Summer Economics Study Abroad Programs in China

My study abroad trip to Shanghai was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The city is full of energy, with an amazing mix of modern skyscrapers and rich cultural history. Every day felt like a new adventure, whether I was exploring local markets, trying authentic Chinese food, walking along the Bund, or visiting beautiful temples and gardens. One of the most rewarding parts of the trip was experiencing a different culture firsthand and meeting people from around the world. It helped me become more independent, confident, and open-minded. I also learned so much about China’s history, traditions, and daily life in a way that you simply can’t learn from a classroom.

I spent 10 weeks in Chengdu and I wouldn't change it at all. I was able to improve my level of speaking proficiency a lot. The classes were the perfect amount of difficulty and I still had time to travel to Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Beijing, and Xi'an on the weekends.

Based on my experience, the USAC curriculum, while affordable and well-organized, did not provide a strong language challenge. However, this gave me more time to explore Chinese culture and daily life outside the classroom. I also had the opportunity to take extracurricular classes in instruments and archery (paid out-of-pocket), which helped me develop new skills and experiences beyond academics. When I studied abroad, the program had just reopened after being closed for a while due to COVID-19, so I understand there were still areas that needed adjustment. Because it was their first term back, there were fewer field trips than usual. I hope that in the future, the program will offer more excursions and more challenging Chinese language classes. That said, I think USAC did a great job overall, especially in supporting students, addressing any difficulties we faced, and even helping us find information or opportunities when we expressed interest in exploring something new.

Truly the best experience of my life. I easily fell in love with the city and everything it has to offer. Clean, safe, incredibly easy to get around. Shanghai is very much an international city so if you’re only just beginning to study the language it’s a good place to start. Beyond Shanghai, I also had the opportunity to travel across the country, visiting Beijing, Hunan, and Guangzhou.

Tremendous staff. Environment is like none other and they accommodate well. For Seville, the city has been tremendous and CIEE gives you a proper introduction to this magnificent city. Whether an intern or a student during one of the sessions, you can get along with everyone and overcome the anxieties of a new city

I would be very likely to recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend because this program gives you many opportunities to explore the city you are in as well as the surrounding areas. All of the employees are very kind people who will be their to uplift and support the students who are abroad.

I think studying away in Shanghai is a quite great experience for me. Shanghai is an amazing city with its own distinct culture, and it's so convenient and safe. Well, I think the cost of living in Shanghai actually is much lower than New York, which sometimes also be a concern for college students. As for the academic courses, I highly recommended you to take some culture related courses in NYUShanghai which allows you to gain and explore more about this city and this country, I think it is a very important part of "Study Away Program" and is very meaningful. I've taken "Concept of China" and "History of Chinese Art" during my "Study Away" semester, the professor was so nice, even inspiring my great academic interests in Art History, currently I decided to pursue this field as my minor. During your spare time, I think searching for a on-campus job is a very good choice, then you can meet more with your teammates/partners/groups. At the same time, it's also like a close community with who you works with, it will provide you a sense of belongingness to this site. Take my story as an example, I was the "Study Away Peer Assistant" in that semester, and we worked together to plan for study away students' events/activities. Through meetings, brainstorming, chatting, collaborating, I made good friends there and I also love the energy I had while working in this team! Otherwise, you can also step outside the campus and go cycling along the Bund or bring your camera to Xujiahui. I mean lifestyle in Shanghai is up to you, don't be stressful when you are seeing people in a hurry to work hhh. There are many places and things you can go for, explore and enjoy!

This program gives you support in a gentle but full immersion in the Chinese culture. The support also enabled you to maintain a comfortable bubble when needed so that you are not overwhelmed. The sheer number of experiences you can gain and the lifelong friends that you can make here is amazing.

I couldn't have chosen a better program than Chengdu, China. I truly had the most rewarding experience. Not only did I get to accomplish my goals to learn Mandarin and experience Chinese culture firsthand, but I also got to see giant pandas (my favorite animal), create lifelong friendships, and grow tremendously as an individual. It was the best summer, I've ever had. I cannot wait to go back in the future!

