Highlights

Shanghai is one of the largest cities in the world with over 20 million people. It is the financial capital of China and a city of extreme historical significance. Shanghai is considered the crowning achievement of China's economic success in recent years, and has showcased its success when it hosted the World Expo 2010.

Shanghai's identity has been shaped by its history, which can be traced back thousands of years. It has been a market city since the mid 11th Century and became a trading center for the world in 1842. By 1930, Shanghai was a world hub of trade and commerce. Much of Shanghai's success was originally due to its proximity to the coast and Asia's largest river, the Yangtze. However, China recently re-invested in Shanghai in the early 1990's as a center for world finance, which has seen rapid economic growth in a short period of time.

This rapid growth is apparent to anyone who visits the city. Visitors will experience very efficient public transit, a multitude of restaurants from around the globe, and some of the best shopping opportunities of any city in the world. In Shanghai, one can find Louis Vuitton on one corner and bargain boutiques on the next. This commerce culture is an important aspect of living in Shanghai, as bargaining for your purchases is a part of daily life.

In recent years, there has been an influx of immigrants to Shanghai. Where once foreigners would look out of place, now Shanghai is like any metropolis with all ethnicity represented in its inhabitants. The city has adapted incredibly well to the change in demographics, and the local hospitality will help anyone feel welcome and comfortable.

Here are a few things that all visitors to Shanghai should make sure to see:

The Bund - Possibly the most famous tourist destination in Shanghai, the Bund is an area along the Huangpu River across from the newly developed and skyscraper-laden Pudong region of the city. Here people can walk by the river, browse the many shops, have a great meal, or just sit at a cafe and enjoy the scenery. There are many historical buildings along the Bund, including most of the European and American buildings from the 19th Century that were built when Shanghai was being established as East Asia's major trade hub.

Yuyuan Garden - Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful Chinese gardens in the region, the Yuyuan Garden was originally created in the 16th Century and has been renovated many times since then. It now includes over 5 acres of gardens with six distinctive areas. The gardens are isolated from the surrounding bustle of China's largest city by the "dragon walls", which are an entire work by themselves.

City God Temple - Directly adjacent to the Yuyuan Garden is the area of Shanghai known as the City God Temple. While the temple itself is at the center of the district and reminds visitors of Shanghai's traditional origins, the entire area surrounding the temple is full of small shops and stores filled with all kinds of goods. Thanks to its moderate climate, even during the winter one can find street performers, local and traveling artists, cultural events and a variety of bargaining shops.

Pudong - This region of Shanghai has been developed specifically as the large commercial region of the city, and includes the famous Shanghai skyline. The most famous skyscrapers in Shanghai are here, including the Jin Mao Tower (88 stories) and the adjacent Shanghai World Financial Center (101 stories). Shanghai Tower is being built next to both of these buildings, and is planned to be 128 stories tall. Of course the Oriental Pearl Tower, a TV tower, is also in Pudong and is the most distinctive building in the city.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education

High School

Cost in US$:

8,000 for semester

Cost Includes:

Cost Include Description:

* Pre-departure advising
* Tuition at host university
* Official transcript from host university
* On-site ISA office
* Full-time ISA resident staff
* On-site cultural and academic orientation
* Airport reception and transfers
* Student Housing
* Internet access
* Tutorial assistance
* Excursions
* Cultural Activities
* Medical insurance
* Student services
* Visa support

Credit Available

no

This Program is open to

American, Canadian Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Participants Travel to China

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

ISA (International Studies Abroad)'s Mission Statement

To provide high quality education abroad opportunities to American and Canadian college students at an affordable price. We recognize that we play an important role in the worldwide effort of international educators to increase individuals' awareness of cultures and societies outside of their own national boundaries.

Year Founded

1987