CIEE Gap Year Program in Shanghai, China

  China

• Shanghai: 
Shanghai

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: Fall - September to December; Spring - February to June; AY - Early September to early June

Description: CIEE offers US high school graduates a unique way to explore the world. A Gap Year Abroad with CIEE offers college-bound graduates an opportunity to acquire a broader global perspective, foster independence and gain self-knowledge. Students seeking to stretch intellectually, explore new vistas, develop leadership and become responsible global citizens are ideal candidates for a CIEE Gap Year.

Spending a year or a semester living with a family abroad, studying and improving fluency in a modern language and volunteering in the community or working as an English teacher will allow students to immerse themselves in every aspect of the host culture and give their academic goals perspective and purpose. Day and weekend trips and other cultural excursions will provide an important dimension to understanding historical and social aspects of the country.

A Gap Year Abroad opens doors to the student's future, bridging the high school world to the road that lies ahead. The benefits of a Gap Year will enable students to enhance their global education and uniquely prepare them for their college experience.

Highlights: GAP students attend a seminar given by the Resident Director entitled "Discovering China through Culture and Society" that meets one hour per week. Participants are required to read introductory books and articles related to Chinese culture and society, and to discuss them in the seminar. They are also required to keep a journal reflecting their experiences while living, studying, volunteering and traveling in China. Fieldtrips, site visits and cultural activities are organized to give students maximum exposure to Chinese culture and society.

Host Families, Language Classes and Community Service

Students are placed in apartments with families within 20 minutes from East China Normal University. At the university, students have 2.5 hours of language training per day offered by arrangement with the School of International Cultural Exchange. This course is offered at beginner, intermediate and advance levels. The course integrates listening, speaking, reading and writing to teach students to communicate effectively. No prior Chinese instruction is required. A Chinese university student is paired with each GAP student for language tutorial and socialization.

GAP students teach English at a local elementary school for migrant children 6 hours/week. Special schools have been set up by the local government or private sector to provide basic education to the children of families who have moved to the cities from rural areas. GAP participants assist Chinese teachers of English, organizing activities and games for children at the migrant school.

Cost in US$: Fall and Spring Semester: USD 11,925; Academic Year: USD 17,125

This Program is open to American Participants.

CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded: 1947