SEMESTER IN SHANGHAI

Spend a full university-style semester in Shanghai studying Chinese at LTL School.

This intensive 18-week program will get you using the language from Day One.

As part of a small group of no more than five other international students, you’ll cover all aspects of Mandarin Chinese: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Student Hike Event
exploring shanghai AFTER CLASS

WHY LEARN CHINESE IN SHANGHAI?

INTERNATIONAL

China’s most international city is brimming with things to do.

FAB FOOD

Shanghainese cuisine is hugely popular among foreigners who come to China.

NEW FRIENDS

You cannot fail to make friends from all over the world in a city like Shanghai.

TOP LOCATION

Our school is located in the heart of the old French Concession. A wonderfully serene spot.

SEMESTER IN SHANGHAI || THE DETAILS

The course curriculum has been designed to get students from absolute beginner to at least HSK 3 after just one semester – and many hardworking, motivated LTL students have achieved well beyond that in so short a time.

For those who return for a second semester of study, you could expect to reach functional fluency in under a year.

You’ll be in the classroom for four hours per day, Monday to Friday, and get the help and support you need to immerse yourself in the Chinese language outside of the classroom too.

Social Events

PRICES & DATES

Our semester in Shanghai runs twice a year. The dates are fixed meaning you have a clear structure from start to finish.

Your class will never include more than six students and typically they will just be you and one or two other students. All tuition fees, textbooks, and learning materials are included in the final price.

We will welcome you with open arms and make you feel like a part of the family from the get-go.

STARTS FROM
USD 5,236 / 18 WEEKS

included in the semesternot included in the semester
A full 18 or 36-week language programAccommodation in Shanghai
All textbooks and learning materialsFlights
Access to all LTL social events
Student visa support
24/7 support

SERVICES

SURVIVAL KIT STANDARD

NOTE || The below services will vary from city to city and shop to shop. We cannot guarantee all of the below, but will do our best to assist you.

AIRPORT PICKUP

Our driver will take you from the Airport to your accommodation..

SHARED BIKE RENTAL

We will get you set up so you can explore the city on two wheels.

POLICE REGISTRATION

Assist students to register at local police station.

MOBILE SIM CARD

Pre-charged with 10 GB of data for convenience.

LOCKER ACCESS

Access to your own locker at LTL School to store your valuables.

ALIPAY ASSISTANCE

Help linking your foreign bank card to Alipay (this will depend on your bank card).

TRANSPORTATION CARD

A pre-charged card to get around the city using the subway, bus, and more.

LOCAL MAP

Get to know the city with your very own map courtesy of LTL.

LTL TOTE BAG

Along with the bag, you’ll also receive one LTL pen.

SURVIVAL KIT COMFORT UPGRADE

Contains everything in the standard package along with these extras:

MASSAGE

No better way to relax than either a full body or a foot massage.

GYM MEMBERSHIP

One month membership to exercise at the gym and swimming pool.

WELCOME COFFEE

A member of the LTL team will take you to one of the nearby cafes.

CONNECTION KIT

PERSONAL STUDENT AMBASSADOR

A companion based on shared interests for exploring the city and forming a local friendship circle.

LANGUAGE EXCHANGE FRIEND

Partner up to help each other learn languages and share general cultural stories.

FAQs

Do you have a class at my level?

Many of the students who do the Semester program are complete beginners.  

However, if you have studied Chinese before, then you will have a personal language assessment with our Director of Studies before your arrival.

We will then place you in the appropriate Small Group class for your level.

What are the accommodation options?

There are two main options for accommodation in Shanghai – living in a Shared Apartment in central Shanghai or staying with a local family.

You can check out our accommodation page for more details.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Yes, you should.

Please make sure it covers international clinics and hospitals in Shanghai.

Can I also study Chinese online with LTL?

Yes, we also provide online classes with our platform LTL Flexi Classes.

Can any age apply?

Yes, our semester program isn’t exclusive to younger students.

We’ve had all kinds of people partake in our semester program from all around the globe.

How much Chinese will I learn?

In the 18-week semester, you will cover a lot of ground. But of course, the more effort you put in, both in and out of the classroom, the more progress you will make.

From experience, students who stay in an LTL homestay with a local family will gain oral fluency more quickly than those who live with other English-speaking foreigners. 

It’s also important that you use what you have learned in the classroom when you are out and about in Shanghai, and resist the temptation to revert to English when it seems easier.

As a general guideline, a motivated student on the Semester program arriving as a complete beginner could expect to reach at least HSK 3 level after 18 weeks, and their spoken language and listening comprehension should be well beyond that.

What is the social life like for students in Shanghai?

Students in the Semester Program quickly get to know the other members of their Small Group, and many remain lifelong friends well after the course has finished.

It also won’t be long until you meet LTL Shanghai students in other programs, thanks to the weekly Social calendar. 

A typical week would include a ‘welcome breakfast’ for new students on Monday, a ‘school dinner and drinks’ in a local restaurant or bar on Wednesday, and a day trip to a local attraction at the weekend. 

Even when there’s no pre-organized event, everyone tends to meet in the common area after class to go for lunch together.

As a smaller school, we are proud of our family atmosphere, where everyone knows each other’s names – and diverse student body, where there is no one dominant student type.

Students who come to study abroad at LTL arrive from all over the world, from South America to Scandinavia, and at all different ages and life stages.

How can I apply?

Simply click here to contact a Student Advisor directly!

OTHER USEFUL LINKS

I jumped at the chance to join. I really like it, it’s a great place to learn Chinese. I’d love to come back to LTL again.

– Oliver from Hong Kong

★★★★★

The environment at LTL is great. The staff and teachers were welcoming and friendly. My overall experience here has been really positive.

– Orion from the US

★★★★★

LTL helped me to reach a pretty good level of basic, everyday Chinese in a short period. The staff and teachers here are very flexible

– Tatjana from Germany

★★★★★

GET IN TOUCH

Interested in our semester in Shanghai? Our student advisor will reach you within 24 hours and get your course booked in no time.