Presidential Missions

Presidential Missions facilitate and promote connections between AASCU member institutions and their international peers to develop and enhance institutional collaboration and problem-solving.

Learn more.
UMES’ President, Heidi M. Anderson, engaging with Argentine higher ed leaders in Argentina, during the 2019 Mission.
UMES’ President, Heidi M. Anderson, engaging with Argentine higher ed leaders in Argentina, during the 2019 Mission.

Presidential Missions facilitate and promote connections between AASCU member institutions and their international peers.

Since 2003, AASCU has sponsored presidential missions to various countries to encourage member institutions in the development of their international initiatives and global programs. This is one of the pathways AASCU pursues in fulfilling its strategic goal of educating global citizens.

These in-country programs for U.S. presidents lead to partnerships with colleague institutions in the mission host country. The outcomes have included faculty and student exchanges, and other types of program collaboration. These personal and professional experiences assist presidents in reframing their global learning programs, and strategic international initiatives.

Since its inception, this initiative has facilitated Missions to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Hungary, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, and South Africa.

AASCU member presidents and chancellors signing MOUs in Chile, 2008.
AASCU member presidents and chancellors signing MOUs in Chile, 2008.

Who should participate?

  • Presidents
  • Chancellors
  • Spouses/Partners

How will you benefit?

  • Engage with international colleagues and potential stakeholders, to discuss international education and exchange perspectives on critical issues, challenges, and successes existing in each country.
  • Connect with colleagues and other primary stakeholders and entities, to develop partnerships at the institutional level that will create opportunities for faculty and student exchanges, as well as other types of program collaborations with host country institutions.
Testimonials

“AASCU’s Presidential Mission to Argentina provided us with an invaluable opportunity to connect with a broad spectrum of institutions of higher education in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza. The people we met from public and private universities impressed us with their professionalism and their openness to collaborate with our institutions.”

Eduardo Ochoa

Former President, California State University, Monterey Bay
Argentina, 2019

“We were able to meet key individuals from a large number of higher education institutions within the country. More importantly, it was evident that the government officials are supportive of establishing a global presence—especially with U.S. institutions.”

Heidi M. Anderson

President, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Argentina, 2019

Interested in joining a future mission? Let us know.

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China-U.S. Rising Star Student Study Tour

The China-U.S. Rising Star Student Study Tour is a study abroad opportunity for students interested in Chinese language and culture, strengthening their global competencies, and improving their professional capacity, by exploring options for potential international academic and career pathways.

Learn more.
Student participants at the Great Wall of China.
Student participants at the Great Wall of China.

Study abroad in a safe, collaborative and immersive environment.

The China-U.S. Rising Star Student Study Tour program is created for students who are particularly interested in a guided, short-term study abroad option. The program is specifically designed to support students in their aim to strengthen cross-cultural communication skills, improve various aspects of their professional capacity, while exploring and expanding options for potential academic and career pathways in China. The program activities are designed to facilitate an immersive cultural experience, foster experiential learning, and encourage dialogue and cooperative learning between Chinese and American students.

Student participants in traditional Chinese garments during one of their classes.
Student participants in traditional Chinese garments during one of their classes.

Who Should Apply?

  • U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, enrolled in a program of study at an AASCU institution
  • Students who have completed at least one semester of post-secondary education.
  • Students pursuing any major, with the ability to demonstrate a strong interest in Chinese language and culture.
  • Students in good academic standing.
  • Students willing to promote their education exchange experience between China and the U.S.

How will you benefit?

  • Immersive Cultural Experiences– To help students understand the social and economic conditions of modern China, the study tour includes activities such as lectures, workshops, collaborative learning activities, and visits to prime industry and cultural locations to provide them with a multi-dimensional experience in China.
  • Experiential Learning – Project based learning and training in different labs are also important components of the study tour. Students from the US and China with similar academic backgrounds, develop and improve their professional knowledge and skills together through lessons taught by participating faculty members, industry visits and cooperative learning.
  • Student Dialogue – Aiming to build long-term friendships and enhance mutual understanding between the participants, workshops, seminars and team-building activities are included in the study tour to facilitate interaction and communication among students.

Network and engage with Chinese higher education leaders, faculty and peers over two weeks across different cities in China.

The study tour is a flagship student exchange program under the framework of the China-U.S. High-level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE) in the sector of vocational education. AASCU’s International Education Office, as co-sponsor of this initiative, along with the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) selects students from its member universities to experience two weeks of intensive training in a thematic area, and study across several Chinese cities and host Chinese vocational institutions. Past programs have engaged students in the specific areas of robotics, business and entrepreneurship, aviation, architecture, and e-commerce.

