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Shanghai - Engineering
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components.
You will take a total of 15-16 credits per semester.
- Select English-taught Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or Liberal Arts courses at the University of Michigan-SJTU Joint Institute (3-4 credits each)
- Fall Students: IES Abroad semesterlong Chinese language course (required, 4 credits)
- Spring Students: Four-week intensive IES Abroad Chinese language course (required, 4 credits)
*A smaller selection of SJTU courses are offered in the spring vs. in the summer or fall. Check out our Summer Engineering program as well!
Course offerings vary semester to semester. Below is a sample list of courses past students have taken:
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Mechanical Engineering:
Electrical & Computer Engineering:
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Non-Engineering Electives:
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Please visit the Joint Institute's website for more information on present course offerings and syllabi: http://umji.sjtu.edu.cn/present-course-offerings/
Courses
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
IES Abroad -taught Chinese Language Courses
Partner Institution(s)
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
en.sjtu.edu.cn
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is consistently ranked as one of the top five universities in China. The Engineering Program will be based on the Minhang Engineering campus of SJTU in southwest Shanghai.
This program is organized in cooperation with the University of Michigan-SJTU Joint Institute. Founded in 2006 as a strategic global partnership between the two universities, the Joint Institute merges the best of both to establish a highly respected and innovative Engineering education. Students learn from top international faculty and collaborate with classmates from all over the world.
The Joint Institute offers three undergraduate programs in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Materials Science. All are taught in English by faculty with graduate degrees from leading world institutions.
Advising & Support
In a direct enrollment program, you are enrolled as a full-time student at one of our international partner institutions. Even though your local host institution is where you’ll take your classes, we’re still here to fully support you.
Advising
Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming—we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.
On-Site Staff
As an IES Abroad student directly enrolled at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, you have access to on-site IES Abroad staff who are specifically dedicated to your needs. Our on-site staff work with you and your local institution to answer any questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety.
Support
Our support services for direct enrollment students are specifically designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals as effectively and smoothly as possible. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and, at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to—that’s why our staff is there for you.
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Shanghai, our field trips take you outside the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country and beyond. Field trips are included in the program cost. Here are a few possible destinations.
Beijing
3 DAYS | FALL
Discover the magnificent monuments of China’s capital. Contemplate Chinese history by visiting the Forbidden City followed by Tiananmen Square. Get inspired at the Temple of Heaven before relaxing next to the Summer Palace gardens. Explore Beijing's ancient alleyways (called hutongs). You will also take a day trip to the Ming Tombs and the Great Wall of China.
Xi'an
4 DAYS | SPRING
Located in the Shaanxi Province in Central China, Xi’an boasts an impressive historical repertoire as a former home to the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. In Xi’an you will rent bikes and coast on top of the ancient city wall, visit the Terracotta Army, and explore the Shaanxi History Museum.
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Shanghai is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or a field trip that takes you to places that enrich your cultural and academic learning—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Shanghai staff, your fellow students, and the city of Shanghai.
Your program begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues once you arrive abroad, with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
Spring students will also enroll in a four-week intensive Chinese language course.
After the IES Abroad orientation, you will participate in a one-day orientation at the University of Michigan SJTU-Joint Institute.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Shanghai, it will feel like home.
Homestays – Homestays offer the ideal environment for learning about China and improving your Chinese. While living in a local home may require an initial adjustment period, our Chinese homestay families are eager to get to know you and share their ideas, language, and culture.
You have a private bedroom and are provided two meals a day by your host family (breakfast and dinner) five days a week while the program is in session. Homestay opportunities have an additional cost.
Residence Hall – Live with local and international students in a residence hall on the Minhang Engineering campus of SJTU in southwest Shanghai. While no meals are provided, you can eat inexpensively in the campus cafeteria or nearby restaurants.
