily coursework and one-on-one classes suited to your level, whether you’re a first- or fifth-year Mandarin student. Add peer tutorials and language clinics, homestays, cultural activities and volunteering, and your summer in Shanghai will be one you’ll always value. This program provides a strong foundation in Chinese language through complete immersion in an intensive and Chinese language-only environment.

Designed for beginners and superior-level Mandarin Chinese students alike, it includes five course levels to develop your listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills, or elevate your language skills to a superior level, communicating with accuracy, fluency, and sophistication. Students take two accelerated language courses are designed to move students ahead at least two Chinese language levels in all four Chinese language skills.

Students agree to speak Chinese at designated times to encourage fluency, and are graded on this component of the program.

Business and Culture

The Business and Culture program is designed for students with international business and economics backgrounds and provides a deeper understanding of contemporary business issues in China as the country expands into one of the world’s great economic powers. The program is appropriate for students with a major or minor in economics, international business, business management, or marketing, or to Chinese or Asian Studies majors with an interest in learning more about the business environment in China.

This program track is broken down into sessions, and students can choose the number of sessions they wish to attend (anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks total). Courses are taught in English. The optional language course is taught in Mandarin Chinese.

Dates

Accelerated Chinese Language Program:

  • late June - mid August
Business and Culture Program:
  • Sessions range from late May - mid August (please refer to the program page for more information on the different sessions)

Location

Perched on the banks of the Huangpu River and the East China Sea, Shanghai is China’s largest city by population, and a global hub of culture, commerce, and finance. Massively redeveloped over the past 20 years, the city boasts many of the world’s latest and greatest. The list includes uber-tall buildings stretching up in the new financial district Pudong, and the world’s fastest-growing rapid-transit system, featuring urban centers connected by elevated light rail, the world’s first commercial high-speed Maglev train, and 16 subway lines.

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Asian Studies, Business, Chinese, Economics, International Business, Management, Marketing

Course Listings

To find courses on the Accelerated Chinese Language program, follow the instructions on CIEE's website under "Academics."

To find courses on the Business and Culture program, follow the instructions on CIEE's website under "Academics."

To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed. 

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on each program page (Accelerated Chinese Language or Business and Culture) before choosing a program.

Course Selection

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
  • Research courses available on your program
  • Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements 
  • Keep in mind that courses abroad may change or may be unavailable for your selected term, so you will need to discuss possible back-up course options
  • To register for courses on this program you will work with CIEE

Program-specific Course information:

  • Accelerated Chinese Language Program:
    • Students take two consecutive accelerated Chinese language courses. CIEE may place students in appropriate language courses based on results of language proficiency exams
  • Business and Culture Program:
    • Students take one course per session. Students may also take an optional, one-credit Communicative Chinese course.

Academic Policies

  • Accelerated Chinese Language Program:
    • You will enroll in a total number of 10 credits
  • Business and Culture Program:
    • You must enroll in a minimum number of 3 credits and a maximum number of 10 credits
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Penn State Global website for information on the course equivalency process.  

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
A
A-  A-
B+  B+
B
B-  B-
C+  C+
C
D
F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
3 credits per course  3 credits per course
 

Housing and Meals

Housing

Accelerated Chinese Language Program:

  • Homestays:
    • Ideal for students who want to make rapid progress with their language skills – Chinese families speak only Chinese. Students have their own bedrooms in the host family apartment and share the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Host apartments are a 15- to 45-minute walk or commute by public transportation from campus. 
  • Campus residence halls:
    • Students who choose to live on the ECNU campus room with a Chinese student, and speak only Chinese. There are shared kitchens and bathrooms on each floor, plus computer rooms, study areas, lounges, and laundry facilities. The hall is a 10-minute walk to the Study Center and close to public transportation.

Business and Culture Program:

  • Hotel-style Dorm:
    • During Session 1 only, stay at the International Exchange Service Center (IESC) with a CIEE roommate. Located next door to the CIEE Study Center, students stay in rooms with twin beds, one desk, one wardrobe,an ensuite bathroom, and laundry facilities. The dorm is also equipped with Wi-Fi and 24-hour security. 
  • Residence Hall:
    • During Sessions 2 and 3 only, stay in a residence hall located on the East China Normal University (ECNU) campus. Students have access to a common lobby, laundry facilities, a student computer room and study lounge on every other floor, and a kitchen and bathrooms on each floor. The residence hall is a 10-minute walk from the CIEE Study Center, and is within walking distance to a light rail and other public transportation.
Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions.

Meals

Accelerated Chinese Language Program:

  • Homestays: Students are invited to most meals, but should budget for lunches and some weekend meals. 
  • Residence halls: Students are responsible for meals. There are moderately priced cafeterias on campus.

Business and Culture Program:

  • Students are responsible for meals. There are moderately priced cafeterias on campus.

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

Program costs are estimates and subject to change up to the program commitment deadline.

Summer Costs

Effective Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024: All Penn State undergraduate students participating in approved CIEE programs are guaranteed a discount, which will be applied to the billable subtotal listed on the program cost sheet. The guaranteed discounts are as follows:
  • Students participating in a semester-long program (e.g., fall or spring) or the three-block Open Campus program are guaranteed a $2,500 discount.
  • Students participating in the two-block Open Campus program are guaranteed a $1,250 discount.
  • Students participating in a summer program are guaranteed a $500 discount.

Discount amounts listed here are valid for spring 2024, summer 2024, and fall 2024 terms only.

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser

Please read the information below the costs and fees table on the budget sheet for this program for more information on pricing by number of credits (for the Business and Culture program option).

Scholarships 

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Penn State Global. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

Program-specific Scholarships

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of CIEE's website.

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid

Withdrawal & Refund Policy 

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred. 

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

After the Start of the Program 

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.

Life Abroad

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Penn State Global Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Penn State Global website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Penn State Global website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Penn State Global website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Penn State Global website.

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Penn State Global website

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For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Penn State Global Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
 


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Summer 2024 01/24/2024 02/07/2024 TBA TBA