China

Shanghai: International Business

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.

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).

International Business in China students take 6 credits of Chinese language in addition to 9 credits of courses in English that include marketing, economics, management, finance, international trade and operations, and supply chain management. Students may also elect to complete a 3-credit internship and be placed in Chinese or foreign-owned companies, NGOs or research institutes.

This program offers a full slate of co-curricular activities and excursions, including a week long field study trip to southern or western China.

Internships are available and placements may be limited for those with little or no prior Chinese language skills.

Please click here to be linked to the Alliance for Global Education's International Business 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 at SUFE. All grades earned abroad affect your North Central College GPA when transferred back. You cannot take courses pass/fail.  

International Business in China Courses

  • Required:  Chinese Language (6 credits)
  • Required:  China: Economic Giant (3 credits)

Two 3-credit electives of student's choice (6 credits)

  • CHIN 320/CHIN 322 Business Chinese I/II
  • ECON 371/FINC 370 International Money and Finance
  • ECON 380 International Trade: A Chinese Perspective
  • INTS 380 Internship
  • MKTG 390 China as a Global Market
  • MGMT 390 Managing Enterprises in China
  • SCOM 345 Operations and Supply Chain Management
  • IS379-01 Exploring Community & Culture in a Global Context

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

Students are housed in Tonghe International Apartments adjacent to the Alliance program center and university and a 10-15 minute walk from area studies course classrooms. The two bedroom apartments are shared by one Alliance student and one local university student, while three bedroom apartments are shared by two Alliance students and one local university student.

Meals: Meals are not included in the program fee.  Many students eat in the new cafeteria on campus. Meals are inexpensive (about $1-3 per meal). Many students also eat in local restaurants, especially those on the street adjacent to the campus. Students should budget $10 per day for meals, which will allow them to eat some meals off campus at local restaurants if desired.

Vegetarians will find that good food is available in China. Most restaurants serve lots of vegetables, tofu dishes, and staples such as rice, noodles, or dumplings. Note that some restaurants may use animal fat in preparing dishes.

Click here to be linked to more details regarding housing and meals.

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.