The Shanghai Chinese Language & Culture program offers students the opportunity to take courses at our BU Shanghai center and at Fudan University for a term or an academic year. Fudan is one of China’s leading universities with the second-largest foreign student population in China; it is designed to facilitate immersion into Chinese culture. Students in this program will take an intensive Chinese language course and two electives taught in English. There is no prior language requirement, so Chinese language courses are offered across all levels. During their time in China, students are housed in off-campus program housing located near Fudan’s campus.
Key Facts
Area of Study
Location
Home University
Program Structure
Internship Availability
Term
Coursework Level
BU Hub Offered
Housing
Language of Instruction
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- No prior language study is required
- Students are strongly recommended to apply for their passport by the time they apply to the program
- Admission requirements for all programs
- 16 units upon successful completion
Curriculum
Students enroll in three courses for a total of 16 Boston University units. They must take one intensive Chinese language course at the BU Shanghai center. Students’ proficiency level will be determined by previous coursework. Students then enroll in two electives, which are taught in English at Fudan University. These elective courses are worth four units each and can vary each term.
Housing & Student Services
Off-campus Program Housing
- Double room with private bath and mini fridge in room
- Shared kitchen, washer, and dryer in the building
- Board is not included; no stipend is provided
- Students can eat at Fudan’s dining hall at an additional cost
- Each unit has Ethernet connections (Wi-Fi routers provided as well); AC/heater unit
- Limited single rooms may be available for an additional charge.
Program Dates
This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.
Fall Term
Program Dates
Late August to Late December
Fall Term
Applications Open
December 15
Fall Term
Application Deadline
March 15
Spring Term
Program Dates
Early February to Mid June
Spring Term
Applications Open
June 1*
Spring Term
Application Deadline
October 1
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations
- 2025/2026 Tuition & Fees: $41,664 per term
Cost includes tuition, housing, program related activities, administrative fee, overseas medical insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage - Estimated program budget including cost of living expenses.
- Grants and Scholarships available