East China Normal University

Shanghai, China

Located in Shanghai, the East China Normal University provides Reed exchange students nominated at ECNU with either a semester or year-long enrollment geared towards intensive linguistic and cultural integration. Courses will be taken primarily in Chinese; however, ECNU also offers the Global China Program (GCP) with courses taught in English, as well as introductory-level Chinese language courses for less experienced students. This program is aimed at students looking for intensive study of the Chinese language with solid work ethics and self-motivation. Since this study abroad program does not work through a liaison program, integration and academics will be less guided and possibly more intense.

ECNU Exchange Programs for International Students:

a) Chinese Language Program:
Before class begins, students take a placement test according to the university’s arrangement.
Class Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:30-11:45, 4 class hours each time (45min=1 class hour), 20 class hours per week.

b) Global China Program:
The Global China Program provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn about China through academic and cultural immersion during one semester. This program is open to current college students who wish to study in China for one semester (15 weeks). The program consists of two parts:
A. Chinese Language Course (6 credits) from beginning to advanced levels
B. English-taught Content Courses (3 credits each) on China Studies and other fields.

Sample Courses List: China and World Economy; Doing Business in China in Transition; Globalization and Urbanization: China's Urban Transformation and What It Means for the World; Understanding China with Data; History of Modern China; Chinese Civilization: An Introduction

c) Direct-Exchange (Visiting Students Program) - 专业进修项目
For students with an advanced level of Chinese language. Chinese-taught programs require different Chinese
proficiency levels according to different majors (The standard shall be the same as that for degree students). Direct-exchange students take classes together with local students.
Degree Program Major lists: http://lxs.ecnu.edu.cn/en/admission/visiting-programs/non-degree-academic-stu

For these exchange programs, students must be officially nominated by the IPO Director in order to apply. If interested, please make an appointment with the IPO Director to discuss. Upon nomination from the IPO, you must submit the application for consideration.

Campus Life: http://lxs.ecnu.edu.cn/en/campuslife/guide-to-ecnu
Online Campus Tour: https://3dmap.ecnu.edu.cn/

Program Information

Terms Available: year, semester

Type of Program: Exchange

Languages of Instruction: Chinese, English

Language Prerequisite: The language of instruction is mainly Chinese. Although there aren't Chinese Language Prerequisites for Chinese Programs, students will have a placement test before they are arranged to different level. At least one year of college-level Chinese is recommended before applying for this program.

Credit Transfer System
- Typical course load: 16-20 credits
- Units recorded in: credits
- Conversion to Reed units: 4 credits = 1 Reed unit
- Grading system: 60-100
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Credits: 12-18 suggested
Course Catalog

Application

Application Deadline: 2026 Fall/FY: May 1: 2027 Spring: Nov. 15
Program Application
Program website

Housing: Residence Dorm, Independent Housing
Students will live either in university dormitories or independently, and meals will be provided via university cafeterias. Accommodation Information: http://lxs.ecnu.edu.cn/en/accomodation

Financial

Cost to attend:

Reed College charges the same tuition fees for a semester or year off-campus as for a semester or year spent on campus, plus the program's actual room and board fees. Reed College encourages students to choose programs based on their academic rather than financial needs to reflect Reed's belief that all students, regardless of financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to study abroad.

Financial aid continues for eligible students during the off-campus program. Students should discuss with the Financial Aid Office how other outside aid may impact their existing aid package. Check out more details directly on the Reed College Financial Aid page.

International Programs Office