Program Dates

July 7–August 8, 2025

Academic Information

CMU students can transfer one course (9-12 units) back upon satisfactory completion of the program.

This 5-week program includes:

• Intensive Chinese language classes
• Small class sizes and personalized learning
• Extracurricular cross-cultural language partner activities
• A week-long Cultural Experience Tour in Shanghai and its neighboring cities
• Opportunity for students to obtain a formal HSK language certificate

Accommodation

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

Travel

Applicants are required to apply for a Chinese visa, purchase international round-trip flight tickets, and organize their travel to and from Shanghai independently. SISU will supply the necessary documents (such as your Admission Letter) and relevant travel information.

In-city tours are included in the cost for in-person programs provided by SISU. Additionally, weekend excursions to nearby cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing will be organized and covered by the program. Before or after the program, you are welcome to travel to other cities of your choice, at your own expense. 

The SISU program is open to all.

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

Program Cost

$5,500*

This includes: Tuition and fees, books and other learning materials, room and board, week-long cultural tours in Shanghai and its neighboring cities.

Not included: Airfare, meals and visa fees. 

*Subject to fund availability, applicants who pay the initial deposit by March 1, 2025, may be eligible for an additional discount. This discount does not impact the applicants' chances of applying for and receiving additional scholarships. More information will be provided in due course.

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

Study Abroad Scholarships

The Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics, along with the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, offers study abroad scholarships for students to study for a semester, full-year, or summer overseas. All LCAL declared majors, and Arabic Studies minors, are guaranteed a departmental scholarship if they are in good academic standing with CMU. Scholarships can be put towards tuition, room and board, airfare and/or book expenses when participating in any accredited study abroad program. Learn more about scholarships.

Additionally, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development offers two national and international fellowships and scholarships that students participating in the CMU in Shanghai program might be eligible for: the CMU Jennings Family Brave Companions Fund and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. Learn more about these study abroad scholarship options.