Word on the street is out. Your roommate is going to London, and your best friend is on a flight to Paris tomorrow. But you’ve always been a little bit different. Your study abroad interests go way beyond Shakespeare and croissants. You don’t mind being outside of your comfort zone, and you want to be immersed in a culture that couldn’t be more different from your own.
Make this view of Shanghai a reality when you study abroad in China!
You chose China. The People’s Republic of. The world’s most populous country, and one of our earliest civilizations. You know why study abroad in China is so intriguing—it is the land of ancient Buddhist temples and 15th century Ming dynasty palaces juxtaposed with the highest skyscrapers on the planet (128 floors to be exact!). When you’re not studying, you’re eating. People love China study abroad programs for the food. You’ll eventually figure out those chopsticks and pinch the doughy pork baos and steamed dumplings, slurp up the hot pot or feast on a peking duck. China is famous for its cuisine and is, surprisingly, a vegetarian's delight.
Politically, this country is an ever-growing world superpower, and students can’t wait to learn all about its success. China is LARGE which means you have many choices for the best China study abroad programs. Learn in the cosmopolitan international city of Shanghai to the East. Travel to the cool hip and techy city of Shenzhen in the South. Trailblaze the jungles of Chengdu to the West to find that elusive and adorable panda bear.
So you want to live in China? These amazing programs will let you live your dream!
Still wondering why….. study abroad in…... China? First and foremost, you’ll be booking a ticket to the classrooms of the top universities in the world. Foreign students are itching to study at one of China’s many prestigious and world class institutions. Also, China abroad programs almost always feature language immersion components. Chinese is the world’s most spoken language, and increasingly important in international business. Studying with the best while learning Mandarin means a guaranteed job after graduation, right?! Ok, you know you want to be in China, but you need a little help choosing a program. Read below to discover more about the seven best China study abroad programs!
Here’s a short list of what’s to come:
- TEAN: China Semester in Shanghai
- Chinese Language Institute Immersion Program: Learn Chinese in China
- IES Abroad Shanghai Economy Business and Society
- Konall Cultural Exchange
- GT-Shenzhen- Study Engineering in China
- USAC Chengdu Chinese Language and Culture Studies
- CSA Budget Low Cost- Beijing Language and Culture University
The 7 best study abroad programs in China this year
1. TEAN: China Semester in Shanghai —9.88
TEAN, The Education Abroad Network, is a 20-year industry leader for study abroad programs in Asia and the South Pacific. The company was founded by two Americans that now reside in China who, like you, have a passion for study abroad. TEAN has several study abroad programs in China. Check out the Shanghai semester program, which offers students the opportunity to learn at Fudan University, ranked top three in China and 40th in the world. TEAN works in partnership with the University of Virginia Mandarin program, so you’ll learn from both Chinese and Western experts in their fields.
The program is broad in scope as participants choose from over 120 courses at Fudan U. In your free time you can explore the vibrant and dynamic city of Shanghai. Enjoy the orientation program provided by TEAN, where you’ll stop by local markets, learn about Tai Chi, and even take a cooking class. If you’re looking for a wide variety of courses in an international hub, TEAN is the one you want for study abroad programs in China!
- Where? Shanghai
- When? Fall semester, Spring semester, Year
- Subjects? Accounting, Business, Chinese Language, Communications, Economics, Information Systems, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Sociology, Statistics, Women's Studies
- Read TEAN reviews here
2. Omeida Chinese Academy: Mandarin Language Program in China's Mountain Paradise—9.6
Chinese language immersion has never looked so beautiful! Nestled in the mountains and far away from the smog of other major areas of China, Omeida Chinese Academy offers a one-of-a-kind immersion experience for students who are serious about learning Mandarin. Take your pick from a standard weekly schedule of 15 lessons, or go do-or-die with an intensive course load of 30 lessons per week. Hey, you wanted to get fluent FAST, right?
Those who study Chinese language with Omeida Chinese Academy will also be in a prime position to make friends from all over the world; Omeida students will be in close proximity to native Chinese students who are learning English at the college next door. (Sounds like you’re all set for study buddies!) Accommodation is included with this program, as well as internet access, free use of washing machines, and meals on weekdays. Start dates are each week year-round.
- Where? Guilin
- When? Year
- Subjects? Chinese Language
- Read Omeida Chinese Academy reviews here
3. Chinese Language Institute Immersion Program: Learn Chinese in China—9.4
CLI is recommended for the most serious Chinese immersion student for China study abroad programs. The Chinese Language Institute has been providing quality Chinese immersion programs for 20 years. Founded by two Americans and joined by a team of experts passionate about China and the Chinese language, these people live and breathe Mandarin. Students earn credits and learn Chinese at Guangxi Normal University located in the southwestern part of the country.
You’ll be surrounded by waterfalls, rivers and cycling—a perfect atmosphere for outdoor enthusiasts in a region dotted with traditional villages for a dose of authentic Chinese culture. Choose between a standard and intensive language study and you’ll also get extra one-on-one tutoring hours in Chinese. Best part about CLI? Students can opt to have a fellow university buddy during the program to help you connect more with the culture and language. Make long-lasting friendships, practice your Chinese, and truly experience the local culture.
