Drexel in China: Shanghai JiaoTong University
Providing an opportunity for students to learn first-hand about one of the fastest growing economies in the world, students in the LeBow College of Business will have the opportunity to experience this enriching exchange program at the Antai College of Economics and Management (ACEM) at Shanghai JiaoTong University in China. Through this exchange LeBow students will enroll in ACEM’s undergraduate business courses with local and international students, adding a global perspective with a Chinese focus to their LeBow degree.
Studying and living in Shanghai is a unique opportunity to experience the city's dynamic business environment and gain personal knowledge of this rapidly-growing market. This program is geared towards students who are independently-driven and are willing to take initiative in their own academic and professional success.
As one of the longest standing universities in China, SJTU offers a world-class academic experience in a city that is arguably the epicenter of international business for the nation. The city of Shanghai offers students a glimpse of old-world China in an ever-developing cosmopolitan setting. ACEM's location near the downtown commercial district provides easy access to the high energy of the city and wonderful possibilities for exploring the many multinational companies based there. The city has an international feel and is home to over 300,000 foreign professionals. Its varied architecture makes it a vibrant city to explore, moving from traditional to modern structures from one neighborhood to the next. Programming offered by ACEM will help LeBow students to make the most of their time in Shanghai.
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Prior study of Chinese language
- Sophomore status or higher
Students majoring or minoring in business will have the option of selecting business courses taught in English, with the opportunity to take courses in Chinese based on the student’s level of Chinese fluency. The learning objective for ACEM’s undergraduate curriculum is to master domestic and international modern economic theories, methods and techniques. Weekly Chinese conversation classes are also available for interested students and are strongly encouraged. ACEM faculty are world class teachers and experienced in research and industry, many also working in consulting and government organizations.
Course Availability
Sample English course offerings include:
Introduction to E-Business
Supply Chain Management
Accounting
Customer Behavior
International Company and Cross Culture Management
Internet Marketing
Additional course examples
Grading
Students are taught by Chinese faculty at their host university. Grades are noted as credit/no credit (CR/NCR) on their transcript and will NOT affect their GPA. In order to receive CR students must earn the equivalent of an American "C" or above. The goal is to be a full-time student at the host institution while also taking the equivalent of a full-time load at Drexel. Students must not exceed the equivalent of 20 Drexel credits.
Fall semester at Shanghai JiaoTong University consists of 18 teaching and examination weeks, running from Early September to Mid-January. Students will be expected to stay at SJTU until the end of the exam period which will most likely take place in January, after the start of Drexel's winter term. Due to this semester schedule, Drexel students are encouraged to stay in China after their studies to complete a winter/spring co-op experience. Students will need to work closely with the Study Abroad office, their academic advisor, and an International Co-op Coordinator to determine how to best plan their time during this program. Due to the need for cycle changes, the study abroad office urges students to begin planning 12-18 months in advance.
Fall Semester Dates and Itinerary
| Program Start Date |
Early September |
| Program End Date |
Mid January |
Winter/Spring Semester Dates and Itinerary
| Program Start Date |
Mid January |
| Program End Date |
Mid June |
Summer Dates and Itinerary
| Program Start Date |
Late June |
| Program End Date |
Early September |
Classes at ACEM in China Co-op in China or elsewhere Classes at Drexel Adjusting co-op to winter/spring: In order to accomodate the academic Calendar in Shanghai, Drexel students must complete their co-op experience either in China or the U.S. during winter and spring term, then finish their academic year with classes at Drexel during summer term. Students will be responsible for finding their own independent co-op but can request guidance and assistance from Steinbright Career Services as well.
Exchange students typically live in shared apartments with other students near the ACEM campus. These apartments are reasonably priced and can be arranged through a local real estate agency, recommended by ACEM. It is possible for students to apply for the university dormitories, but the rooms are in high demand and visiting students generally prefer the conditions of private housing.
For meals, students can eat at a very economical price in the on-campus cafeterias, and this is an excellent way to experience and understand Chinese university life. There are also a variety of Chinese and Western restaurants located within walking distance of the campus and an even wider range of possibilities for exploration throughout the city of Shanghai.
Non-Chinese citizens will need to obtain a Chinese visa to participate in this program. Refer to the
Chinese Embassy for instructions on the visa application process.
Program Costs
This is a Drexel sponsored program, thus your Drexel tuition and financial aid remain the same during your term abroad.
Financial Aid
Financial aid applies for this program. Students who receive Federal Work Study should consider applying for the Study Abroad Online Journalist work study position (only available to students after acceptance).
Scholarships
To seek additional funding, review the Scholarship & Funding Opportunities. Remember that scholarship deadlines may be much earlier than study abroad deadlines, so plan accordingly. Students may also want to submit a revised budget to the Financial Aid Office to see if additional funding may be available.
The China Scholarship Council for American Students is also funding 10,000 scholarship opportunities for U.S. students studying a term or more.
The Freeman-Asia scholarship, available to US citizens and green card holders, provides substantial support for selected students to help defray costs of studying abroad.
For more information on these and many other scholarship opportunities, visit our Scholarships page.