US and Chinese student participants engaging in a pottery class.
US and Chinese student participants engaging in a pottery class.
Student participants on an industry visit to Toyota.
Student participants on an industry visit to Toyota.
impact

Number of years AASCU has offered this opportunity to students at its member institutions.

58

Number of students participating in a study abroad experience for the first time,

26

AASCU institutions engaged.

Program Deatails
  • Program Duration: 2 weeks
  • Program Dates: Program is usually scheduled during the first two weeks of January
  • Location: Locations in China varies with each program cycle. Participants can however expect to visit major cultural sites, several relevant industry sites, and program host institutions.
  • Participants: Selected participants are responsible for their international travel costs, including round-trip airfare, visa application fee and travel insurance.
  • Program: Meals, accommodations and domestic transportation in China will be covered by the program.
  • Application deadline is usually at the beginning of November.
  • AASCU makes final selections and notify final candidates by mid-November
  • Final candidates upon being notified will send a letter of their acceptance to AASCU by the end of November.
  • AASCU will provide relevant reading materials and travel information in early December
  • Rising Stars must submit all required documentation, including doctor’s recommendation, proof of travel insurance and Chinese visa by mid-December.
  • Student participants depart for China in early January.
Testimonials

“Rising Star gave me an intimate view of the breadth and depth of Chinese history and modern China. I will tell my network back home to apply for the China-US Rising Star study tour, and programs like it, and to support any students that do. Before this program, I had a surface intellectual understanding of the significance of China. Now, I am friends with Chinese students, and feel a kind of friendship with China itself.”

Anthony Carlino

California State University-Sacramento

“The Rising Star Program has assisted in propelling my interest of the Chinese culture even further. Spending two weeks learning and experiencing complete cultural immersion in China has been a great way to manifest my desire to continue learning about this beautiful country. I initially applied to the Rising Stars program with the hope and ambition to learn more about the culture of the most influential country in East Asia. I can happily say this program exceeded my expectations of these aspirations.”

Kimberly Forsyth

CUNY College of Staten Island

Our Partner

Want to know more about the China-US Rising Star Student Study Tour? Let us know.

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Campus Consultations

AASCU offers member universities the opportunity to collaborate with our International Education team, to assess their level of internationalization, through thorough reviews of programs, policies and assist in envisioning next developmental steps.

Learn more.
AASCU International Education Team, with CUNY York’s leadership and global education team during a campus consultation.
AASCU International Education Team, with CUNY York’s leadership and global education team during a campus consultation.

AASCU’s International Education team connects with campus colleagues to address the strategic vision for institutional internationalization.

Campus consultations provide quality professional evaluation of member campuses’ comprehensive internationalization processes. Each visit consists of a multi-day assessment of the member institution’s current internationalization strategy and specific programs. During the visit, the IE team meets with campus senior leadership and stakeholders to observe, review and recommend strategies to advance the institution’s global programming.

Troy University Dining Flag Hall
Troy University Dining Flag Hall

Who should participate?

  • Presidents
  • Provosts
  • Senior International Officers
  • Faculty
  • Staff/Administrators

How will you benefit?

  • Comprehensive Evaluation: AASCU’s International Education team conducts thorough reviews of member universities’ programs and policies, providing a comprehensive assessment of their level of internationalization. This evaluation helps institutions gain valuable insights into their current internationalization efforts.
  • Collaboration: AASCU collaborates with member universities to envision the next developmental steps in their internationalization journey. By leveraging the expertise of the International Education team, institutions can strategically plan and set goals for advancing their global programming.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: During the assessment visit, the team engages with campus senior leadership and stakeholders. This interaction allows for a deeper understanding of the institution’s global programming and provides an opportunity to observe, review, and recommend strategies for advancement. Engaging stakeholders ensures a holistic approach to internationalization efforts.
  • Enhanced Global Programming: By partnering with AASCU’s International Education team, member universities can enhance their global programming. The team’s expertise and recommendations assist institutions in developing effective strategies, policies, and programs to create a more globally engaged campus community.
  • Networking and Resource Opportunities: Through the collaboration with AASCU, member universities gain access to a network of like-minded institutions committed to internationalization. This network can facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices, further strengthening each institution’s global engagement.
Testimonials

“UMES recently collaborated with AASCU to conduct a review of our ongoing efforts to internationalize our campus. They did a great job engaging our campus community during the onsite visit and prepared a very thorough report. We found their recommendations regarding curricular and co-curricular activities, recruitment initiatives, and study abroad to be very helpful. These suggestions will be included in our strategic plan.”

Rondall E. Allen

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Interested in a campus consultation? Let us know.

