China: IFSA Shanghai
Study abroad in China through the IFSA program at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.
The IFSA program uses classrooms and residence halls at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) and students have access to the campus facilities and services. The courses will be with other students in the IFSA program.
Try delicious street food and immerse yourself in Chinese culture and language through unique excursions and activities. Great fit for students studying Chinese, Asian studies, global health, business, international relations, economics, and more.
Why Study Abroad in China?
“If you feel like you want something completely different, something that will take you out of your comfort zone, then I would 100% recommend going to Shanghai. It’s a country that is rich in history and has a very interesting and unique culture. Besides that, the food is delicious!” - Rollins Study Abroad Alum
Academic Information
Chinese Language Courses
- Students usually take 6 credits of Chinese language.
- Students with no background in Chinese language may opt to take the 1-credit Essential Chinese language course during the first few weeks of the program, which will help them build the skills to communicate effectively and navigate a new culture.
- Students may also opt to do the Chinese language intensive program, which requires two prior semesters of Chinese and is entirely language-focused (students must sign a language pledge to only use Chinese during their time abroad).
IFSA Core Courses
Students choose one of the following IFSA core courses depending on their chosen track:
Additional Courses
Students will then choose their additional courses from the array of other IFSA courses. See below for links to course titles, descriptions, and full syllabi.
Transfer of Credit
- Students on the program will take Chinese language, one of the two IFSA core courses, and at least one other IFSA course for a total of 12-15 credits.
- Grades appear on the Rollins transcript and factor into the GPA. It can take up to three months for grades to be processed.
- Students can take major and minor courses abroad (with approval from the academic department) and can also take competencies and rFLA200-level seminars abroad (with approval from the Registrar).
What It’s Like to Study Abroad in China
Housing
Students will live in newly renovated international student-shared apartments with private bedrooms on SUFE's campus. Each apartment includes four fully furnished bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and an unfurnished kitchen. There is a communal laundry room with washers and dryers downstairs. Internet is available for purchase.
Meals
- Student can cook in the shared kitchen or eat out, as there is no meal plan.
- There are a variety of inexpensive restaurants near the housing. It’s easy to purchase a full meal for $10, and breakfast and lunch are often as low as $5. There are Western-style restaurants and bars about a 20-minute walk from the housing.
- As part of the orientation program, students are introduced to some of the local restaurants and learn how to order in a Chinese restaurant (including key terms for reading menus!).
Activities and Excursions
- IFSA organizes a one-week field study trip for students during the fall and spring semesters, usually to Yunnan or Qinghai province to learn about China’s social, economic, and geographic diversity.
- Students also have a free week for independent travel.
- IFSA organized visits to famous sites in Shanghai as well as cultural performances, special lectures, walking tours, dumpling cooking, Tai Chi lessons, and more!
- There is also a language table and a Chinese buddy program, and students are encouraged to join any of the SUFE student clubs and orgs to interact with Chinese students.
- Additional activities are connected to the core courses: students on the Public Health rack will attend clinic visits and professional healthcare-related events, and students on the Business track visit companies in Shanghai.
Things to Consider
- Non-Asian students, especially BIPOC, may experience stares and heightened curiosity from locals. Make sure to check the resources available on the International Program's MyRollins "Your Identity Abroad" page.
- Although there are no legal restrictions on same-sex relationships attitudes toward members of the LGBTQIA+ community vary. Make sure to check the US Department of State LGBTI Travelers page and ILGA Sexual Orientation Laws in the World for more information and the IP "Your Identity Abroad" page in MyRollins.
- Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP "Your Identity Abroad" page in MyRollins.
Program Calendar
Fall 2024
Program Start Date: August 21, 2024
Program End Date: December 14, 2024
Spring 2025
Program Start Date: Late February 2025
Program End Date: Early June 2025
Requirements for Admission
- Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
- Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and college standing
- Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Required advising session (30 minutes). Please schedule an appointment.
Additional Requirements for Internship
- 1 year of College-level Chinese is recommended, but not required
- Strong resume, cover letter, and successful internship interview
- Prerequisites: INB Students must have completed at least one of the following courses: INB 337, INB 365, INB 372
Getting There
Flight
Students arrange their own flight to Shanghai. IFSA will arrange an airport pick-up during the specified arrival time.
Orientation
Students participate in a 2-3 day orientation to get introduced to the program, the professors, the campus, and the city. The orientation also introduces students to Chinese culture and includes cultural and social activites.
Visa
- U.S. students must obtain a visa to study in China, and IFSA will provide instructions for the process, which is typically done through a visa processing agent.
- For general information about the visa process and visas for non-US citizens, see MyRollins for passports & visa information.
Costs
Program Fee
Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.
Tuition: $30,290
Housing: $5,115
Also Includes
Tuition and administration, housing, airport pickup, Chinese language books, cell phone, full medical and emergency insurance, orientation, and excursions and activities.
Estimated Additional Costs
Airfare from Orlando: $1,600
Visa fee: $450 (interns pay an additional $170)
Cost for all meals: $1,800
Personal expenses and local transportation: $1200
Souvenirs, entertainment and independent travel: Costs will vary but an average estimate is $1000 - $1,600
Scholarships
Scholarships based on financial need are available to off-set costs associated with international airfare and other costs associated with study abroad. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application. Students can also apply for additional scholarships through the IFSA website.
Living and Working
Having a credit card while abroad is very helpful. China has a lower cost of living as compared to the United States.
Connect with an Advisor, Apply or Learn More
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