NCC Student

Shanghai: Intensive Chinese Language

Before you meet with a study abroad advisor be sure to complete the "Advising Form" linked at the top of this page.

Please note that you will not be able to apply for semester or yearlong study abroad program until you've met with a study abroad advisor.

Program Overview

Eligible participants must be at junior or senior level with a 3.0 GPA preferred. One year of college-level Chinese required to participate in this program.

Programs in Shanghai are limited to three students per academic year. Additional fees may apply.

As one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing cities, Shanghai offers students an unparalleled opportunity to experience China’s economic rebirth and revitalization and to witness the cultural transformation of modern China. Students can choose among four Alliance programs at SUFE: 21st Century City, International Business in China and Public Health Policy and Practice (all requiring no prior language study), or Intensive Chinese Language (for students who have completed one year of Chinese language study).

Intensive Chinese Language students take 15 credits of Chinese language and may also enroll in an optional elective course taught in English. Students in the Intensive Chinese Language program live with a Chinese host family.

All programs offer a full slate of cocurricular activities and excursions, including a weeklong field study trip to southern or western China.

Please click here to be linked to the Alliance for Global Education's Intensive Chinese Language program website.

Academics

Students are required to complete GLS 277 in the spring term prior to studying abroad in the fall.

Students earn 15 credits upon successful completion of courses in Shanghai. All grades earned abroad affect your North Central College GPA when transferred back. You cannot take courses pass/fail.  

For course descriptions and additional program information please click here.

Note:  Students must have courses pre-approved by North Central College prior to taking them abroad. If students change their course schedules while abroad, they must get this change approved. Some departments only permit students to take a certain number of courses that count toward their major abroad. To ensure that all courses count towards their degrees, students must get their department's approval.

Housing and Meals

All students in the Intensive Chinese Language program are required to live with a host family. In homestays students gain an in-depth understanding of Chinese family dynamics and traditions through sharing meals and participating in other family activities.

Homestays provide students with an excellent opportunity to develop a more intimate understanding of Chinese culture and language through discussing and witnessing topics on Chinese culture, tradition and social life raised in the classroom with locals working and living in Shanghai up close.

Moreover, during their homestays students find countless opportunities to improve their Chinese language skills.

Meals:  Certain meals are provided by students’ host families. See the Food and Meals section for more information on which meals are included in the program fee.

Estimated Costs

Students in Direct Enrollment programs (i.e. Universidad Viña del Mar) pay North Central College tuition plus a $4,000 program fee. A $30 non-refundable application fee is due at the time of application submission. This program fee includes placement, orientation and guidance fees, as well as standard self-catered housing. The College selects accommodations; if students choose to upgrade, they are responsible for paying any difference in cost. Unless otherwise noted, the fee does not include airfare, travel to and from airport, meals, visa fees, departure tax, books, national insurance, personal travel or spending money. North Central College financial aid does apply.