Harvard Summer Program in Shanghai, China

Health, safety, and security are paramount in Summer School Study Abroad program planning and execution. Our security consultants at Harvard Global Support Services (GSS) continually monitor and make recommendations to Harvard Summer School programs regarding current travel risk levels and situations around the world. GSS’ current risk rating for China is Elevated Risk. As always, we will work closely with GSS to help prepare you for a safe trip and provide information and resources for your security and well-being while abroad.

From treaty port to revolutionary hotbed to global metropolis, the city of Shanghai has connected diverse peoples, cultures, cuisines, and economies from various parts of China and around the world. Interweaving cultural studies with history, this program will help you understand Shanghai, and China more broadly, in regional and international contexts through engagement with a variety of historical, literary, and cinematic texts. In addition to classes, you will take field trips to historical landmarks, neighborhoods, museums, eating establishments, and factories, occasionally venturing beyond the city to neighboring provinces. You will also learn to make your own, new discoveries using original research, so that you can use your experiences in Shanghai to produce your own creative project or academic paper.

Program Structure

The program counts as two semester-long courses (4 credits each) of degree credit. Both program courses can count towards East Asian Studies concentration credit.

Course information will be posted here soon.

The city of Shanghai evolved from a treaty port to a revolutionary hotbed to a global metropolis from the 19th century to the 21st century. Famed for its “East-meets-West” cosmopolitanism, Shanghai has brought together diverse peoples, cultures, and economies from various parts of China and around the world. It thus becomes a perfect locale for the study of intercultural exchange, economic development, and globalizing processes more broadly.

Accommodations

You will live in an on-campus hotel in one of China’s most distinguished academic institutions. Hotel amenities include wi-fi, 24/7 concierge, refrigerator, daily housekeeping, laundry, safe for storage of valuables, cafeteria and gym. You will have opportunities to meet students from different parts of China and with diverse interests. Apart from all the practical conveniences of a student district, the campus also offers library access and will be an ideal base for your creative and research projects.

To apply, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have completed at least one year of college or be a first-year student
• Be in good academic standing

Students enrolled at any accredited university are welcome to apply. See the How to Apply page for more information.

The Summer 2025 application will be available via link at the top of this page in early December.

Each program has unique requirements included in the online application. Beginning your application early is the best way to ensure that you have sufficient time to review and complete the application requirements by the deadline.

You may apply to no more than two programs; if applying to two programs, you will be asked to rank your two applications in order of preference (first and second choice). Any applications submitted in excess of the maximum of two will be automatically withdrawn. You will be notified of your admissions status in each program in early March.
A complete online application includes:

• Basic personal information
• A statement of interest
• Your most recent transcript
• Program-specific requirements (if applicable; may include letters of recommendation, etc.)

Interviews may be requested at the discretion of the program.

Be sure to read about the funding options available for Harvard Summer School Study Abroad programs.

If you have questions about the application, please contact the Harvard Summer School Study Abroad Office by email at SummerAbroad@Summer.Harvard.edu.

The program fee includes:

• Tuition
• Accommodations
• Scheduled program activities
• Some meals (the program will provide further details)

You will also need to budget for a number of expenses not covered by the program fee. The amounts listed below for these out-of-pocket expenses are approximate, and you may incur additional expenses not noted here. Your actual expenses will depend on a number of factors, including personal spending habits and currency exchange rates. Note that expense categories — especially airfare — may be subject to significant fluctuations.

• International airfare ($2,000–$2,400)
• Ground transportation ($250)
• Meals ($1000)
• Personal expenditures, communications, course materials, visa fee, and miscellaneous ($500)

If you have specific questions about personal budgeting, please contact the program directly.

See Funding and Payment for information on how to submit payments and funding options.