AASCU Study Abroad Opportunity—Teach English in France

An extraordinary opportunity for students to be immersed in the rich culture of France, while making a lasting impact in public schools throughout France.

Applications open in mid-October.
Caroline, Académie de Lyon, 2016-2017
Caroline, Académie de Lyon, 2016-2017

Imagine living and working in the captivating landscapes of France, immersing oneself in its rich culture, and getting paid to teach English to enthusiastic French students.

TAPIF

The Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) offers a remarkable postgraduation academic and professional development opportunity for university students. Participants ages 20 to 35 have the chance to experience living and working in France through a seven-month work contract, teaching English to French students of all ages in public schools across France, including Departements d’Outre-Mer (overseas departments such as Martinique and Guadeloupe.)

TAPIF isn’t limited to language enthusiasts alone. Regardless of major or field of study, this opportunity welcomes participants from all disciplines. Applicants are required to demonstrate intermediate low proficiency in French at a conversational level and to have completed at least six semesters of university classes.

Who should participate?

  • Current students or graduates ages 20 to 35
  • Language enthusiasts with a demonstrated proficiency of conversational French who are eager to share their skills and embrace new cultures
  • Curious minds from all academic disciplines who have completed at least six semesters of university classes
  • Individuals with a passion for teaching and making a difference

How will you benefit?

  • Experience an unparalleled postgraduation opportunity to live, work, and teach English in France
  • Explore post-TAPIF career pathways in the teaching field
  • Earn a French as a foreign language graduate certificate while in France and transfer completed credits toward a master’s in teaching at esteemed U.S. partner universities
  • Expand your network and connect with like-minded students and professionals
  • Upon completion of the program, alumni gain access to generous MA and PhD scholarships in both the U.S. and France
Testimonial

“Our assistantships allowed us to wear many hats – American culture specialists, lesson planners, public transport connoisseurs, French bakery enthusiasts, group tutorial providers, French administration experts, English department colleagues, public speakers, explorers, and cross-cultural communicators to name a few! Living in Troyes and working in the French school system was an experience of cultural immersion that only intensified our penchant for all things French.”

Jalen & Maria

Académie de Reims
2019-2020 AY
Program highlights

TAPIF fosters language learning and cultural exchange.

With an annual intake of approximately 1,300 American teaching assistants, TAPIF fosters language learning and cultural exchange, enabling participants to enhance their language proficiency, teaching skills, and personal development in this pre-professional mobility program.

Earn credits toward a master’s in teaching at esteemed partner universities.

TAPIF, as part of the French Embassy’s cultural and education department, also provides exciting opportunities for participants to pursue a career in teaching. The new TAPIF to Teacher program (as part of the French for All initiative) offers a scholarship for a French as a foreign language certificate in France, along with transfer credits toward a master’s in teaching at esteemed U.S. partner universities such as Boston University and Concordia College (MN). Additionally, TAPIF alumni can apply for the Multi-State Pathways to Teaching French program, which facilitates a teaching career through an online curriculum, a learning plan for obtaining a teaching license, and connections with local education agencies.

Lauren, Académie d'Amiens, 2018-2019
Lauren, Académie d’Amiens, 2018-2019

Program Partner

 Applications open every year in mid-October and close at the end of January.

Ready to take the leap?

This initiative is the gateway to an unforgettable experience, where teaching, travel, and cultural immersion intersect.
Don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity!

Learn more.

Questions about the study abroad program? Let us know.

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ASSCI Proposal Form

Faculty members with existing China study abroad programs or institutions interested in developing a program for studying in China are encouraged to apply by submitting a funding proposal.

Proposals are due October 31, 2025. 

If you have any questions about this process, please contact Sufei Li.

The American Short-Term Study in China Initiative (ASSCI) is a scholarship program supporting faculty-led study abroad programs to China. The scholarship is 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 (AASCU).

Faculty members with existing China study abroad programs or those interested in developing a program/course for studying in China are encouraged to apply. The application should be submitted by the faculty member who will be leading the proposed program/course in China.

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). Please visit their website for a list of CSC institutions. AASCU can also provide recommendations for Chinese institutional partners.

Application Materials

Please note that your application will not be considered without all the items listed below:

  1. Program Proposal (submit below)
  2. Nomination Form
  3. Institutional Approval Form
    Form can be uploaded as an attachment in this form, or sent to Sufei Li

It is important to note that you are expected to complete this form in one sitting. If you prefer, you can prepare your responses in a Word document and then copy and paste them into the appropriate fields.

ASSCI Nomination Form

An appropriate administrator should complete this form to nominate and approve their faculty member’s application for the American Short-Term Study in China Initiative (ASSCI).

Applications are due October 31, 2025.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact Sufei Li.

