Given the population of Shanghai and the number of foreigners here, there are surprisingly few options for English-speakers (or any non-Chinese speakers) to study Traditional Chinese Medicine here. There are, to be exact, 2: Expat Learning Center and Shanghai University of TCM.
Expat Learning Center: Besides TCM, the ELC offers a variety of classes for expats, usually meeting once per week for 2 months. Courses start in the spring and fall. I took the TCM class here, and that’s how I met Dr. Zhang. The school is near Zhaojiabang Road subway station (Line 7 & 9).
- Advantages: Twice per year. Part-time allowing for work or study on the side. Minimum numbers always met so classes guaranteed. Easy program and therefore accessible to newbies.
- Disadvantages: Classes only offered in English. No degree or certificate. Not very comprehensive. Few hours (~30 total)
If your teachers is Dr. Zhang, the book you use is Fundamental Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine 中医基础理论, which is optional and available for purchase. And tell her I said Hi!
Shanghai University of TCM: SHTCM offers both degree (undergraduate and post-graduate) and non-degree programs. All the degree courses are only offered in Chinese; an undergraduate degree is 5 years. The English programs are taught in the satellite campus near Shanghai Stadium stop on Line 4 or Dong’an Road (Line 7).
- Advantages: Certificates given in formal Chinese style. 3-month course can certify you to take the licensing exam in most countries. Intense courses offered for both newbies and experienced health workers. Multiple languages available (if >5 people per class)–see their website. Different components of TCM taught. Some courses are full-time and some are part-time.
- Disadvantages: Expensive. Programs are only offered once/year or not at all if minimum # of students isn’t met. Burden is on you to find students and push them to open a course.
I wish there were more and better options for studying TCM in Shanghai. As it is, I’m moving to Hangzhou to continue my studies of TCM, having already taken both the ELC’s TCM class (Spring 2010) and SHUTCM’s tuina class (Dec. 2010).
Other universities around China offer programs for studying TCM in English: Hangzhou for individuals, Chengdu for groups, and Qingdao, Guangzhou, Beijing, and maybe 1-2 others for Chinese-speakers who want a full degree in TCM. Maybe I’m missing some; if so, tell me in the comments and I’ll try to do a longer post on studying TCM elsewhere in China.
If you have experience with any TCM courses in Shanghai, please tell me about it in the comments.
Hi, I’ve been all around and upside down on the internet looking for a TCM course in China, Shanghai or Beijing, I found one but e-mails are not working out and there web page isn’t all that great. I am not sure if they are lagit or not. They offer a 4 week intensive or a 3 month course. Can you tell me alittle bit about where your heading and if it’s for newbies? I can only come for a month. Any information you can give me would be great Thanks. Bobbie from Michigan
Your 2 best bets are just as I mentioned in the post.
Expat learning center, although I don’t think they have summer classes.
And SH TCM University. They have 2 week tuina (medical massage course) at the beginning of July.
My other recommendation would be for you to venture further afield and try Hanghzou (Zhejiang Chinese Medical University), which is more flexible in their teaching schedule. Or Chengdu, Guangzhou, or perhaps even Beijing, but I have no experience with those and therefore cannot personally recommend them.
how i can get full scholarship for bachelor degree in shutcm with cgs program or another? how many students admitted frequently each year? is it possible 4 me as iam 25 n ordinary academic record
Hi there,
Thanks for stopping by. Sorry, I don’t know anything about the scholarships available. Perhaps you can talk with the school to see what they recommend.