| What are the special appeals of Shanghai, Xi’an and Qingdao?
Shanghai is a dazzling blend of East and West, where futuristic skyscrapers rise beside colonial-era architecture. As China’s financial hub, it offers world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment, while neighborhoods like the French Concession and the Bund showcase its cosmopolitan charm. The city’s vibrant arts scene and dynamic pace make it a magnet for innovation and global culture.
Xi’an captivates visitors with its deep historical roots as the ancient capital of 13 dynasties and the starting point of the Silk Road. It’s home to the iconic Terracotta Warriors and a well-preserved city wall that invites exploration. What makes Xi’an especially unique is its fusion of tradition and modernity—where ancient Hanfu fashion and Tang-style culture thrive alongside bustling urban life and youthful energy.
Qingdao enchants with its coastal beauty, European-style architecture, and rich colonial history. Known for its seaside charm, the city offers a relaxed atmosphere with scenic beaches and cultural landmarks. Qingdao’s blend of German heritage, maritime significance, and modern development makes it a picturesque and historically layered destination.
| What are the language requirements?
Do I have to know the Chinese language to participate?
No, you do not. Although English is not widely spoken in China, many young people in large cities do understand English (English education starts in elementary school). The street signs and announcements in public transportation systems are in both Chinese and English. All Georgia Tech course instruction will be in English.
Will I have the opportunity to learn Chinese on the program?
Yes. We offer CHIN classes on the program. More information can be found on the Course Offerings page.
| What do I need to know about taking courses on the program?
Do I get class credit for this program?
The courses offered at the China Summer Program are regular Georgia Tech classes that appear in the registration system just like all other courses offered at Georgia Tech. Because they are regular Georgia Tech classes, grades earned in these courses are shown on a participant’s Georgia Tech transcript and are calculated as part of the Georgia Tech GPA. All courses are offered on the letter-grade basis (not pass/fail basis).
Are there any scheduling conflicts that I need to consider when signing up for courses?
There are no parallel sessions on the CSP. You can select any combination of courses without worrying about scheduling conflicts.
What is the course load?
All students are required to register for 6-14 credit hours.
May I audit a course?
There is a Georgia Tech requirement that all study abroad courses be offered on a letter grade basis. Thus we do not offer the audit option
| How much does studying abroad cost?
How much does the program cost ?
Please view the Program Costs page for a cost breakdown of the program.
What does the program fee cover?
See Program Costs page.
What else should I budget?
Roundtrip airfare, books and supplies, meals not covered by the program, visa, and miscellaneous expenses.
How do I estimate meals expenses?
Expect to pay approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of their prices in the US if you eat at a Chinese restaurant. Western eateries such as Pizza Hut, KFC, etc charge approximately the same as in the US.
Is there financial aid?
See OIE’s answer.
Are scholarships available?
The CSP offers Coulter Scholarship opportunity to US citizen students. The Office of International Education has additional study abroad scholarship opportunities.
Are the tuition and program fees refundable if the program is canceled?
Georgia Tech reserves the right to alter or cancel this program due to low enrollment, unavailability of a professor to teach a planned course, or other unforeseen circumstances. If Georgia Tech cancels the program before departure for reasons within its control, all fees paid by participants will be refunded. If Georgia Tech cancels the program before departure or while the program is in progress for reasons beyond its control, such as political unrest or danger to participants’ safety, only those fees that Georgia Tech is able to have refunded by service providers will be returned to participants.
| What are the eligibility requirements?
What are the eligibility requirements?
See OIE’s answer. We do not place special GPA requirements except that you must be in good academic standing. You must also be in good disciplinary standing.
Do I have to be a Georgia Tech student to apply?
The CSP welcomes degree-seeking students from other US institutions to join as transient students and transfer credits back to their home institutions. However, transient students must have US citizenship or US permanent residency. The deadline for non-Georgia Tech students to apply as transients is February 1 to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and February 15 to the China Summer Program.
I am a graduate student. Can I go?
All CSP courses are undergraduate courses. If you are a graduate student and you would like to take some courses for your own benefit, you are welcome to participate. Please secure your advisor’s approval and inform the Graduate Coordinator in your School about your participation in the study abroad program.
| Do I need any vaccinations?
See:
| How do I apply?
You can apply through the GT OIE Application Portal. For access, click here.
For more information on the application process, please see the Application page.
| What do I need as a transient student?
Are transient students required to have at least 30 credit hours at the time of application?
If a student does not have at least 30 credit hours completed by the time they begin the study abroad program, then we welcome the opportunity to review these applications on a case by case basis.