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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Housing Options: Apartment, Homestay Minimum GPA: 2.0
Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study: Asian Studies, Chinese, Culture, International Relations, Political Science, Sociology Program Type: Study Abroad
Language of Instruction: Chinese Click here for a definition of this term Class Year: 2. Sophomore, 3. Junior, 4. Senior
Language Study Offered: Chinese Program Features: Language Intensive
Program Description:
Intensive Chinese Language
IFSA - IFSA STUDY IN SHANGHAI: INTENSIVE CHINESE LANGUAGE
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
If you’re eager to make rapid gains in Chinese language, this program is for you. With 20 hours of weekly instruction, a 24/7 language pledge, and a family homestay option, real progress is in your reach. Along with stronger language skills that create a solid foundation for many international careers, you’ll get an authentic sense of local culture and values by sharing meals and traditions with Shanghai citizens and exploring a fascinating city where skyscrapers and temples share the landscape. Popular among students majoring in Chinese language and Asian studies.

The IFSA Study in Shanghai: Intensive Chinese Language academic track offers 20 hours per week of Chinese language instruction for students who wish to focus on improving their Chinese language skills. To enroll, students must have completed at least two semesters of prior Chinese language study.

REQUIRED CLASS
A placement exam during on-site orientation determines each student’s appropriate language level. (15 U.S. semester credit hours) 
  • Intensive Beginning Chinese II
  • Intensive Intermediate Chinese I
  • Intensive Intermediate Chinese II
  • Intensive Advanced Chinese I
  • Intensive Advanced Chinese II
  • Intensive Advanced Chinese III
  • Intensive Advanced Chinese IV
  • Intensive Advanced Readings in Chinese

ELECTIVE CLASS
Students also have the option to take one of the IFSA Study in Shanghai elective classes taught in English, bringing their course load to a total of 18 credits. Not all electives may be offered in a given semester depending on enrollment and faculty availability.
  • China: Economic Giant
  • China as a Global Market
  • City and Environment
  • Contemporary Chinese Politics: State, Party, People
  • Environmental Health
  • Exploring Community & Culture in a Global Context 
  • International Internship Seminar
  • International Money and Finance
  • International Trade: A Chinese Perspective
  • Managing Enterprises in China
  • Nutrition, Food Safety and Security
  • Operations and Supply Chain Management
  • Public Health Policy and Practice in China
  • Sino-U.S. Relations: Superpower and Realignment
  • Survey of Art in China
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine

CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT 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
  • Art Tour of West Bund Cultural Corridor
  • Visit to Manufacturing Plant
  • Food and Local Culture
  • Tai Chi and Calligraphy
IFSA excursions are included in your total program fee and though these are optional, most students choose to participate. They vary each term based on availability, but excursions may include:
  • Water Town Trip
  • Local Community Visit  
 
 
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 IN MY IFSA PROGRAM?
  • Academic Support
  • Administrative Fees and Applications Fees
  • Airport Pickup
  • Activities and Excursions (including transportation and meals)
  • 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)
  • Pre-arrival Advising
  • Tuition

  WE’RE HERE FOR YOU
 
 
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         800.858.0229
 
 

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       IFSA-Butler.org
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Further information about the IFSA Intensive Chinese Language program in Shanghai specific to Wheaton College students

Wheaton College is committed to providing students with opportunities to broaden their understanding and vision beyond the borders of this campus and this country. We work in collaboration with carefully selected partner institutions around the world to support our students as they prepare to study abroad and while they are overseas. Students must apply to Wheaton's Center for Global Education as well as the institution through which they plan to study abroad. The most up-to-date information can be found on the program provider's website above.                    

Admission Requirements:
Two previous semesters of Chinese language study are required. 

Courses & Credits:
For students whose primary goal is Chinese language acquisition, IFSA offers intensive language instruction in China’s most cosmopolitan city. With a language pledge that requires students to speak only Chinese, plus 20 hours of language instruction per week, students make rapid gains in their language skills—and put them to immediate use while exploring one of China’s most vibrant urban centers. 15 - 18 credit hours are equivalent to 4 Wheaton credits.

Housing & Meals:
Students will live with host families, as this provides students with an excellent opportunity to develop a more intimate understanding of Chinese language and culture. Breakfast and dinner are provided on weekdays by the host family. Students are responsible for lunches and all weekend meals. 

Budget Information:
Students studying abroad will continue to pay Wheaton tuition. Students are not charged Wheaton room and board, or the Wheaton technology, laundry, or student activities fees while on a study abroad program. Wheaton will, in turn, pay the program for all tuition and academic fees and international insurance. Students will pay housing directly to IFSA. Students will book and pay for their own flights.

Fees billed by Wheaton will be charged to students on their regular Wheaton College student account during regular billing cycles (July/December). 

Federal, state, Wheaton need-based and merit scholarships will be applied to these charges for Wheaton-approved programs. Students must consult with the Office of Student Financial Services (SFS) for a comprehensive review of their aid. If a student receives aid beyond the cost of Wheaton tuition, they can request a refund through SFS. This can in turn be used to pay SIT for room and board charges.

Please do your research as housing and meal costs vary greatly from program to program. This Budget Worksheet can help you estimate the total costs of your program. Refer to the IFSA program website for an overview of all additional expenses, which may include visas, international cell phones, and discretionary expenses.
                         
Group of students in Shanghai, with city skyline behind them.

     For Wheaton specific questions contact:    
                                                                                                                
     Center for Global Education
     5  Howard Street
     Wheaton College
     Norton, MA 02766-2322
     globaled@wheatoncollege.edu
     508-286- 4950

Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 10/01/2024 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.