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Programs : Brochure

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  • Locations: Shanghai, China
  • Program Terms: IOP Fall, IOP Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: IFSA 
  • This program is currently not accepting applications. If the deadline has recently passed, you may wish to complete the Extension Request Form.

Dates / Deadlines:

There are currently no active application cycles for this program. If you were expecting to find an available application, there are few possible reasons why:

  1. If it is for a program starting anytime from summer 2025 to spring 2026, applications will not open until later: November 14, 2024 for summer 2025; November 20, 2024 for programs beginning fall 2025; and April 15, 2025 for programs beginning winter or spring 2026. However, deadlines will be available online. Consider signing up for alerts in your inbox with our interest list and on your phone with the UC Merced Connect app.
  2. If it is for an earlier term, the deadline for the program may have passed quite some time ago.
  3. If the program has limited spots, the program may now be full and no longer accepting new applications.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.00 Click here for a definition of this term Class standing: 2-Sophomore, 3-Junior, 4-Senior
Language of instruction: Chinese, English Housing options: Private apartments
Click here for a definition of this term Areas of study: Anthropology, Art history, Biological sciences, Business administration, Computer science, Economics, Environmental studies, History, International studies, Political science, Sociology
Program Description:
Social Sciences
IFSA - STUDY IN SHANGHAI: SOCIAL SCIENCES
Geotag  Shanghai, China

WHY STUDY IN SHANGHAI?
Shanghai has grown exponentially in the past hundred years—from an early trading port to a massive international metropolis with a population of 24 million. Known for its fast-paced businesses and cosmopolitan vibe, the city is intricately connected with the global flows of commodities and people. It also represents the enormous environmental, economic, and social challenges that are mirrored across China and around the world. Find your home in a vibrant, student-friendly neighborhood, with our program center just around the corner from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
What’s it like to watch a city develop at an unprecedented pace? Shanghai is the place to find out. Explore this cosmopolitan metropolis as you dig into sustainable urbanization, economic reform, Chinese politics, foreign policy, and more. Boost your language skills by teaming up with a Chinese university student for a couple of hours of casual practice each week—communication is the key to getting even more from your time in Shanghai. 

The IFSA Study in Shanghai: Social Services academic track examines the history of Shanghai, its process of rapid urbanization, and China’s interface with the West in this dynamic Asian center. Maximize your learning by tailoring classes to your academic focus, enrolling in the required core class and three to four elective classes, including an internship opportunity.

CORE CLASS
Chinese Society in the 21st Century
This class examines the transformation in Chinese society since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, with emphasis on the changes brought about in the wake of the economic reforms of the 1980s and 1990s. Topics include urban and rural social transformation, the changing relationship between individual and society, and population control and the one child policy. Students explore the social consequences of China’s rapid integration into the global economy. (3 U.S. semester credit hours) 

ELECTIVE CLASSES
Customize your semester based on your personal interests and degree requirements, choosing from the electives on the IFSA Study in Shanghai: Social Sciences academic track as well as our IFSA Study in Shanghai: International Business and IFSA Study in Shanghai: Public Health academic tracks. All elective classes are taught in English and worth 3 U.S. semester credit hours.
  • City and Environment
  • Contemporary Chinese Politics: State, Party, People
  • Exploring Community & Culture in a Global Context 
  • International Internship Seminar
  • Public Health Policy and Practice in China
  • Sino-U.S. Relations: Superpower and Realignment
  • Survey of Art in China
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
LANGUAGE CLASSES
Developing skills in a foreign language can profoundly impact your life personally and professionally. Though language study (other than Essential Chinese) is not required, students frequently report their Chinese language class as one of their favorites and the one they applied most outside of the classroom.

Essential Chinese
If you’ve never studied Chinese before, and you decide not to take an elective language class, you’ll take this introductory seminar to contemporary Chinese language and culture taught intensively during the first weeks of the program. (1 U.S. semester credit hour)

Chinese Language
No prior language study is required. A placement exam during on-site orientation determines each student’s appropriate language level. (6 U.S. semester credit hours)
  • Beginning Chinese I
  • Beginning Chinese II
  • Intermediate Chinese I
  • Intermediate Chinese II
  • Advanced Chinese I
  • Advanced Chinese II
  • Advanced Chinese III
  • Advanced Chinese IV
  • Advanced Readings in Chinese
  • Business Chinese

ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS
Program activities are designed to enhance your intercultural competence by developing your understanding of the local culture and people. Activities are optional, but they are included in your total program fee. Activities vary each term based on availability, but may include:
  • City-as-Text
  • Huangpu River Cruise
  • Shanghai Urban Planning Museum
  • City Walk
  • Tai Chi Workshop
  • Scavenger Hunt
  • Water Town Trip
 
 
Learn About This Program
Scholarship & Financial Aid
   
 
  BEGIN YOUR STUDY ABROAD JOURNEY  
 
 
IFSA Global Wayfinder
Choose your ideal program by customizing and personalizing your search filters. Using IFSA’s search tool, you can find programs by searching beyond location and area of study. 
 
 
IFSA CHART
Using CHART, you’ll be able to see which classes abroad fit easily into your academic plan. You can also see which classes your home institution has already approved to guarantee that your credits will align.
 
 
IFSA Website

Apply Online Today.
Our easy online application process is here for you! Simply log in to the IFSA Student Portal and answer questions about yourself to get started. If you get stuck or have questions, reach out to our IFSA team. We’re here to help.
 
WHAT’S INCLUDED
  • Academic Support
  • Administrative Fees and Applications Fees
  • Activities and Excursions (including transportation and meals)
  • Education Fees
  • Guaranteed Housing
  • International Medical Insurance
  • Internet Access in Housing
  • Internship, Directed Research, and Volunteer Opportunities (on many programs)
  • Meals (on some programs)
  • Official Transcript with U.S. Credit Translation
  • On-site Orientation
  • On-site Staff Support (including in-person meetings and emergencies)
  • Prearrival Advising

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU
 
 
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This program is currently not accepting applications. If the deadline has recently passed, you may wish to complete the Extension Request Form.