The American Short-Term Study in China Initiative (ASSCI) is 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 (AASCU). The ASSCI program focuses on joint efforts between U.S. and Chinese partner institutions. The scholarship will help fund students’ participation in institution-based, faculty-led study abroad programs in China.

To confirm institutional support of the proposed program, an appropriate administrator at the institution (Provost, AVP, or Senior International Officer) must complete and sign this nomination form. Should this proposal be selected for funding through the abovementioned initiative, institutional nomination implies that the institution agrees to provide necessary additional support to faculty and students for the execution of this program.

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Full Name*
Institutions can submit multiple proposals. A nomination form is required for each proposal.
Statement of Nomination*
I have reviewed the abovementioned proposal and agree that this program aligns with the unit’s educational programs, academic learning compact or strategic plan. I also agree that, to the best of my knowledge, the proposed leading faculty members has the necessary qualifications and experience to execute the program successfully. Should the proposal be approved and accepted, the institution/department, commits to supporting the faculty and enrolled students.

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.

Contact us.
The 2024 CSI cohort visits Changshu Institute of Technology.
The 2024 CSI cohort visits Changshu Institute of Technology.

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.

2024 Opening Day with CEAIE and AASCU in Shanghai.
2024 Opening Day with CEAIE and AASCU in Shanghai.

 

Who should participate?

  • Faculty interested in expanding global and area studies in their teaching.
  • Senior international officers and staff seeking to support intercultural learning or international programs on campus.

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.

CSI cohort learning to tie dye.
CSI cohort learning to tie dye.
China/US university friendship dragon boating.
China/US university friendship dragon boating.
CSI participants experience Chinese calligraphy.
CSI participants experience Chinese calligraphy.
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.

2024 CSI cohort members networking with institutions from Jiangsu Province.
2024 CSI cohort members networking with institutions from Jiangsu Province.

 

our stories

“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.”

Rachel Shinnar

Professor
Appalachian State University (NC)

“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).”

James Callaghan

Assistant Vice President for International Education/Senior International Officer
Georgia College & State University

“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.”

Olufunke Fontenot

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Fort Valley State University (GA)

“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.”

DoVeanna Fulton

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Norfolk State University (VA)

Applications for the China Studies Institute are closed.

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

Our Partner

Do you have additional questions about CSI? Let us know.

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AASCU China Partnerships and Education Expo

The AASCU China Partnerships and Education Expo is designed to support AASCU’s senior leaders in a bid to internationalize their campuses, by inviting them to participate in in a series of activities designed to create and sustain educational partnerships in China.

Learn more.
AASCU’s President Mildred García representing US higher education institutions, during the opening plenary of the 2019 CACIE
AASCU’s Former President Mildred García representing US higher education institutions, during the opening plenary of the 2019 CACIE.

Develop and sustain educational partnerships in China.

For the past 18 years, AASCU has supported member institutions in a bid to internationalize their campuses, by taking senior leaders to China to participate in a series of activities designed to create and sustain educational partnerships with Chinese institutions.

This initiative represents an extraordinary opportunity to be introduced to or deepen understanding of partnerships in China.

Who should participate?

  • Presidents
  • Provosts
  • Senior International Officers
  • College Deans and Department Chairs
  • International Enrollment/Recruiting Personnel

How will you benefit?

  • Opportunities to promote your institution to over 50,000 students and their parents seeking global education opportunities.
  • Familiarization with China and Chinese higher education system, policies and issues.
  • Engage with educational leaders from across the globe on topics of mutual interest.
  • Connect with partners or potential partners for further discussion on educational cooperation.
  • Participate in forums and seminars and other activities designed to create and sustain educational partnerships in China.

Expand your institution’s presence in the world’s largest recruitment market.

This initiative in China, includes access to, and participation in the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE), hosted by AASCU’s longtime Chinese partner association, the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE). Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the EXPO that attracts over 50,000 Chinese students interested in education abroad.

AASCU delegation at the 2019, China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE)
AASCU delegation at the 2019, China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE)
Bette Bergeron, SUNY Potsdam engaging with Chinese students at AASCU booth.
Bette Bergeron, SUNY Potsdam engaging with Chinese students at AASCU booth.
Programs and Activities

Education B2B offers a global networking platform for all individuals participating in the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE). AASCU assists its members in registering and preparing for B2B sessions, as they are quite popular with individuals who are eager to develop partnerships, explore potential cooperation, and build pragmatic collaborations.

The China Education Expo features over 600 booths, representing institutions from countries around the world. AASCU offers a complementary booth shared by all member institutions participating in the conference. We encourage members to distribute materials and use this opportunity to meet with Chinese students interested in studying in the United States. The booth is primarily used to raise the awareness of Chinese students about AASCU institutions.

Impact

18

Number of years AASCU has provided this opportunity for its members.

200

Number of institutions that have participated in this initiative.

