This program is tuition free for U.S. based students. Applicants will only need to pay a $300 application and administrative fee.*

• Program Date: June 2023
• Application: Apply for the online program
• Application Deadline: March 20, 2023

This free four-week online program includes:

• Free online Chinese language classes, Monday to Friday 08:00pm-09:30 am (Beijing Time) or Sunday to Thursday 7:00pm-8:30 pm (Eastern Time)
• Free Chinese culture classes including calligraphy, paper-cutting, and Tai Chi (two hours per week)
• Free lectures on Chinese cultural topics by invited speakers (two hours per week)
• Free Language Buddy activities (four hours per week)
• Free virtual tours (once per week)

*Please note: Your application is NOT complete and WON'T be considered until the non-refundable $300 Application Fee is received.

Accepted forms for payment are personal check, bank check, or money order made payable to Carnegie Mellon University (Please write "SISU 2023 Online" in the note section) and mailed (or hand-delivered) to:

Nancy Monda, Business Manager
Modern Languages
341 Posner Hall
Carnegie Mellon University
4980 Margaret Morrison St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

The total program cost is $3,500, including the application and administrative fees, tuition, and accommodation in a hotel double room in Shanghai, and cultural activities.* Applicants will need to pay for flight tickets, transportation, visa application and other related fees. 

• Program Date: Early June to late July 2023
• Application: Apply for the in-person program
• Application Deadline: March 13, 2023

CMU students can transfer up to two courses (18-24 units) back upon satisfactory completion of the program.

This eight-week in-person program includes:

• Intensive Chinese language classes, Monday to Friday 8:30am-11:50am (Beijing Time)
• Chinese culture classes including calligraphy, paper-cutting, Tai Chi (two hours per week for six weeks)
• Language Buddy activities (two hours per week for eight weeks)
• Cultural activities, including four (4) city tours in Shanghai and three (3) excursions to surrounding cities 

*Please note: Your application is NOT complete and WON'T be considered until the $500 Deposit (non-refundable unless there is an emergency) is received.

Accepted forms for payment are personal check, bank check, or money order made payable to Carnegie Mellon University (Please write "SISU 2023 In-Person" in the note section) and mailed (or hand-delivered) to:

Nancy Monda, Business Manager
Modern Languages
341 Posner Hall
Carnegie Mellon University
4980 Margaret Morrison St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

The SISU program is open to all.

• Beginner Level: No prerequisite
• Intermediate Level: One year of Chinese study at CMU or another US institution
• Advanced Level: 2-3 years of Chinese study at CMU or another US institution

Cost

Approximately US $3,500, which covers tuition and fees, books and other learning materials, room and board, in-city cultural tours, and travel to four cities outside Shanghai. Airfare and visa fees are not included.

Visit our Payment Page to learn about payment options for Modern Languages study abroad programs.

Financial Support

• A scholarship from the Department of Modern Languages is available to students from Carnegie Mellon University. It will cover the tuition and fees. Apply by February 17, 2023.

Other Study Abroad Scholarships

We encourage you to visit the university's Office of International Education and Study Abroad websites. They may be helpful for students who are deciding whether to pursue a study abroad program. More study abroad scholarship information can also be found on the Dietrich Study Abroad Scholarship page. 

Below are a few scholarships of note:

Carnegie Mellon University Funding

• Global Engagement Scholarship (due March 1, 2023)
• Tartans Abroad Scholarship (due March 31, 2023) 
• Dietrich College Study/Travel Abroad Grant Program (due April 1, 2023)

External Funding

• Jennings Family Brave Companions Award (due February 17, 2023)
• Freeman-ASIA Awards for Study in Asia (applications open in February 2023) 
• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship (due March 9, 2023)

Accommodation

Study abroad students typically stay at the SISU Guest House for Foreign Students (a double-room in a hotel-like facility with air conditioning, bathroom, and cafeteria).

Travel

In-city tours are provided by SISU for free. Weekend trips to nearby cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing will also be arranged. After the program, you may travel to any other cities you choose at your own expense. SISU will be able to help you make arrangements, if needed.