Student Apartments (spring only)* – In spring semester, you and all other students on your program will spend the first four to five weeks of the program in apartments due to the Chinese New Year schedule and then move into your homestay or residence hall housing placement for the duration of the program. The modern New Harbour Service Apartments (where the IES Abroad Shanghai Center is located) feature amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, and jacuzzi.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Shanghai through our cultural activities, such as:
- Joining student clubs
- Volunteering for community service
- Watching professional soccer, baseball, and basketball teams
- Boating on the Huangpo River
- Thanksgiving Dinner Banquet Event (fall semester only)
- Visiting local museums and historic sites
University Clubs & Events
While in Shanghai, you can take advantage of available on-campus activities. Clubs are student run and provide an excellent opportunity for increased campus integration. Past clubs have included:
- Explorer Volunteers Association (Provides assistance to disadvantaged groups in rural areas)
- Air & Health (Environmental Protection Association)
- Management Association
- Modern Dance (Reggea, hiphop, jazz, tap)
- Shaolin Kungfu
- Sports (Badmintin, tennis, vollyball, baseball, cycling, and more)
- Music PlayGround
- Photography Association
- Drama Club
- Taichi
Get to Know Your New City
Enjoy Local Festivals
Immerse yourself in Chinese customs and traditions at the Lantern Festival in the spring semester or the Shanghai Tourism Festival in the fall.
Eat & Shop in Xintiandi
Explore Xintiandi’s North and South Blocks, where the past meets present in this chic shopping and dining district.
Go on a Huangpu River Night Cruise
Take a boat ride around the Bund to see the beauty of Shanghai architecture in all its glory!
Visit Yuyuan Garden & City God Temple Bazaar
See the extensive Chinese garden with its classic architecture, beautiful sculptures and carvings, then walk the photogenic Nine-Bend Bridge that connects the two to shop and dine at the Bazaar.
Visit Shanghai Disneyland
It is a small world after all! Plan a trip to the famous Disney theme park, filled with attractions you know and love, and new ones, too.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Featured Scholarships
John Gearen Need-Based Dublin or Developing Regions Scholarship
John Gearen, a member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for many years and past chair of the Board for six years, is a leading real estate attorney and Rhodes Scholar who is involved in numerous philanthropic causes. Mr. Gearen has generously established this scholarship to support students who have an interest in studying on an IES Abroad Center in a developing region of the world (Argentina, Chile, China, Ecuador, Ireland, Morocco, or South Africa).
Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers
The Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers was established by an anonymous donor to encourage more engineering students to have the enriching, life changing experience of study abroad.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While in Shanghai, we want to ensure that you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That's why our IES Abroad Shanghai Center is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Shanghai experience.
The Shanghai Center is currently located in New Harbor Service Apartments in the heart of central Shanghai.* You can easily access all parts of the city from the Center, via Shanghai's extensive subway and bus system.
* The Shanghai Center location is subject to change in future terms. For the Fall 2021 semester, the center will be functioning out of the Donghua University Yan'an Road Campus, for added convenience.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad:
- Meet up with friends and relax between classes in the lounge area
- Work on projects or homework in the library and study space
- Enjoy your orientation sessions or a class in the Center's classroom (all other Economy, Business, and Society courses will be on SJTU's campus).
- Meet with staff in their offices to ask questions, discuss academics, or just say hello!
Other features include: WiFi and printing facilities
Our Staff
Qinbo "James" Gao
Center Director
Director/CoordinatorQinbo "James" Gao has been involved in international education for many years. Prior to joining IES Abroad Shanghai as the Center Director, he was the Director of the International Affairs Office (IAO) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU)-Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF). He joined SAIF in 2009 as a founding member for the institution, which is a collaboration between the Shanghai Municipal Government (SMG) and SJTU.
Before joining SAIF, James worked at the Chinese Europe International Business School (CEIBS) as Accreditations & International Programs Manager. He started his career as an English lecturer at Tongji University, where he received “Junior Teacher Awards” in 1998 and 1999, based upon student voting and academic reviews.
James received his bachelor’s degree from the International Studies University in Xi’an, and his M.A. in Tourism Administration from The George Washington University School of Business. He is a candidate for the Doctorate of Education at the University of Nottingham (China Campus), focusing on practical research in higher education.
