IFSA Study in Shanghai: Intensive Chinese Language

Activities and excursions are an important piece of your IFSA experience, designed to pull you into the fabric of the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. That said, at times, circumstances beyond our control — including local government regulations and health protocols — could impact our ability to hold these events as planned.

Know that we’ll make every effort to run the activities, trips, and excursions slated for your program. You’ll see detailed examples of previous outings offered during this program below. Keep in mind that the options could look different for your program, and that we cannot guarantee these activities, trips, and excursions.

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: We will use Shanghai as a critical frame to understand the socioeconomics of this port city in a global era. Learn about the stylistic elements of building and infrastructure efforts toward sustainable development from historical and forward-looking perspectives.
• Art Tour of West Bund Cultural Corridor: Through guided tour, you will visit museums and art galleries where foreign and Chinese artists are featured to discuss the state of contemporary art in China and the importance of culture in fostering international exchange.
• Visit to Manufacturing Plant: As a major financial and economic hub in Asia, Shanghai has many benefits to offer to companies and entrepreneurs. You will be able to network with local and international professionals, further your career aspirations, and learn about innovations taking place in the city and how a multinational company localizes the operations and manage its supply chain networks.
• Food and Local Culture: Chinese food is well known for its distinctive culinary style and diverse regional flavors. More importantly, Chinese food and the way it is prepared and served have rich connotations that resonate with the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of different ethnic groups. You will hear from experts telling the story of local food development as Shanghai becomes an international cosmopolitan city. You will also learn to make colorful Chinese dumplings and experiment with food from Shanghai and elsewhere to enrich your taste buds.
• Tai Chi and Calligraphy: Throughout multiple workshops, you will have the opportunity to practice tai chi and calligraphy with local experts and gain greater insights into Chinese art and philosophy.

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: During an overnight trip, explore a water town, also called canal towns, outside the hustle and bustle of Shanghai. These ancient and historic towns are known for their bridges, rivers, and canals. You will explore stunning landscapes, visit local art and craft markets, and gain a deeper understanding of China’s social and economic diversity.
• Local Community Visit: Transform your thinking of traditional urban-rural lines with a visit to a local community where you’ll meet with local people to hear their life stories, learn about their day-to-day routines, and discover their ongoing grassroots initiatives.