Global Chinese Culture and Diversity in Shanghai
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About this Program
Discover the cultural marvels of Shanghai with API at East China Normal University! This program offers captivating coursework on Chinese culture (taught in English) alongside comprehensive Chinese language instruction. Hosted at ECNU's gorgeous North Zhongshan Road Campus (Downtown Campus), you can embrace the vibrant spirit of Shanghai, a global powerhouse in finance, culture, and technology! Expand your horizons and embark on an unforgettable journey!
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Chinese
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Local University Program
- Language Intensive Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Dorm
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 12-15
- Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
- Typical Course load: 3-4
- Credit Per Course: 3
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: East China Normal University
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
- Quarter Range: 18-24
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $4,000
- Spring Semester: $6,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to API on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by API. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures, with occasional rain. Temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
- Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, especially in the south, with temperatures between 25°C and 35°C (77°F to 95°F).
- Autumn (September to November): Cool and dry, temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
- Winter (December to February): Cold, especially in the north. Temperatures can range from -10°C to 10°C (14°F to 50°F). Southern China remains milder.
Travel Resources
- Air: Major airports include Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
- Train: China has an extensive high-speed rail network, including the popular Beijing-Shanghai and Beijing-Hong Kong routes.
- Public Transport: Efficient subway systems are available in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Buses and taxis are common throughout the country.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Must-see sites include the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
- Language: Mandarin Chinese (Standard Chinese) is the official language. Regional languages like Cantonese are also spoken. English is less common outside major cities.
- Festivals: Celebrations include the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Chinese food is highly regionalized. Famous dishes include Peking duck, dim sum, dumplings, hot pot, and Sichuan spicy dishes.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but may require more effort to find in smaller cities. Tofu, vegetables, and rice-based dishes are common. Be sure to confirm ingredients, as meat broth or oils are sometimes used in vegetable dishes.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Beijing: 55 Anjialou Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600 (Phone: +86 10 8531-3000)
- U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai: 1469 Huai Hai Zhong Road, Shanghai 200031 (Phone: +86 21 8011-2200)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Major cities have improved accessibility, especially in airports and hotels, but rural areas may lack accessible facilities. Public transport is improving in terms of accessibility for those with disabilities.
- LGBTQ+: China is socially conservative, but LGBTQ+ rights are gaining more visibility, especially in urban areas. While there are no laws against homosexuality, LGBTQ+ individuals may face societal stigma.
- Religion: China officially recognizes five religions—Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism—though freedom of religion is limited, and unregistered religious practices can face government restrictions.
- Race & Ethnicity: China is ethnically diverse, with 56 recognized ethnic groups, but minority groups, such as Uyghurs and Tibetans, often face systemic discrimination and cultural suppression.
- Gender: Gender equality is promoted in law, but traditional gender roles and workplace discrimination, including a gender pay gap, remain significant challenges.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by API.
U.S. passport holders are required to apply for a Chinese visa prior to departure (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). The visa costs about $185. Additionally, it is recommended to use Visa Central, incurring an additional cost of $199. Further details can be found at https://apiabroad.com/student-visas/student-visa-china/. API will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in API’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.