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Shanghai Summer - Engineering
The program has been suspended for Summer 2022. To view our other study abroad programs for this summer, as well as details on our health & safety protocols, travel guidelines, refund policy, and more visit the Summer 2022 Study Abroad page.
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
The University of Michigan-SJTU 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.
Course Load
As a Summer Engineering student, you will take 9-12 credits per semester. You are required to enroll in:
- 2-3 courses selected from Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or Liberal Arts offerings taught in English at the University of Michigan-SJTU Joint Institute* (3-4 credits each)
- 4-credit Chinese language course (Optional; strongly encouraged)
Course offerings vary semester to semester. Below is a sample list of courses past students have taken:
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.
Partner Institution(s)
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.
Field Trips & Events
IES Abroad Shanghai plans weekend excursions and cultural events that take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country.
Huangshan or Taishan
3 DAYS
In a weekend field trip to the Chinese countryside, you will visit either Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Taishan - both UNESCO World Heritage Sites that have inspired many of China’s greatest painters. Spend time exploring the stunning landscapes and mountain ranges, while learning about the region’s impact on Chinese civilization.
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. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
Orientation
Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Shanghai staff, your fellow students, and the city of Shanghai.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues throughout the semester 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.
Housing
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.
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
- Visiting local museums and historic sites
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.
Term | Tuition | Housing | Insurance | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 2022 | $6,717 | $2,425 | $135 |
$9,277 |
Scholarships & Aid
Featured Scholarships
Summer Need-Based Financial Aid
Open to students who apply to and attend an IES Abroad or IES Internships summer program.
Criteria reviewed to determine award:
- Level of financial need as determined from infromation provided on the application. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients.
- IES Abroad program location.
- IES Abroad membership status of home campus
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 the Yan'an Road Campus of Donghua Unviersity 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.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad:
- Meet up with new friends from other IES Abroad programs.
- Work on projects or homework in the library and study space
- Enjoy your orientation sessions or attend the fun cultural activities with other students.
- Meet with staff in their offices to ask questions, discuss academics, or just say hello!
Other features include: WiFi and printing facilities
Our Staff

Lihong Yang
Assistant Director
Director/CoordinatorLihong Yang
Assistant Director, IES Abroad Shanghai
Ms. Lihong Yang has been working in the field of international education for over 20 years. She has extensive experience in helping young adults achieve their success while they study abroad.
Prior to joining in IES Abroad in 2012, Lihong had worked for Council on International Educational Exchange for 12 years. Lihong is currently the assistant director at IES Abroad Shanghai center, mainly responsible for center daily operation, managing the customized programs and supervising internship program and student affairs issues. In addition, she serves as the regional expert for Student Affairs in Asia-Pacific region.
Originally from the vibrant city of Shanghai, Lihong is a great resource for information on historical and cultural sites throughout China. Lihong has a bachelor degree from Xiamen University and a master degree in Business Administration from the University of Hong Kong.
IES Abroad Shanghai Staff
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!