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AASCU’s International Education Week 

AASCU’s International Education Week is a collaborative initiative between AASCU, its members and partners, in an effort to highlight and promote programs that prepare students for a global environment.

Share your story.
International Education Week

Highlight your institutions’ programs and initiatives by participating in AASCU’s International Education Week.

During International Education Week each year, join our virtual programming, as we focus on highlighting initiatives and partners assisting AASCU institutions in developing innovative programs and sustainable partnerships that build institutional capacity in the areas of student success, global diplomacy, and comprehensive internationalization. The week’s activities feature faculty, staff and students from AASCU institutions whose campuses are doing innovative and exemplary work in these areas.

Who should participate?

  • Presidents
  • Provosts
  • Faculty
  • Staff/Administrators

How will you benefit?

  • Timely Updates: International Education Week provides participants with the latest information and insights on contemporary issues and trends in international education, ensuring they stay informed and connected to the ever-evolving landscape.
  • Global Dialogue: The events allows for meaningful dialogue and discussions with colleagues from both domestic and international backgrounds who share similar interests and concerns in the field of international education. This exchange of ideas can lead to valuable collaborations and partnerships.
  • Resources: Benefit from access to a wide range of resources specifically designed to enhance international education efforts on individual campuses. These resources may include strategies, case studies, and practical tips to improve program development, student support, and institutional engagement.
  • Best Practices Toolkits: Participants are provided with ready-to-use toolkits that contain best practices and proven approaches for real-time application in their own educational settings. These toolkits serve as practical guides to optimize international education programs and maximize their impact.
  • Showcase Success: International Education Week provides a platform to showcase successful programs and initiatives implemented on individual campuses. Participants have the opportunity to share their achievements and best practices, gaining recognition and inspiring others to replicate or adapt these successful models.
  • Collaboration and Partnership: The event facilitates collaboration and networking with colleagues across the membership of AASCU. Participants can connect with peers from different institutions, foster new partnerships, and explore opportunities for joint initiatives, research projects, or knowledge exchange.

Learn from the best practices shared during
International Education Week
.

2024 International Education Week

Nov. 19-21, 2024

Three days of virtual events

Webinar

More information.
2023 International Education Week

Nov. 13-17, 2023

A week of virtual events

Webinar

More information.
2022 International Education Week

Nov. 14-18, 2022

Webinar

More information.

Interested in participating in International Education Week? Let us know.

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Sino-US CHEPD 1+2+1 Program 

The Sino-US CHEPD program is designed for undergraduate and graduate Chinese students to study at participating AASCU member institutions. The  program is jointly administered by AASCU and the China Center for International Educational Exchanges (CCIEE).  Students who complete the program receive two separate degrees from a US institution and their Chinese home institution.

Participate.
1+2+1 students graduate from UW Eau Claire
CHEPD 1+2+1 students graduate from UW Eau Claire.

Sino-US 1+2+1 CHEPD program is the largest student mobility program between the US and China.

Under the platform of Sino-US Cooperation in Higher Education and Professional Development (CHEPD), with joint administration of the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and the China Center for International Educational Exchange (CCIEE) in China, AASCU is proud to offer the Sino-American CHEPD 1+2+1 Program.

Since 2001, this program has provided the opportunity for Chinese students to spend up to two years at an AASCU institution to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies. Participants then receive two separate degrees from their Chinese home institution and their U.S. host institution.

The CHEPD 1+2+1 Program has become the largest and most successful program of its kind. Recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education as a Program of Excellence, it is one of most important platforms for cooperation between Chinese and American universities.  

Graduation 2019
CHEPD 1+2+1 Program Graduation, 2019.

Criteria to join.

  • AASCU member 
  • Eligibility to grant J visas 
  • Institutions MUST offer ESL or bridge programs 
  • Identified designated campus coordinator  
  • Ability to host Chinese visiting scholars 

How will you benefit?

  • Opportunity to partner with an extensive range of Chinese institutions 
  • Support and network for developing robust academic exchange programs 
  • Teaching and research opportunities for faculty members  
  • Scholarship resources for US students 
  • Additional program development opportunities 
impact

20+ years 

Our program has built sustainable partnerships for over two decades. 

182

Number of participating institutions – 38 AASCU members, 144 from Chinese partners.

6500

Number of students that have participated.

$400 M USD

U.S. campuses have received approximately $400 million in tuition, fees, room and board.

Program Structures and Types 

Chinese students who pass the national entrance examination will complete their initial year of study in China. They will study in the US during their 2nd and 3rd years, then return to their Chinese home institution for the final year. After completing all the degree requirements, the student will receive two degrees from both US and Chinese institutions. 