340

Number of institutional leaders that have participated in this initiative.

The 2025 AASCU China Partnerships and Education Expo China trip will be hosted in Beijing, China, Oct. 29-Nov.1.

Learn more.

Need more information on the Expo? Let us know.

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Study in China Scholarships

Work with AASCU’s staff to secure a scholarship award for short-term or long-term study in China.

Apply today.
ASCU students at the Forbidden Palace with Chinese colleagues.
AASCU students at the Forbidden Palace with Chinese colleagues.

Scholarships promote student mobility, mutual understanding, cooperation and exchanges.

The AASCU-designated Chinese Government Scholarship is a scholarship program offered by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and administered by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The program provides support to students enrolled at AASCU member institutions, as they prepare to study abroad in China. The scholarship is designed to sponsor students interested in short-term or long-term study, at over 250+ designated Chinese universities.

AASCU students at the Great Wall
AASCU students at the Great Wall.

Who should apply?

  • U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents in the United States
  • Full time/part-time students enrolled in AASCU institutions
  • Students pursuing any major, with the ability to demonstrate a strong interest in Chinese language and culture
  • Students with an overall GPA of 3.0 or above

How will you benefit?

  • Flexible programs: semester-long or year-long options available
  • Over 250 eligible Chinese universities to choose from
  • Tuition waiver, accommodation, monthly stipend, travel/conference allowance fees and medical insurance
  • Experience Chinese language, culture and academic discipline/area of expertise through immersion
  • Explore and expand options for potential career pathways internationally
Impact

15

AASCU designated scholarships available annually.

10

Number of years AASCU has partnered with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to select students specifically from AASCU institutions.

61

Students who have received AASCU designated scholarships.

Applying for the Scholarship 

The scholarship allows students to study the Chinese language and/or other available academic subjects taught in English for either one semester or one academic year. Applications are accepted through January 31 each year. Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee organized by the Chinese Embassy and recommended to CSC for approval.

The scholarship amount, which is valued at approximately 10, 000 USD, offered by China Scholarship Council (CSC), is disbursed to the Chinese universities, not to the individual student. Applicants awarded this Chinese government scholarship, are not allowed to simultaneously receive other scholarships provided by Chinese universities or Chinese local governments.

Candidates are encouraged to apply to the AASCU recommended Chinese partner universities listed below in the Resource Section.

More detailed information about the scholarship can be found on the China Scholarship Council’s website.

Applications are open until January 31.

Applicant must be:

  • a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States and be in good health.
  • full time/part-time students enrolled in an AASCU institution.
  • a bachelor’s degree holder under the age of 35 if applying for master’s programs.
  • a master’s degree holder under the age of 40 if applying for doctoral programs.
  • a master’s degree holder or an associate professor (or above) under the age of 50 if applying for senior scholar programs.

The scholarship covers the following expenses for each participating student:

  • Tuition at the Chinese institution
  • On-campus accommodation
  • Health insurance
  • Monthly stipend
  • Undergraduate – CNY 2500/mth
  • Masters – CNY 3000/mth
  • Doctoral – CNY 3500/mth

The scholarship does NOT cover:

  • Tuition at the American institution
  • International airfare
  • China visa application fees
  • Submit your application online through China Scholarship Council by January 31.
  • Download a completed copy of your application and email together with the following documents to Sufei Li, director of China and Asia Programs, at the same time.
    • passport page
    • academic transcripts
    • personal statement outlining the applicant’s study objectives
    • two recommendation letters (from academic advisors or senior administrators)
  1. Complete and submit completed CSC online application with supporting documentation no later than January 31.
  2. Applicants also email a copy of completed CSC application and supporting documents to AASCU at the same time.
  3. AASCU will recommend qualified students to the Chinese Embassy in April.
  4. The Embassy of China will send out the award notification and congratulation letters to the applicants in May.
  5. Candidates will receive the final admission letters from CSC and Chinese universities by July 31.
  6. Scholarship finalists apply for the Chinese visa in August.
  7. Students depart for China in Late Aug/Early Sept.
AASCU recommended Chinese institutions
  • 东北农业大学 Northeast Agriculture University
  • 贵州大学 Guizhou University
  • 海南大学Hainan University
  • 华侨大学 Huaqiao University
  • 江苏大学 Jiangsu University
  • 南京师范大学 Nanjing Normal University
  • 南京艺术学院Nanjing University of the Arts
  • 南通大学 Nantong University
  • 陕西师范大学Shaanxi Normal University
  • 苏州大学 Soochow University
  • 西安石油大学 Xi’an Shiyou University
  • 扬州大学Yangzhou University
  • 长安大学 Chang’an University
  • 重庆师范大学 Chongqing Normal University

For more questions throughout the Application procedures, please contact Sufei Li.

Questions about study in China scholarships? Let us know.

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