“I chose IFSA because of the interesting classes offered, the ability to hold an internship while abroad, and the organized group field trip to Western China. It was incredible to be able to learn both inside and outside the classroom!“
Shanghai, China
Summer in Shanghai





English

- ABOUT
- ACADEMICS
- EXCURSIONS
- DAY-TO-DAY-EXPERIENCE
- DATES AND FEES
About Summer in Shanghai

Spend your summer in China’s largest city and financial center while enriching your appreciation of Chinese culture. Whether you focus on your language skills with extensive Chinese language offerings or fulfill degree requirements in business or politics, Shanghai is the ideal destination to pursue your goals and deepen your understanding of China’s rise on the world stage.
During your Summer in Shanghai, customize your study abroad experience by taking a single class during the four-week Session 1 or take a single class during the four-week Session 2. You can also extend your studies by enrolling in both Session 1 and Session 2. Combine study with an internship by enrolling in Summer in Shanghai Session 1 followed by the eight-week Summer Internship in Shanghai program.
Academics at Summer in Shanghai
During your Summer in Shanghai, customize your study abroad experience by taking a single class during the four-week Session 1 or take a single class during the four-week Session 2. You can also extend your studies by enrolling in both Session 1 and Session 2. Combine study with an internship by enrolling in Summer in Shanghai Session 1 followed by the eight-week Summer Internship in Shanghai program.
SESSION 1 CLASSES
Sino-U.S. Relations
The U.S.-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. This class examines their intricate relationship, focusing on the period after 1949, when the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed. What roles have trade and human rights played in the relationship? How have recent incidents, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and countries’ joint commitment to reduce climate change in the Paris Agreement, to Trump’s 2016 election and subsequent withdrawal from both deals influenced the strategic Beijing-Washington relationship? What lies in the future, as China rises? (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
International Finance
This class familiarizes students with the basic theories for global financial liberalization, with a strong focus on the major policy problems involved for the Chinese government to fully integrate the country with the global financial system. Students will examine flexible and fixed exchange rate determination, along with implications for macroeconomic performance. Discussions address new investment and financing techniques; Chinese stock markets; the role of qualified institutional investors; and the possibility of renminbi becoming fully convertible in the future. Students are recommended to have completed an Introduction to Finance class as a prerequisite. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Chinese Language
No prior language study is required. A placement exam during on-site orientation determines each student’s appropriate language level. (4 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
China: Economic Giant
This class explores China’s emergence as a global economic power from both economic and political perspectives. The phenomenal changes in the Chinese economy over recent decades are highlighted – especially the strengths, weaknesses, and major achievements related to the radical reforms adopted since 1978. Students will examine challenges encountered by the Chinese government in sustaining high-speed economic growth and pursuing full integration into the global free trade system. In addition, students will apply economic theories and situate them in geographical and historical contexts when analyzing today’s sociopolitical consequences. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
City and Environment
With a rapidly growing population, rising lifestyle expectations, and continuing industrial production, urban China’s usage of water and energy resources is a key question for those concerned with a sustainable future. This class will localize these issues by investigating Shanghai as a case study of urban environmental issues in China. How does Shanghai face the challenges of resource use and waste that its sprawling urban footprint creates? How do the city’s leaders, corporations, and residents approach questions of new “green” policies? How sustainable can Shanghai become? (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Chinese Language
No prior language study is required. A placement exam during on-site orientation determines each student’s appropriate language level. (4 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
NEEDS UPDATED
Two semesters of prior Chinese language study are required for Intensive Chinese Language courses.
After you return to the U.S., IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. credit system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects courses taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost.
Excursions

- West Bank Gallery Walk: Learn how art fosters international exchange during a guided walk along the Cultural Corridor riverfront in West Bund, visiting art galleries featuring foreign and Chinese artists. The guided walk concludes at the lobby of the newly established West Bund x Pompidou Museum.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum: Traditional Chinese medicine has more than 3,000 years of history. Through this guided tour, you will be introduced to the basic traditional Chinese medicine theories, useful daily diagnostics, and treatment methods including acupuncture and moxibustion, Chinese herbs, dietary adjustment, acupressure, and cupping.
- Chinese Culture Workshop: Participate in the Chinese Culture Workshop and learn how to write Chinese calligraphy, play Mahong, and make Chinese dumplings.
- Urban Planning Museum: Wonder what Shanghai will look like in 10 or 20 years? Learn about the history of urban development in Shanghai and see models of future planning at the Urban Planning Museum. You will also use the metro to visit important city landmarks, see traditional Shanghai architecture, and get a little taste of its diverse food and culture.
- Suzhou Day Trip: Located at the lower end of the Yangtze River, Suzhou is famous for its resplendent gardens and beautiful scenery in addition to the city being one of the country’s four major embroidery centers in the silk industry. You will the explore this ancient water town and the garden style Suzhou Museum, designed by world renowned architect IM Pei.
- Huangpu River Cruise: Feast your eyes on magnificent views of building skylines and landmarks as you travel along both banks of the Huangpu River, allowing you to see the architectural diversity. In the evening, secure your spot on the deck to watch as the city lights up in dazzling lights and to get the best view of four of the most prominent high rises in Shanghai: Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower.
Day-To-Day Experience
Dates and Fees









Meet Your Program Advisor

What Our Students Say

Sarah Ratzlaff
Student, China

Ethan Ackerman
Student, China
“IFSA allowed me to take classes taught by Chinese professors from several local universities while also directly familiarizing us with urban China. I also got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel around central China through an IFSA-led trip!“
Unpacked: Student Stories
Contact the IFSA Office at 800.858.0229 or 317.940.9336 Ask for a Health and Safety team member.
Contact the Butler University Police Department at 317.940.9999 The officer on duty will contact the appropriate IFSA personnel.