Shanghai, China Program

Study at one of the top 5 universities in China
Unique academic structure with opportunities to take classes taught in English with local Chinese and other international students
Variety of program options allows participants to customize their own academic schedule
Live with Chinese students in our high quality off-campus apartments for a more integrated experience
Chinese language instruction available for all skill levels
Includes comprehensive 5-day orientation program in Beijing plus other optional excursions

Fudan University

Fudan University is the leading university in Shanghai and one of the top universities in China. It was founded in 1905 and today is at the forefront of cultivating talent for modern China. Fudan has an enrollment of 25,000 full-time degree candidates and another 11,000 studying at the schools of continuing education and on-line education. The university consults with the high-tech industry to ensure that courses blend the latest innovations with theoretical knowledge. In recent years, the university has been proactive in attracting some of the best talent and maintaining its place among the most-respected tertiary institutions in China. The campus combines modern China with the traditions and customs of its rich history. Its modern towers complement beautiful Chinese gardens and provide a stimulating and contemplative environment for learning.

Location

Situated on the Yangtze River and originally a fishing village, today’s Shanghai is a multi-cultural metropolis with both modern and traditional Chinese features. A population of 18.7 million makes it China’s largest city and the commercial center of the country. The river divides the city, with the striking skyline of the Pudong New District on one side and the centuries-old charm of the Bund on the other.

Pudong is Shanghai’s “Manhattan” and the symbol of new China with cutting-edge architecture and more than 3,000 financial organizations and enterprises doing business there. On the banks of the Bund, old Shanghai can still be found – from morning Tai Chi to the beautiful building lights of evening. Shanghai is a city of lively festivals, vibrant markets, endless shopping and countless cultural sites to visit.

Dates

Spring 2009
Orientation Week: Feb. 10 - 14, 2009 (tentative)
Semester 1: Feb. 16 - June 26, 2009

Fall 2008
Orientation Week: Aug. 25-29, 2008
Semester 2: Sept. 1 – Dec. 19, 2008

Accommodation

Students will live in apartments within close proximity of campus. The apartments are fully furnished. A feature of our program is an integrated housing policy, with students sharing the apartments with local Chinese students.

Orientation

Our China Orientation for both our Beijing and Shanghai programs will be held in Beijing. Students will begin their days with traditional Tai Chi exercises and undertake a range of other cultural activities including calligraphy, martial arts and Chinese cooking. A highlight will be trekking a remote part of the Great Wall, where students will have a most unique sleepover by spending the night in a watchtower. Visits to cultural icons such as the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square will provide a very full five days. The cultural program is supplemented by a series of lectures on the academic system in China, integration issues, medical and other types of support as well as general information to fully prepare students for their semester.

Cultural Immersion

Internship

Students participating in our Shanghai program have the option to undertake a part-time internship in conjunction with their academic studies. Students will be placed in an internship that matches their academic or personal interest needs as closely as possible. No matter the assigned internship, students consider the opportunity to immerse oneself into daily Chinese working life a highlight of the program.

Integrated Housing

Students will live in pre-arranged off-campus apartments within close proximity of their campus. The apartments are fully furnished and include internet and phone service. A feature of our program is integrated housing, with students sharing the apartments with local Chinese students to enhance their cultural immersion. On-campus housing is available upon request.

Academics / Courses of Study

Students attending our Shanghai Program at Fudan University will choose from the following menu of options to customize their academic program to meet their requirements and interests:

Chinese History and Culture (required core course) - Includes two weekend field trips that will give students an understanding of modern China and provide insight into many traditional customs and beliefs
Part-time or full-time Internship
Core Business Course - Doing Business in China and the Chinese Economy (includes four industry visits)
Language Course - Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced available
Select additional courses taught in English or Chinese. Below we have listed other courses taught in English during the Fall 2008 semester. This can be used as a guide for future semesters. Students comfortable with course instruction in Chinese can choose from an even large selection of courses.
Other Courses taught in English (Sample from Fall 2008)

Macroeconomics A
Chinese Modern History
China’s media and politics in the context of globalization
Strategic Management
Business Strategy Analysis
Financial Accounting
Service Marketing
Cross-culture management
Public Relations
Introduction to Buddhism
History of Chinese Thought
History of Diplomacy In Modern China
Sino-U.S. Relations and the Rise of Asia
Urban Development and Management
China’s Long Twentieth Century: From Agrarian Empire to Industrial Giant
Debating Globalization
Developmental Economics
International Finance
Projects Evaluation and Firms Valuation
Doing Business Abroad
Business Management
Entrepreneurial Development
International Markets Intelligence
Regional Scenarios of Asia Pacific
International Economic Politics
International Negotiations
Ethics in Professional Practice
Scientific and Technological Perspective
Sociopolitical Perspective

Eligibility

In order to participate on the program students must be currently enrolled in a degree-granting institution, have completed one year of coursework on a college or university campus by the program start date, and achieved a minimum GPA of 2.75/4.0. However applications will be reviewed by examining the student’s overall application materials including: Course of Study, Letters of Recommendation, and Personal Statement. If you fall below the GPA requirement, please contact The Education Abroad Network to discuss your eligibility to participate in the program.

Popular Excursions

The Education Abroad Network provides optional guided trips throughout the semester as well as local activities in and around Shanghai. However, we realize that many students will want to explore parts of China on their own but may be unsure of where to go. We are pleased to offer suggestions for popular excursions for these students. For further details, please visit Popular Excursions in China.