The University of Pittsburgh is excited to offer the Pitt on Location – Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), Suzhou program during spring 2021 for Pitt international students who are currently living in China and South Korea. Our Chinese and Korean students will have the opportunity to connect with the Pitt community by learning alongside other Pitt students both in-person and virtually.
We would love to have all our international students with us here in Pittsburgh, but we realize it is difficult for some students to get here at this time. The Pitt on Location – XJTLU program offers you the opportunity to immerse in Pitt community while taking classes that keep you on track for graduation. We still value you as a community member even when you are not physically present on the Pitt campus, and we want you to continue to feel like you are a part of Pitt community. Throughout the term, you will receive care packages, direct connection via teleconference with advisors and individuals at the University, and connection to our local alumni where possible. You will have an advisor at the Study Abroad Office assigned to you for the entirety of the term for questions and assistance.
This program is offered to you in partnership with the Asia Institute, a US based international study abroad provider. The program is taking place at XJTLU, the largest international collaborative university in China with students and faculty from 80 countries.
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) with more than 12,000 students and faculty from 80 countries is the largest international collaborative university in China. The campus is located in Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District, 12 km east of the historic center of Suzhou, and 90 km west of Shanghai.
With 2,500 years of rich history and culture, Suzhou has been known in China as ‘paradise on the earth’ since ancient times. XJTLU enjoys a beautiful environment where there is a harmonious coexistence between the city’s rich cultural traditions and its rapid economic development. Suzhou is one of the most developed cities in China. Suzhou Industrial Park, China’s equivalent of Silicon Valley and a hub of global innovation, houses a large cluster of Fortune 500 companies, transnational enterprises and R&D centers providing favorable conditions for XJTLU’s ongoing development.
XJTLU is an open campus and does not provide accommodation on campus. However, all students will be housed nearby the campus within walking distance to class buildings.
Housing arrangements are done by our partner the Asia Institute and it is not included in your Pitt tuition and fees. Your will pay the housing costs directly to the Asia Institute. Please contact the Asia Institute directly for more information about housing options and prices. Please reach out to Jane Shang jane.shang@asiainstitute.org.
- As a full-time Pitt student, you must sign up for at least 12 credits each semester. Each course offered at XJTLU is worth 3 Pitt credits.
- Courses offered at XJTLU are taught by local and international faculty in English.
- If you are in A&S, credit from XJTLU will transfer to your University of Pittsburgh transcript as letter grade (LG) or satisfactory/no credit (S/NC). You will get to decide the grading base for your courses when you select your courses. If you are in the CBA, your XJTLU credit will transfer to your Pitt transcript only as S/NC.
- Once you sign up for the program, we will send you a course selection form to complete and confirm which courses you are interested in taking. You will want to discuss your academics with your Pitt academic advisor before selecting your courses. The Pitt Study Abroad will enroll you in courses that you select.
- General Education Requirements: Pitt Study Abroad has compiled a list of courses that can be used to fulfill general education requirements within the A&S and CBA. Click here to access the list. Students from other colleges and schools should contact their academic advisor.
- If you are seeking to count these courses towards a major, minor or certificate requirement, please reach out to your respective advisor to discuss the courses and get approval.
Here is the list of courses for spring 2021. Please note that courses that do not meet the minimum number of students enrolled will not be offered. Students are encouraged to have alternative courses selected from the list in the event of a course no longer being available.
Courses offered at XJTLU are taught by local and international faculty.
This program is offered to you in partnership with the Asia Institute, a US based international study abroad provider and a pan-Asian think tank. The Asia Institute has a dedicated on-site support team that will assist you with room & abroad, orientations, on-campus engagements, etc. throughout the semester.
Nazir Noori
Salam! I’m Nazir and I'm your Study Abroad Program Manager. I was born and raised abroad and went to schools in Afghanistan, Iran, and the U.S. I also took classes in India and United Arab Emirates. I worked for the U.S. Department of State, USAID, and German Foreign Office for over ten years before moving to Pittsburgh in 2014. At the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, I assisted Afghan students to study in the U.S., and now I'm glad I have the opportunity to help you study abroad.
Schedule a Zoom appointment with me below or get in touch with me through email to discuss study abroad options.
Schedule an appointment
Schedule an appointment with me using Pathways!
- Log in to Pathways or use the Navigate app
- Select Appointments > Schedule an Appointment
- Select Pitt Global as the appointment type
- Select General Study Abroad as the School/Unit
- Select Study Abroad Program Specific Questions as the service
- Select Study Abroad Virtual Advising as the Location
- Select my name and find a time that works for you
Don't see a time that works for you? Just send me an email!
Arielle Schweber
Bonjour! I’m the International Programs Manager for Pitt Business. I’m originally from New York but have spent some time in France, as I have dual nationality. I’m new to the city and university, but I can’t wait explore my inner yinzer! Since high school, I have participated in short and long term study abroad programs. My first stop was in Spain, then a semester in France and finally two short term programs in Cuba and India. Outside of the office you can find me exploring new restaurants, biking, skiing, watching HGTV or planning my next adventure! My hope is for every Pitt student to study abroad. You can get in touch with me at aschweber@business.pitt.edu or 412-383-7489.
Schedule an appointment
Schedule an appointment with me using Pathways!
- Log in to Handshake
- Select Appointments > Schedule an Appointment
- Select Pitt Business International Programs Advising as the Category
- Select International Programs Advising - Pitt Business as the Appointment Type
- Select a day, find my name and find time that works best for you!
Don't see a time that works for you? Just send me an email!
You will pay your regular Pitt tuition and fees.
You will pay the housing fees directly to the Asia Institute.
Application Deadline: December 6, 2020
Classes Begin: February 19, 2021
Program Ends: June 10, 2021
- This program requires 2.75 GPA for all sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Freshman do not need to supply a GPA.
- Please note it is your responsibility to be aware of any government-mandated policies when traveling to Suzhou and that things can change regarding travel restrictions or quarantine requirements both when entering China from another country or traveling regionally within China.
- Please research travel policies that relate to your specific situation and plan to arrive in Shanghai and quarantine if necessary, by February 18 to attend the orientation session.