From the moment that I applied to the minute I stepped foot of the plane in Shanghai TEAN had always been there to support me with any questions or concerns that I may have had pre-departure. Since I didn't live close to an Embassy they helped me with applying for my China Visa before I left. The on-staff team is always there for you, from the program director to the local students that you may live with if you choose to live off campus whether it be help enrolling into a class or advice on where to go in Shanghai. During our time we were given a lot of cultural immersion opportunities provided through the program free of charge such as a trip to Chengdu and Beijing and various local experiences within the city. Throughout my time I was able to gain a true insight into how it is like to be a student in China. I was able to make a lot of lifetime friends because of this program and I wish I could go back and start over again!

I have had a great experience, it is organized and comes at a good cost. The staff on-site is very supportive and helpful (as well as Brooke in Portland), but we had an emergency situation and the Portland higher-ups didn't handle it well, nor did anyone answer the emergency number provided to us.

I would be likely to recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend because it was a very organized and fun program. I really learned a lot about China and I was able to throughly experience a lot of the culture there.

The program is really well organized. There was a great balance between academics and cultural experience that the program provided. The dorms were comfortable and I always felt safe while in Shanghai.

I was lucky to be placed in the wonderful city of Chengdu. Food was unbelievable, the people were so nice, the culture so rich. I met some awesome local friends who Taught me how to play MaJiang, drink real tea, eat hotpot, how to KTV. I also had amazing teachers that help my Chinese improve leaps and bounds, taught me how to cook Sichuan food, pushed me to perform a Chinese rap song in front of a thousand people, And learned more deeply about The culture. Lastly the friends I made on my trip will last a lifetime. I just recently stayed at one of my classmates apartment across the country! We climbed mountains together, went to chongqing, taught English in a small village, took an herbal bath deep in the mountains at the Yao minority village, and drank with the head of the village. I couldn’t be more thankful. I’m already planning my next trip.

The quality of the staff and the program really enhanced my experience in Shanghai. I would recommend the program because it has the perfect balance of information and freedom to have a very unique experience in china. The professors were also of the highest quality and the classes really were invaluable in how much we learned about China while living there.

The quality of the staff and the program really enhanced my experience in Shanghai. I would recommend the program because it has the perfect balance of information and freedom to have a very unique experience in china. The professors were also of the highest quality and the classes really were invaluable in how much we learned about China while living there.

I feel that CIEE tries to have activities for us and I really do feel that I am learning a lot here. Also everyone here seems really nice and I feel that though we are different a lot of the students seem to have the same mindset and its a good chance to network.

Studying abroad with TEAN was the best decision I've ever made. Studying abroad in Shanghai was my first time studying abroad, I have traveled around but not for more than a week or two so living there, I had a lot or worries at the beginning. From the entire application process, I probably emailed 100 times just to ease my stress and TEAN was amazing at responding to emails and making sure I had all the information I needed and more. Once I got to shanghai, I had an amazing time. TEAN orientation was great at really letting us students bond before classes started. I love my shanghai group, everyone was absolutely amazing and they became some of my best friends. Shanghai is amazing for everything you could think of. There are older parts if you like history, there are bars and clubs if you like nightlife, there are cafes and restaurants for every type of food and dessert you could want (even vegan/vegetarian/halal)! TEAN takes you on amazing excursions to different places in China and allowed me the opportunity to do things I never would've thought have. 10/10 you should go, and trust TEAN will take care of anything you could possibly need. They are amazing resources and friends.

I would be likely to recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend because it was a very organized and fun program. I really learned a lot about China and I was able to throughly experience a lot of the culture there.

It was absolutely worthwhile: I was able to gain a new perspective on various subjects thanks to my peers and professors at Fudan University and experience what it's like to study, work, and live in Shanghai. I fell in love with this city and I don't think I could have picked a better program to go there with.