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CIEE Accelerated Chinese Language in Shanghai

View of the Shanghai skyline from the water, highlighting the contemporary architecture. The city is lit up and vibrant.

FLAS Recipients (Undergraduate and Graduate) who participate on this program for Summer 2025 or Academic Year 2025-2026 will receive a guaranteed $1000 scholarship from IAP.

Talk to a representative for this program at the Study Abroad Fair.

China, Shanghai

Offered through CIEE, the Accelerated Chinese Language in Shanghai program is an approved UW affiliate program. This program is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in Chinese language and a deeper understanding of China today through intensive Chinese language coursework and cultural immersion, complemented by a selection of area studies courses.

The program is open to students with all levels of language skill, from beginner to superior level proficiency. You will take two accelerated courses that focus on rapid language acquisition and are designed to move you ahead at least two levels in all four Chinese language skills. You also have the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom through program activities, excursions, and volunteering.

You will be working closely with both IAP and CIEE on this program. You can access the program's main information page through the CIEE website to learn more about the academics, housing, excursions and activities, and location.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • 1 college-level Chinese area studies course recommended. This program is not designed for native Mandarin Chinese speakers. Students who are citizens of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan ROC, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau, please contact a CIEE Study Abroad Advisor for details.

  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Chinese (Mandarin), East Asian area studies

Classroom Language

Chinese, English

Housing

Local Hosts, Residence Hall

Program Duration

Academic Year: Early September - Mid-June
Fall: Early September - Mid-December
Spring: March - Mid-June

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 9/18/2026 Cost Details
Summer 2027 2/19/2027 Cost Details
Fall 2027-28 3/5/2027 Cost Details
Year 2027-28 3/5/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

The on-site staff and teachers are excellent. -Nathan H

Increase your Chinese language skills during this immersive language intensive program in Shanghai, China's largest city by population. For specific details on the courses and academic structure of the program, visit the CIEE program page. Below you will find the course equivalents listing for the program.

During the semester program, you have the option to do an internship for credit. 

This study abroad program is not designed for native Chinese speakers. Students who are citizens of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan ROC, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau should contact a CIEE Study Abroad Advisor for details.

Program Web Pages

CIEE Accelerated Chinese Language - Semester CIEE Accelerated Chinese Language - Summer

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents