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CIEE China in a Global Context in Shanghai

A brown building with slanted roofs and intricate colored details throughout the walls.

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

China, Shanghai

Offered through CIEE, the China in a Global Context in Shanghai program is an approved UW affiliate program. This program seeks for students to learn about China and its place in the world. Chinese language instruction and area studies coursework traces China’s development from its colonial period to its modern politics and incorporates the internal and external factors that continue to mold China today.

This program is ideal for students with backgrounds in the humanities and social sciences, especially those with majors or minors in international relations or political science. Students choose from a wide variety of English-language courses. This program also includes taking on an optional internship throughout your time abroad. Outside of class, 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. 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.

  • 2.75 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, humanities, social sciences

Classroom Language

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)

Fall 2026-27 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 9/18/2026 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

 

I worked about 20 hours per week at my internship in China. It was very challenging, but I definitely learned a lot and have a more clear vision for my future career. -Rachel H

Take a deep dive into the history and culture of China while increasing your Chinese language proficiency. For specific details on the courses and academic structure of the program, visit the CIEE program page. One semester of college-level Chinese area studies is recommended. Below you will find the course equivalents listing for the program.

This program includes taking on an optional internship throughout your time abroad. 

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.

Program Web Pages

CIEE China in a Global Context

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