First-year graduate students are selected from Chinese universities to spend two or three academic semesters studying in an AASCU member university. They return to their Chinese universities for the final academic year. Qualified students will be granted diplomas and masters’ degrees from both Chinese and U.S. universities.

Students follow the regular 1+2+1 Program, i.e., the International Cohort Program students complete their freshmen year in Chinese university. In the second and third years of the program, students come to the United States to complete their sophomore and junior years at the US partner university. Students return to China to finish their senior year at Chinese university and graduate with two separate bachelor’s degrees from Chinese and American universities. All students participating in this program have already had their four-year curriculum mapped out, through articulation agreements between the two partner institutions.

Learn more about ICP.

Students who are not interested in pursuing a degree in the United States, but are seeking study abroad experiences, can apply for the Youth Exchange Student program for one academic semester or one year through US partner institutions. YES students are allowed to transition to 1+2+1 Program degree-seeking status once they are on the US campuses. 

CHEPD 1+2+1 Program Participating Institutions
1
1
Testimonials

Studying abroad at NAU has helped me exercise my independent thinking and problem-solving abilities.  The ability to expand my horizons and experiences will be very beneficial to my future work and life.

Tingxiao Lu

Mass Media and Film major  
Northern Arizona University and Nanjing University of the Arts

During my time at Troy University I gained a lot.  I experienced humanistic care; gained professional knowledge; and learned how to face difficulties independently.  

Yin Xiatoting

Broadcasting and Journalism Major
Troy University and Nanjing University of the Arts  

Our Partners

CCIEE

The China Center for International Education Exchange (CCIEE) is an independent legal entity established by China Educational Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), affiliated with the Ministry of education of China. Over the past thirty years, CCIEE has extensively conducted short- and long-term programs such as student exchange, study in China, teaching training, self-funded overseas-study. Aiming at promoting education exchange and cooperation between China and other countries, CCIEE insists on bringing in high-quality foreign educational resources, and facilitating China’s education to be internationalized and worldwide recognized. 

CEAIE

Founded in 1981, the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) is China’s nationwide not-for-profit organization that conducts programs and activities that facilitate international educational exchanges and cooperation. CEAIE is fully committed to promoting the advancement of education, culture, science and technology; and strengthening understanding and friendship among the peoples of all countries and regions of the world. 

Interested in participating in the
Sino-American CHEPD 1+2+1 program?

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Does your institution have an ESL/bridge program?*
Does your institution grant J1 visas?*
Do you currently work with any Chinese institutions ?*

 

 

Questions about this program? Let us know.

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American Short-Term Study in China Initiative

ASSCI provides funding and support through AASCU and the Embassy of China to facilitate partnership building through institutional based faculty-led study abroad programs in China.

Contact us.
Students from Salem State University (MA) were able to study at Nanjing Normal University, through a program facilitated by an ASSCI scholarship.
Students from Salem State University (MA) participate in a program facilitated by an ASSCI scholarship.

ASSCIASSCI supports faculty-led study abroad programs.

The American Short-Term Study in China Initiative (ASSCI) is a scholarship program offered by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America and administered by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. The scholarship will support students enrolled in institutional-based, faculty-led study abroad programs in China. Faculty members with existing China study abroad programs, faculty interested to adding a study abroad component to a pre-existing course, or faculty interested in developing a program for studying abroad in China, are encouraged to submit a funding proposal.

Who should participate?

  • Faculty from accredited U.S. institutions
  • Faculty from all disciplines interested in adding a study abroad component to their course /curriculum
  • Faculty members with existing study abroad programs with Chinese institutions
  • Faculty members interested in creating study abroad programs, but require assistance to identify matching partners

How will you benefit?

  • Scholarship support for students’ expenses in China
  • Support for identifying Chinese university partners and developing robust academic exchange programs
  • Opportunity to partner with an extensive range of Chinese institutions
  • Opportunities for U.S. faculty to teach abroad

Applying to ASSCI.

Proposals should be submitted by faculty on U.S. campuses, with support from the provost, along with accompanying approval and signatures from the individual responsible for study abroad programs on each campus.

The ASSCI program focuses on joint efforts between U.S. and Chinese partner institutions. Chinese partners must be recognized by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) [Search Universities & Regions_Universities & Programs_留学中国 (campuschina.org)]. AASCU can assist with identifying Chinese institutional partners. Applicants requiring assistance with identifying a partner to apply for the scholarship should indicate this when completing the application form.

Proposals will be accepted through November 1.  Submitted proposals will be reviewed and rated by the Selection Committee organized by the Chinese Embassy and recommended to CSC for approval.  Applicants will be notified by December 15.

