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:
- Program Proposal (submit below)
- Nomination Form
- 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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Exemplar Programs from ADP
Explore the rich history, powerful outcomes, and pervasive impact of these American Democracy Project programs.
Global Civic Literacy
Through partnership with World101 from the Council on Foreign Relations, faculty and staff designed curriculum, activities, and assessments to help students increase their knowledge of our global society and understand how global issues influence lives of everyday citizens. Occurring from 2019-2022, more than 80 faculty and staff from over 40 institutions participated in this project.
Resources
For more information and to access the critical resources that they created, please explore:
Participating in Politics
The Political Engagement Project (PEP), a partnership with the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, advanced democratic and electoral engagement by providing students with both tangible and critical-thinking skills for participating in the political world.
The Engaged the Election 2016 project, a partnership with The Democracy Commitment and icitizen, a civic engagement app, advanced informed nonpartisan engagement in the presidential election.
Economic Literacy
The Economic Literacy project was in partnership with Up to Us,and included over 40 faculty at 19 institutions. Designed to help students increase their knowledge of the U.S. national debt, fiscal policy, and overall financial literacy, faculty created a toolkit to share their strategies and resources more broadly.
The Economic Inequality Initiative focused on understanding the impact of economic inequality on our democracy while helping students think about and take action to confront its complex causes.
The America’s Future Initiative, a partnership with Public Agenda from 2008 to 2011, focused on educating students about looming national debt and deficits, while exploring potential solutions.
Developing Citizenship Skills
The Deliberative Polling Initiative, a partnership with the Center for Deliberative Democracy, engaged 29 AASCU campuses in the exploration of strategies to engage students, faculty, staff and community members in discussions about public issues and to develop students’ citizenship skills.
The eCitizenship Initiative, a partnership with the Center for the Study of Citizenship at Wayne State University from 2009 to 2012, brought together campuses to examine how emerging technologies, particularly social networks, support and facilitate civic and political engagement.
Improving Civic Health and Agency
The Civic Agency Initiative, a partnership with the Center for Democracy and Citizenship from 2008 to 2012, sought to produce a series of national models for developing civic agency among undergraduates.
The Campus and Community Civic Health Initiative, a partnership with the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) from 2012 to 2014, was designed to identify and develop campus and community civic health assessments and tools, as well as action plans that responded to the findings.
Questions about past programs? 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
- Complete and submit completed CSC online application with supporting documentation no later than January 31.
- Applicants also email a copy of completed CSC application and supporting documents to AASCU at the same time.
- AASCU will recommend qualified students to the Chinese Embassy in April.
- The Embassy of China will send out the award notification and congratulation letters to the applicants in May.
- Candidates will receive the final admission letters from CSC and Chinese universities by July 31.
- Scholarship finalists apply for the Chinese visa in August.
- 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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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’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.
Who should participate?
- Leadership, faculty, and staff looking for guidance on where to focus their internationalization efforts next.
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.”
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.
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?
- Leadership, faculty, and staff eager to inspire, and be inspired by, their global peers.
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.
Global Learning as a Pathway to Civic Education
Nov. 20, 2025
1:00PM-2:00PM ET
Webinar
More information.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.Interested in participating in International Education Week? Let us know.
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Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Meetings
Contact us.Over the past 11 years, AASCU and NASPA have partnered to host the annual Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement meeting, which brought together faculty, student affairs administrators, students, senior campus leaders, and community partners to advance institutions’ commitment to advancing democracy.
This standout event convened a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure that students who graduate from colleges and universities, both public and private, are prepared to be the informed, engaged citizens our communities and democracies need.
We are tremendously proud of the impact CLDE has made in this critical area. However, the 2024 conference was the final conference under the AASCU/NASPA partnership. In 2025, AASCU will be hosting the American Democracy Project Summit to continue this work.
Both AASCU and NASPA remain deeply committed to supporting civic learning and democratic engagement across the country and with professionals across campuses.
Although the meeting will not continue in its current form, AASCU and NASPA look forward to exploring other meaningful avenues to partner and collaborate to ensure that professionals committed to civic engagement work at their institutions can share best practices and learn from one another in new and innovative ways.
Both AASCU and NASPA value our shared history of work together in this space and look forward to collaborating in the future to ensure that higher education meets its obligation to prepare students who value and engage in the health of our democracy.
2014
Louisville, KY
June 5-7
2013
Denver, CO
June 2-4
2012
San Antonio, TX
June 7-9
2011
Orlando, FL
June 2-4
Want to know more about CLDE? Let us know.
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A Call to Action: Translating the Spirit of Stewardship of Place into Practice
A practitioner guide providing tangible
examples of campus actions that bring this mission to life.