IES Abroad Shanghai Staff
Lihong Yang
Assistant Director
Yun Ge
Program Assistant
Han Shuo
Academic and Chinese Language Coordinator
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
Fall 2021
Program Details for Fall 2021
We all know that Fall 2021 is going to look a bit different from other study abroad terms, but that doesn’t mean it still won’t be the most incredible semester of your life!
We’re working hard to keep you safe and well, so you can focus on what you came to do—live and learn abroad (and have some fun along the way!). Below is a summary of the main tweaks to the program this semester, which may be updated as more details become known. You can learn even more about our measures for all programs on our Fall 2021 Health & Safety page.
Programming for Chinese Citizens
If you are a Chinese citizen currently enrolled in a U.S. University, who would like to expand your knowledge of technology, engineering, and culture through a semester in Shanghai, the IES Abroad Shanghai – Engineering program could be your perfect fit. You will studying at one of the top universities in China alongside other Chinese students who attend various U.S. Universities, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table.
While the application deadline for U.S. Citizens has passed, if you are a Chinese citizen, you are eligible to apply for this program up until June 23rd.
Academics & Partner Universities
Know that you’ll be learning from the best of the best this fall. On our IES Abroad Shanghai – Engineering program, we have partnered with University of Michigan-SJTU Joint Institute to offer you a comprehensive offering of STEM and cultural sciences courses. All of your courses will take place at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Explore all the course options from SJTU-JI on the “Academics” tab. Additional information on academic options at SJTU on their website, found here.
Please Note:
Students who are Chinese citizens will not be required to enroll in a Chinese language course. Unless otherwise specified by your home university, all Engineering students are expected to enroll in 15 credits at SJTU-JI. We strongly recommend enrolling in 3-4 STEM courses, and 1-2 humanities offerings to complement your STEM course load.
Health & Safety Protocols
We’re making sure that your learning experience is a safe one so you can focus on the topic at hand. So, to enhance effective social/physical distancing, IES Abroad is taking proactive measures in the classroom, including:
- limiting class enrollment sizes limitations
- adjusting space layout and room choice
- and promoting student/faculty use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Learn more about our health and safety measures for Fall 2021.
Housing
You’ll stay in a clean, comfortable residence hall at SJTU-JI, where we’ve taken the utmost safety measures, including single occupancy rooms. At this time, homestays will not be offered through IES Abroad programs this fall. Learn more about the overarching housing policies for Fall 2021.
Field Trips
Across all IES Abroad programs, field trips will stay local and regional this fall. Your fields trips will all take place in China, which means you’ll get fully immersed in the culture(s) you came for! Possible trips include:
- Chinese Water Town – Tongli
- Shanghai Disneyland Park
- Additional day trips around the city of Shanghai
Our Center
Our IES Abroad Center in Shanghai is your go-to spot for student services, and information. For the Fall 2021 semester, the IES Abroad Shanghai center will be housed at the nearby Donghua University Yan’an Road Campus. Serving as your campus away from home school, you can feel safe going to class or checking in with an IES Abroad staff member because, at a minimum, IES Abroad Centers will undergo daily cleaning and disinfection by professional cleaning services.
Cost
Cost details for Fall 2021 can be found on the Cost tab. Be sure to click through the linked total to view a thorough cost breakdown PDF. Consider those prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Go Ahead & Get Started…With a Refund Policy that has your Back
As a mission-driven, not-for-profit, we are guided by two priorities as we navigate Fall 2021: to leave the door open for your opportunity to study abroad, and to strive to keep you safe and healthy. So, what’s our advice? Give yourself the chance to have an incredible adventure—even if it’s a bit different than planned!—and know we’re right alongside you as the details unfold.
And thanks to our Fall 2021 Refund Policy, there’s no commitment just yet. What’s more, once you start an application, you’ll be in the loop and hear directly from us if any changes are made to your program.
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