  • Program fee, AASCU member: Fee waived
  • Program fee, non-AASCU member: $1000

Students in the program will be eligible to receive the ASSCI scholarship. The scholarship covers the following expenses for each participating student:

  • Tuition at the Chinese institution
  • On-campus accommodation
  • Health insurance
  • Monthly stipend

The scholarship does NOT cover:

  • Faculty-related expenses
  • Tuition at the US institution
  • Airfare and other travel expenses to China
  • China visa application fees

Applicant must be a:

  • Faculty in any discipline who teaches a course that requires students to study abroad in China
  • Faculty who are interested in developing a course for students to study abroad in China

The course must meet the following requirements:

  • Co-designed and co-taught with a Chinese partner institution, with at least 50% of the content delivered by the Chinese partner on site in China
  • Offers academic credits for all the students
  • Has a duration of no less than two weeks and no longer than one academic year in China
  • Minimum enrollment of six students
  • Maximum enrollment of 30 students

The selection committee will use several criteria when reviewing applications:

  • The proposed program will be measured for clarity of learning goals and the extent to which the program’s activities contribute to those goals.
  • The proposed program includes faculty leadership at the US institution.
  • The proposed program uses the resources of the Chinese partner, such as academic strengths, location in China, and connections outside the institution.
  • The proposed program involves students from the Chinese partner institution.

Complete and submit the Proposal Form and Nomination Form before November 1, 2024

  1. Submitted proposals will be reviewed by a Selection Committee comprising Chinese embassy staff, AASCU staff, and selected faculty who have led past faculty-led programs in China. They will then recommend proposals to the China Scholarship Council (CSC)  for approval.
  2. Applicants will be notified by Dec. 15, 2024.
  3. Once an American institution has received notification of its successful application, participating students, under the supervision of the leading American faculty, will complete individual scholarship applications on the CSC website during Jan.–March 2025.
  4. Faculty-led group study abroad in China, May–July 2025.

Visit the China Scholarship Council website for more information about the scholarship.

China Scholarship Council

 

Instructions for students who are admitted in a study abroad in China program on your campus and the teaching faculty will work with you to fill out the ASSCI scholarship application. 

ASSCI application instructions.

 

 

 

Provost David Silva of Salem State University (MA) and students from SSU and  Nanjing Normal University.
Provost David Silva of Salem State University (MA) and students from SSU and  Nanjing Normal University.
Students from Salem State University (MA) were able to study at Nanjing Normal University, through a program facilitated by an ASSCI scholarship.
Students from Salem State University (MA) and Nanjing Normal University.

Applications are officially closed.

If you would like to be considered for the next program cycle, please contact Sufei Li.

Frequently asked questions 

Faculty  in any discipline can apply for the ASSCI program. The students in the program are qualified to apply for the scholarship automatically once the program is approved. 

The scholarship for each student covers tuition paid to the Chinese partner institution, accommodations, a monthly stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance. The value of each scholarship for a four-week program could be approximately $10,000 or more. 

Part of the scholarship, such as tuition fees, accommodation fees, and comprehensive medical insurance, goes to the host university directly. The student receives a monthly stipend upon arriving at the Chinese campus. 

  • ¥2500 per month for undergraduate students 
  • ¥3000 per month for master’s students 
  • ¥3500 per month for doctoral students 

Yes. You will need to state that you have no partner and you’re requesting assistance in the proposal form. AASCU will work with the Chinese embassy to find a matching partner for the program.  Once you accept our recommendation and work out the articulation plan with the recommended partner, we will continue to work on your application for funding. 

Once your proposal is approved, all students registered for the course are qualified to apply. However, the student applicant must be a full-time student who is not a Chinese citizen. 

You will need to renew your program with the embassy if there is no change to the previously approved program. The renewal process is simple. The purpose of renewal is for the embassy to have a record of the program each year. If there are changes at the partner institutions in China, such as different teaching faculty, altered course description or delivery methods, etc., you will need to submit a new proposal for approval. Your students will also need to apply for the scholarships through CSC’s online application every year to participate and receive the scholarships. 

Only eligible students can apply for the scholarship. The leading faculty member is responsible for all the expenses, including international travel, room, and board in China. It is possible that your partner university will be able to cover room and board. However, these costs are not considered part of the scholarship program. 

There are no limits and restrictions for institutions. We welcome faculty members in any major as long as the proposal reflects the goals, and the teaching curriculum involves joint activities of the program that contribute to those goals. Multiple faculty members from one institution could submit individual proposals for separate funding as long as they have partners in China. 

Have questions about the American Short-Term Study in China Initiative? Let us know.

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