What better place to study engineering than the world’s fastest growing economy and manufacturing center? You have the opportunity to study either Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering in English at one of the top universities in China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). SJTU ranked fifth in China in the 2013 QS University rankings and first in Mechanical Engineering. The university boasts numerous technological achievements and notable alumni in the field of engineering. You study at the University of Michigan–SJTU Joint Institute, where you will have access to high caliber faculty, research laboratories, and a wide range of English-taught courses such as Physics, Electromagnetics, Data Structures and Algorithms, Combustion, and Probabilistic Methods in Engineering. To help ease your immersion into the local culture, you will be required to enroll in a Chinese language course. During the fall, you will enroll in a semester-long course at SJTU. In the spring, you will complete a four-week IES Abroad intensive Chinese language course with the option of continuing language study at SJTU once your engineering coursework starts. Shanghai will be your classroom. Learn how science and technology have become central to China’s socio-economic development. Marvel at the beautiful modern buildings, such as the Shanghai World Financial Center and Jinmao Tower. Meet other students who share your passion for engineering while enjoying all that Shanghai and SJTU have to offer. We want you to feel at home in China, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in Shanghai. From relevant coursework to excursions to places like Beijing, Huangshan, and Lushan, we help you explore Shanghai in its local, regional, and global contexts.
After you are admitted, refer to the Travel Dates section of the Predeparture Information in your MyIESabroad account before booking travel.
All students are required to complete partner university exams on the official exam date and depart IES Abroad housing the following day.
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.
Course offerings vary semester to semester. Below is a sample list of courses past students have taken:
Mechanical Engineering:
Electrical & Computer Engineering:
Non-Engineering Electives:
Please visit the Joint Institute's website for more information on present course offerings and syllabi: http://umji.sjtu.edu.cn/present-course-offerings/
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
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is consistently ranked as one of the top five universities in China. Its Mechanical Engineering program is ranked first nationally. The Engineering program will be based on the 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’s objective is to develop innovative and highly reputable education and research programs in the engineering field.
The Joint Institute offers two undergraduate programs in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical & Computer Engineering taught in English by faculty with graduate degrees from leading world institutions.
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.
As part of IES Abroad’s direct enrollment services, we work with Shanghai Jiao Tong University to offer well-located, comfortable housing for all students because securing independent housing can be challenging. IES Abroad’s housing options reflect the local student culture and meet our safety and security standards.
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.PLEASE NOTE: Homestay opportunities are extremely limited.
Residence Hall Live with local and international students in a residence hall on the engineering campus of SJTU, in southwest Shanghai. While no meals are provided, you can eat inexpensively in the campus cafeteria or at nearby restaurants.
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. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
When you arrive, you participate in an introductory orientation with the IES Abroad Shanghai staff. Spring students will also enroll in a four-week intensive Chinese language course at this time.
Designed specifically for direct enrollment students, our orientation introduces you to your program, teaches you about emergency services on campus, and connects you with your fellow students and to Shanghai. Topics such as academics, housing, transportation, special language sessions, and health and safety are covered during this time.
Additionally, CORE™, IES Abroad’s Comprehensive Orientation & Re-entry Experience, begins during orientation and continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on cultural adjustment, goal achievement, and preparing for the return home.
After the IES Abroad orientation, you will participate in a day-long orientation session at the University of Michigan-SJTU Joint Institute.
Redefine the way you live and learn in Shanghai through our cultural activities, such as:
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:
Even though your adventure starts in Shanghai, our field trips and excursions take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. The cost of this one field trip is included in the program fee. Here are a few possible destinations:
Beijing 3 Days | FALL Discover the magnificent monuments of Beijing’s capital including the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the summer palace. Visit Beijing’s historic alleyways—called hutongs. 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, take a visit to the Terracotta Army, and have the opportunity to explore the Shaanxi History Museum.
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
About the Center
The IES Abroad Shanghai Center is located in New Harbor Service Apartments - the same building as the Economy, Business & Society student apartments - in the heart of central Shanghai. You can easily access all parts of Shanghai from the Center, via an extensive subway and bus system.
Features of the IES Abroad Shanghai Center include:
Qinbo "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 Staff
Lihong YANGAssistant Director
Yuying YANGProgram Assistant
Shuo HANAcademic Coordinator and Chinese Instruction Coordinator
Wei ZHANGChinese Language Instructor
Liyan SUNChinese Language Instructor
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