China Studies Institute
The China Studies Institute (CSI) is a multidisciplinary professional development institute focused on helping participants integrate Chinese studies into global learning opportunities on their campuses.
Apply by April 18.
Learn more about China to create exciting opportunities for your students.
The China Studies Institute is hosted in China and involves various activities, including intensive seminars, lectures, meetings, and cultural activities related to Chinese history, education, business, and culture. Institute faculty includes scholars, business leaders, education administrators from institutions and organizations in local Chinese communities, and relevant government officials.
Next China Studies Institute
June 8-21, 2025
Beijing, Xi’an, and Harbin
Who should participate?
- Administrators and faculty members who have:
- the potential to influence and impact undergraduate education and curriculum development
- limited or no prior training or professional experience in Chinese studies
How will you benefit?
- Learn from peers and counterparts on student mobility trends and faculty academic collaboration opportunities
- Gain first-hand experience about studying abroad in China
- Get to know the Chinese higher education system, policies, and institutional development
- Develop strategies for incorporating Chinese studies into global learning opportunities
- Participate in forums, seminars, and other activities designed to create and sustain educational partnerships in China
- Network with partners or potential partners for further discussion on study abroad programs, policies, issues, and concerns in China and the US
- Expand student exchange opportunities with Chinese partners
impact
6
Number of years AASCU has provided this professional development opportunity for its members.
42
Number of Institutions that have participated in the Institute from across the U.S.
59
Number of faculty and administrators that have been trained by the Institute.
program highlights
Connect with Chinese partner institutions and administrators in the field.
Over the course of the two-week program, participants will explore the latest trends in student mobility among Chinese students. The agenda will provide an in-depth understanding of the changing policies and regulations in China and the increasing opportunities for American students interested in studying there. Additionally, the program will facilitate dialogue and collaboration between leaders from Chinese institutions and participants through various activities.
our stories
“The program was very well planned and implemented. The pre-departure correspondence and handbook were helpful guides to what to expect during the program. It was well thought out and excellently executed. Every experience was a learning opportunity. I look forward to going back to China with my faculty and students.”
“This program offers a great introduction to China and the Chinese higher education landscape: visits to Shanghai library, Longmen Grottoes, Great Wall, Luoyang No. 2 Foreign Language School, meeting with institutions at Changshu Institute of Technology and the activities they conducted, and meeting with faculty, staff, and students at Beijing Foreign Studies University.”
“The program was very well organized. The opportunity to visit different universities and the middle school and high school in Luoyang was insightful. The cultural activities, such as the library visit in Shanghai, the museum in Luoyang, the Longman Grottos, and the Great Wall, greatly complement the trip’s academic component.”
“For me, the most beneficial activities were the opening session at IEAS, the entire – and terrific – day at Changshu Institute of Technology (CIT), the visit to Foreign Language School Number 2, the visit (with one exception) to Henan University of Science and Technology (HUST), and the visit to the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU).”
“The program was very well planned and implemented. The pre-departure correspondence and handbook were helpful guides to what to expect during the program. It was well thought out and excellently executed. Every experience was a learning opportunity. I look forward to going back to China with my faculty and students.”
“This program offers a great introduction to China and the Chinese higher education landscape: visits to Shanghai library, Longmen Grottoes, Great Wall, Luoyang No. 2 Foreign Language School, meeting with institutions at Changshu Institute of Technology and the activities they conducted, and meeting with faculty, staff, and students at Beijing Foreign Studies University.”
“The program was very well organized. The opportunity to visit different universities and the middle school and high school in Luoyang was insightful. The cultural activities, such as the library visit in Shanghai, the museum in Luoyang, the Longman Grottos, and the Great Wall, greatly complement the trip’s academic component.”
“For me, the most beneficial activities were the opening session at IEAS, the entire – and terrific – day at Changshu Institute of Technology (CIT), the visit to Foreign Language School Number 2, the visit (with one exception) to Henan University of Science and Technology (HUST), and the visit to the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU).”
Applications and endorsements for the 2025 China Studies Institute are due on April 18.
Application information
- AASCU member institution applicant only: $1250 (to be paid after a candidate is selected and confirms participation).
- The Institute covers costs related to accommodations in China, in-country domestic transportation, and other organized activity expenses.
- The Institute DOES NOT cover ancillary expenses related to personal and miscellaneous expenses such as passport fees, visa fees, roundtrip airfare, and travel insurance.
Who can Apply
Applicants must be:
- A US citizen or US permanent resident.
- An administrator, staff, or teaching faculty at an AASCU member institution.
- Currently overseeing/working on programs involving global learning and engagement or teaching and developing curriculum related to creating opportunities for Chinese students on US campuses and American students to study abroad in China
- Endorsed by a president, chancellor, provost, or senior international officer either directly or at the request of the applicant
Required Documents
This program is hosted in China. Several necessary documents are required before travel.
- Application Form: Candidates must complete the form to apply for this program. Additionally, a nominator must endorse the candidate through a separate endorsement form by April 18, 2025.
- Resume/CV
- Endorsement Form: Chancellors, presidents, provosts, or senior international officers are suitable endorsers for this program.
- Valid passport: This program requires a valid passport with an expiry date of at least 6 months from the date of intended travel.
- Doctor’s Letter/Health Endorsement: This letter will be required if the applicant is selected to participate.
- Chinese Visa: If you do not already possess a Chinese visa, once selected, guidelines will be provided on how to acquire one for travel. Selected participants are responsible for the costs associated with acquiring a Chinese visa.
CSI is a national competition across AASCU institutions. A panel of senior international officers will select and recommend participants, and CEAIE will select the final candidates.
Successful applicants will demonstrate the following:
- Leadership in international education, specifically in developing or managing study abroad programs.
- Experience working with or a demonstrated interest in working with Chinese partner institutions to develop study abroad programs in China.
- The deadline for applications and endorsements: April 18, 2025
- Award notification for CSI: April 30, 2025
- Award acceptance deadline: May 9, 2025
- AASCU pre-departure orientation: May 22-23, 2025
- Arrival in Beijing: June 8, 2025
- China Studies Institute Program: June 8-21, 2025, in Beijing , Xi’an, and Shanghai
2024 CSI Cohort
Zlatinka N.
Blaber
Associate Professor of Accounting
Salem State University (MA)
Needha
Boutte-Queen
Acting Senior Associate Provost and Acting Senior Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Texas Southern University
James
Callaghan
Assistant Vice President for International Education/Senior International Officer
Georgia College & State University
Olufunke
Fontenot
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Fort Valley State University
DoVeanna Sherie
Fulton
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Norfolk State University (VA)
Byron
Nichols
Assistant Director
Jacksonville State University (AL)
Rachel S.
Shinnar
Professor
Appalachian State University (NC)
Our Partner
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