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  • Locations: Shanghai, China
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: CIEE 
  • Restrictions: UNT applicants only
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2027 10/15/2026 ** Rolling Admission 02/26/2027 06/13/2027

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete Pre-Departure / Post-Decision Phase materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Academic Level: Undergraduate Program Type: Affiliated
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5 Click here for a definition of this term Housing Options: Homestay w/Family, On-campus residence hall
Click here for a definition of this term Classification: Undergraduates Sophomore and Above Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years of age by the time of departure
Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: Business Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English
Program Contact in SAO: Mr. Glenn Danielson (Glenn.Danielson@unt.edu)
Program Description:

CIEE College Study Abroad

Sustainable Smart Cities

Shanghai, China

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in Shanghai lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how China's largest city is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Shanghai while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Shanghai!

Unique Experiences

Explore Shanghai's cutting-edge urban sustainability projects

and learn how AI-driven infrastructure, green building technologies, and big data solutions are enhancing energy efficiency and waste management

Engage in community-based sustainability projects

such as local waste sorting campaigns or urban gardening projects that promote biodiversity and sustainable food systems

Explore smart mobility and urban innovation

to gain firsthand insight into Shanghai's advanced smart transportation systems, including its extensive metro network and AI-driven traffic management

Learn More About Shanghai

Your Destination

Shanghai is China's sustainable smart city, celebrated for its rapid innovation, cutting-edge infrastructure, and forward-thinking approach to urban development. As a hub for technology, finance, and sustainability, Shanghai blends historic charm with a modern skyline, efficient transit, and a thriving startup scene. Explore landmarks like The Bund, Yu Garden, and Lujiazui while experiencing the pulse of one of Asia's most influential cities. Whether you're studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Shanghai is the perfect place to study abroad.

Your Destination
Housing

Housing

CIEE Shanghai offers students housing in campus residence halls with a CIEE roommate. Campus residence halls are?located in?neighborhoods with convenient?access to CIEE Shanghai Center (a 10-minute walk).???

View CIEE's program page for additional housing information.

Program Highlights

  • Featured Courses:?Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
  • Sustainability in Practice Workshop:?Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
  • Immersive Experiences:?Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
  • Academic Projects:?Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.

Activities

CIEE's excursions and cultural activities in Shanghai will open doors for you to explore China's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.

Samples of past excursions and activities:

  • Visit the Shanghai Zoo to learn about habitat preservation, biodiversity, the impact of human activities on wildlife, and how the zoo integrates green initiatives like organic farming
  • Travel to Chongming Island to learn about cutting-edge research on wetland restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices
  • Volunteer at a pioneering O2O (online-to-offline) charity store, where you will assist with sorting/organizing donated goods and managing the store's online platform

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Academics

CIEE Shanghai:?Study on the campus of East China Normal University (ECNU), CIEE's esteemed partner institution, CIEE Shanghai features a library, a student life office, and an academic advising office. Students are encouraged to use ECNU's library and outdoor facilities as needed.

East China Normal University (ECNU):?East China Normal University (ECNU) is located in Shanghai – a renowned international metropolis with architectural landmarks that capture the eye with new aesthetic designs. Founded in October 1951, ECNU is renowned for its leadership in disciplines such as education, psychology, and Chinese language teaching, positioning itself as a prominent institution in these fields nationwide. ECNU also boasts three national "Double First-Class" disciplines in education, ecology, and statistics, as well as six Shanghai municipal peak disciplines, including education, world history, geography, statistics, island atmosphere and ecology, and intelligent education.

Arizona State University (ASU):?Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

View CIEE's program page for additional academic information, eligibility requirements, and courses.

Internships

Shanghai boasts a vibrant, fast-paced work scene that seamlessly blends traditional values with its modern corporate culture. This dynamic city is the ideal hub for finance, technology, and manufacturing professionals, with a growing focus on innovation and collaboration.

Industry options include:

  • Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
  • Architecture and Construction
  • Business Management and Administration
  • Consumer Goods and Retail
  • Education and Training
  • Health Science

1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!

GAIN Travel Grants - Up to $1,500 toward travel costs guaranteed to students with a FAFSA SAI of $10,000 or less. Higher should still apply!

Gilman Go Global Grants - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $1,000 guaranteed to Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship applicants.

Merit-Based Scholarships - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $750/summer awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Learn More About Scholarships

What's Included

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
  • Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
  • Orientation – an introduction to your academic program, plus practical information about living in your host city
  • Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
  • Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
  • Excursions and/or Study Tours
  • Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext Travel Protection
  • 24/7 emergency on-site support

Why CIEE

  • 200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
  • $8 million in scholarships offered each year
  • 1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
  • Study tours and cultural activities included
  • Internships and volunteering opportunities
  • Rigorous academics
  • Cultural immersion
  • iNext Travel Protection included

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.

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