Shanghai has grown exponentially in the past hundred years—from an early trading port to a massive international metropolis with a population of 24 million. Known for its fast-paced businesses and cosmopolitan vibe, the city is intricately connected with the global flows of commodities and people. It also represents the enormous environmental, economic, and social challenges that are mirrored across China and around the world. Find your home in a vibrant, student-friendly neighborhood, with our program center just around the corner from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.
If you’re eager to make rapid gains in Chinese language, this program is for you. With 20 hours of weekly instruction, a 24/7 language pledge, and a family homestay option, real progress is in your reach. Along with stronger language skills that create a solid foundation for many international careers, you’ll get an authentic sense of local culture and values by sharing meals and traditions with Shanghai citizens and exploring a fascinating city where skyscrapers and temples share the landscape. Popular among students majoring in Chinese language and Asian studies.
The IFSA Study in Shanghai: Intensive Chinese Language academic track offers 20 hours per week of Chinese language instruction for students who wish to focus on improving their Chinese language skills. To enroll, students must have completed at least two semesters of prior Chinese language study.
A placement exam during on-site orientation determines each student’s appropriate language level. (15 U.S. semester credit hours)
Students also have the option to take one of the IFSA Study in Shanghai elective classes taught in English, bringing their course load to a total of 18 credits. Not all electives may be offered in a given semester depending on enrollment and faculty availability.
Program activities are designed to enhance your intercultural competence by developing your understanding of the local culture and people. Activities are optional, but they are included in your total program fee. Activities vary each term based on availability, but may include:
IFSA excursions are included in your total program fee and though these are optional, most students choose to participate. They vary each term based on availability, but excursions may include:
The following information has been compiled by the Buckman Center for International Education at Rhodes College. This is not an end- all, be-all of costs for off-campus study. Information is not limited to what is listed and all things are subject to change. Any organizations linked are simply there as a means of price comparison – the Buckman Center is not promoting or opposing any particular organization. While we have provided base resources, it is your responsibility to complete sufficient research and finalize your budget model for your program. Everyone has different spending habits; therefore, your personal costs can vary greatly and are subject to the individual.
We appreciate your help in keeping these links live. We ask that you report any broken links to internationalprograms@rhodes.edu with the broken URL or the location of the broken link.
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Be aware in the steps of acquiring a visa any hidden fees such as transportation, travel, time off of work, etc.
Student Visa Fees and Costs around: $130 USD (US Citizen under 6 months) and $140 USD (US Citizen over 6 months)
Though most visas have online applications, there will be in person appointments at consulate offices
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Passport Book and Card: $140 USD
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Power adapter: China uses a different adapter from the US
If you plan on traveling to other locations, consider purchasing a universal power adaptor.
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You might run into issues with phone use in other countries, but this usually depends on your phone service provider. Many have international options/packages that will allow you to use your phone in a different country or you can also buy a separate phone made for international use. If you fully own your phone, it should not be difficult to acquire an international sim card once you arrive, and if not, you could use an old phone still in your possession. Work with your own phone service provider to find the best option for your situation.
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Airfare (Greatly depends on location)
If flying from Memphis to Shanghai, cost is between: ~$3000-6000 USD for a round trip
If flying from Memphis to Beijing, cost is between: ~$2000-7000 USD for a round trip
These are generalizations, but a ballpark estimate assuming you are leaving from Memphis. We recommend purchasing refundable/changeable airfare, for unforeseen situations. We recommend you purchase the “Cancel for Any Reason” trip protection insurance mentioned on the Buckman Center’s website. Once you purchase your airfare, you have 14 days in which you can add your ticket to this insurance policy so as to be able to recoup some of its expense in the event you are unable to travel.
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Immunization - travel vaccinations are not normally covered by many private health insurance plans (although some plans will cover them) and are not covered at all by Medicare.
Please review the CDC’s site for required and recommended vaccinations and medicines well in advance of travel.
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Make sure you have medical and accident insurance while outside the US. Check with your program, as most programs offer this protection. If your program does not include medical and accident insurance, you must ensure that you purchase adequate coverage. The Buckman Center can help identify insurance carriers for students. Alternatively, if you are included in your guardian’s/parent’s insurance plan, you should check with that insurance carrier to see if you remain covered while outside the US.
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Food/Room (if not included)
Rooming: Dependent on choice of stay and program cost coverage
Be aware that some programs require housing deposits that could cost several hundred dollars. This is the case for most ISEP programs.
Student dormitory: average $150-400 USD per month
Private room in a flat: average $300-1000 USD per month
Be sure to do ample research on housing options with your program in my mind
Meal cost average $1.00 USD
Note that if you spend above average on food in the US, you will most likely do the same abroad
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International Bank Account and ATM fees
Students will most likely continue to use their domestic banks unless they are staying for over a year (most students do not open a new bank account for a semester or year-long stay) However, if you are interested in opening a foreign bank account, do extensive research before making any decisions. Be aware of ATM fees that your personal bank may have in foreign countries.
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Train tickets: ~$17.00-25.00 USD (per km)
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This is subjective but be aware that these are costs that will come up. Average entertainment costs include sports, cinema, excursions, shopping, souvenirs, etc. Be aware of any independent travel on weekends (transportation, hotel, meals, entrance fees to museums, etc.).