- Where? Guangxi
- When? Fall, Spring, Summer, or Winter semester
- Subjects? Asian Studies, Chinese Language, Foreign Language, Travel & Tourism
- Read CLI reviews here
4. IES Abroad Shanghai Economy Business and Society—9.25
China is quickly taking the stage as a superpower of global business, and there is no better place to see it up close than in Shanghai, an international hub of commerce and finance. Business and economic majors should take a look at the semester abroad in Shanghai with IES. This is not your average study abroad provider. IES is a non-profit, mission-driven organization dedicated to providing quality, award-winning programs, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Plus, they offer five million in scholarship funds every year!
In the IES Shanghai program, you’ll study Mandarin and choose other courses to dig deep into the nuances of Chinese business culture and its economy. You’ll be at one of the top tier universities in Shanghai, Fudan, or Jiao Tong University. The best part about this program? There’s a field trip to other Asian cities like Tokyo or Seoul for a comparative analysis! China study abroad programs like IES make you realize that you can’t learn about the Asian economy from a book. There is no better way to experience these dynamic global cities than to be there. IES helps you learn about business in Asia from within!
- Where? Shanghai
- When? Fall or Spring semester
- Subjects? Anthropology, Asian Studies, Business, Chinese Language, Economics, International Business, International Relations, Marketing, Political Science, Religious Studies, Sociology
- Read IES Abroad Shanghai reviews her
5. Konall Culture Exchange—9.29
Do you find Shanghai and Beijing overrated and overrun with foreigners? Konall Culture Exchange agrees. Located in Shijiazhuang, two hours south of Beijing, the company is proud to be located in a city identified as having no Western influence or architecture, or many English speaking tourists. China study abroad programs like Konall curate immersion experiences where you won’t be tempted to fall back on your English. All language classes are one-on-one, and homestays are available for students looking to practice Chinese with a local family.
Students can choose between a standard monthly intensive program or the HSK test track. This test is recognized as a universal standard for measuring proficiency in Mandarin. Get high scores on this test and you’ll be ready for a graduate degree taught only in Chinese. Konall is ideal for students who are focused on learning Mandarin and even those that are pursuing employment or academic work in Mandarin.
- Where? Shijiazhuang
- When? Flexible (one month to long-term)
- Subjects? Chinese Language
- Read KCE in China reviews here
6. GT-Shenzhen- Study Engineering in China—9.6
STEM kids have wanderlust too! Search queries only coming up with business and humanities programs? We got you. You probably already know that Georgia Tech University is a big name in STEM. Well, they also happen to have a summer study abroad program in Shenzhen, which is quickly becoming known as the Silicon Valley of China. Courses with George Tech are taught inside the High Tech Industry park of Shenzhen, so you’re just steps away from hundreds of high-tech companies.
Though the program is summer only, participants can earn 8-10 college credits; coursework includes Mandarin classes, plus a choice of statistics, electronics, and engineering classes. Transfer credit is available for non-GT students. Put Georgia Tech on your resume and spend a summer in one of the best tech cities in China!
- Where? Shenzhen
- When? Summer
- Subjects? Computer Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Statistics
- Read GT Shenzhen reviews here
7. USAC Chengdu Chinese Language and Culture Studies—8.5
Chengdu, the capital city in the Sichuan province, is known for beautiful mountainous backdrop scenery and the panda bear. Choose USAC, which is a non-profit consortium of study abroad and university partnerships designed to help students find affordable and quality study abroad programs. This is a university-based and mission-driven organization to help students create meaningful experiences abroad. In this USAC program, you’ll study at the University of Chengdu, which is a growing city in Central China. Experience cultural traditions of both Chinese and Tibetan foods and festivals.
Earn college credit and learn Chinese while also taking electives in courses like ancient Chinese history, Sichuan cuisine, or Tai Chi. Participate in other programs, such as optional internships or volunteer activities. Excursions include trips to the Panda Research Center. There’s so much to learn and experience in Chengdu, so do it with a program that truly understands university students!
- Where? Chengdu
- When? Fall, Spring, Year, Summer
- Subjects? Anthropology, Art & Fine Arts, Asian Studies, Chinese Language, Culinary Arts, Economics, Education, Foreign Language, History, Political Science, Sociology
- Read USAC reviews
[Didn’t Find What You’re Looking For? Browse ALL Study Abroad Programs in China!]
You’re ready to find the best study abroad programs in China!
Get ready to immerse yourself in one of the oldest cultures in the world!
The options for study abroad in China are as immense as the country itself, but we hope that with this list of our best China study abroad programs, you’re getting closer to choosing your ideal experience. Whether you’re looking to improve your Mandarin, study with the Ivy Leaguers of Asia, or simply just see the world, China has something for everyone. When you study abroad in China, you’ll be in one of the world’s oldest civilizations—3,000 years to be exact! But its modernity has surpassed many and it continues to thrive. Students everywhere are flocking to study abroad programs in China, as the country quickly becomes a nation of global prestige in technology and business.
Without a doubt, a study abroad experience in China helps you beef up your resume and your Mandarin skills, making you that much more employable after graduation. And when you’re not soaking up the knowledge in your program city, you’re picking miniature weekend journeys that add to the collage of your China experience! Enjoy photo ops of the famous terracotta soldiers of Xian along China’s legendary Silk Road, hike through rice-paddy terraces, or ride a bamboo raft along the peaceful Yangshuo river. Choose a program that suits you and pack your bags for a trip to a globally powerful nation steeped in both culture and history. China awaits you!
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