Parsons Pre-College China Program (Ages 14–18)

YWIES is committed to providing an immersive, quality international education in both Chinese and English languages. Focusing on mutual respect and understanding of different cultures, YWIES cultivates confident individuals to look beyond the walls of the classroom and their countries and foster their personal journey in becoming talents with the best mix of Chinese traditional cultures and international perspectives. YWIES is built upon decades of experience of Yew Chung International School in offering quality education in the mainland and Hong Kong. Founded in 1932, Yew Chung has nurtured generations of students to face global issues and challenges of the 21st century. Yew Chung and Yew Yah are widely recognized for their unique curriculum.

Yew Wah International Education School of Shanghai Gubei (YWIES Shanghai Gubei) provides specialist programs featuring art and design. The school aims to nurture creative individuals with exceptional practical skills and excellent bilingual abilities, who are expected to continue their studies at top local or overseas universities.

In addition to experienced teachers at YWIES Shanghai Gubei, the school also invites leading artists and designers to deliver courses and learning projects.

YWIES Shanghai Gubei is located at the center of Shanghai Changning District, in close proximity to fashion landmarks and industrial areas. A full range of teaching spaces and facilities can be found on campus, including classrooms for art and design, fashion design, textiles, digital media, design and technology, as well as a multi-purpose exhibition hall.

Summer Pre-College Program in China (July 17-29)

You may register for one course for the summer session from our website. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registrations are accepted in the order in which they are received. Early application is strongly encouraged.

Fashion Design, Ages 14-18
Design and visually communicate your original ideas for fashion in this design studio. An expert in the field of fashion guides you in developing and interpreting your research and concepts to the creation of drawings and presentations at an introductory level. You’ll explore a variety of making skills to interpret original ideas for fashion from 2D to 3D using traditional and non-traditional techniques and materials such as paper draping, material handcraft manipulations, and basic hand or machine-sewn mockups. A sewing machine is not required. The creative process, trends, and careers are further explored in virtual visits by industry professionals.

Graphic Design, Ages 14-18
Learn the fundamentals of graphic design in this design studio. Graphic design is all around you -- on apps, websites, print materials, and clothing. It is the medium in which words and images combine to communicate messages effectively. In this class, students focus on learning analog and digital creative problem-solving techniques and the basics of graphic form and expressive typography. Assignments will offer students the opportunity for maximum creative input while challenging each individual to be innovative thinkers and successful problem solvers. All assignments are framed within the graphic design methodology of research, concept development, critique, analog and digital production methods, professional output, and presentation. This course requires access to an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription (not included). 

Illustration, Ages 14-18
Learn the fundamentals of illustration in this design studio. Illustrators are visual thinkers who create comics, graphic novels, computer and film animation, video games, children’s books, graphics for skateboards, images for magazines and newspapers, and many other kinds of visuals. This course introduces students to the types of projects contemporary illustrators work on and guides them to develop and hone their illustration skills and style. Students may use Adobe Creative Cloud (subscription not included) or free/inexpensive graphic design apps (to be suggested in class) for course projects that may incorporate a digital component.

Summer Parsons Pre-College China Program (July 17-29)

Please note: All refund schedules are effective until 11:59pm ET on a specified date.

What You'll Need

• A modern computer and mouse

• Headphones, a microphone, and a webcam

• A stable high-speed Internet connection

• A digital camera (mobile device cameras are suitable)

• Supplies on class list (estimated cost: $150 USD)

• Some courses require access to Adobe Creative Cloud; please check the course description. To purchase a subscription, go to Adobe Creative Cloud for Students.

Attendance and Workload

Online classes convene every weekday morning for two weeks; students participate in the live three-hour sessions using Zoom video conferencing at YWIES in Shanghai. Offline sessions convene every weekday afternoon for two weeks at YWIES.

Students can only miss two of the halfday sessions in order to successfully complete the program. Students are expected to complete assignments each day, and they can receive support for these during the offline tutoring and making sessions with a design mentor. Learning content is also included on Canvas, Parsons’ learning management system.

The success of Parsons pre-college courses depends on students' attendance and motivation. Each student will enhance their sense of achievement by attending and actively participating in the program.

Students taking a course toward the Parsons Academy Certificate cannot miss more than two online classes with the faculty. Certificate students who miss class more than twice or fail to participate fully in class will fail the course and may be asked to leave the program.

Students are expected to be on time for every class. Student participation in class is essential, and arriving late or not participating in the virtual studio environment is disruptive to the entire class.

Courses are supplemented by special guest lectures, events with the Parsons Admission team, and portfolio reviews.

Language Requirement

Students must demonstrate English language proficiency, as classes are taught in English. Students who attend a high school in which English is the primary language of instruction can submit a transcript or a letter from a school administrator confirming the language of instruction.

Alternatively, students can submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 79 or higher on the Internet-based course, an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 or higher, a PTE (Pearson Test of English) score of 53 or higher, or a DET (Duolingo English Test) score of 115 or higher. Visit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or DET for more information.

The Parsons Academy Certificate is a non-credit program for students in grades 9 through 12 who plan to apply to art and design colleges. Our curriculum and culture help students create a college admission portfolio that reflects and strengthens their ideas, skills, and understanding of technique.

Please email globalpartner@newschool.edu to speak with a program representative in English or Chinese.