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.
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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.
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.
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 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.”
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
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
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
impact
3
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.”
“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.”
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’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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It’s Easy Being Green: Sustainability Solutions Symposium
Presidents/chancellors and senior leaders will explore sustainability solutions from across campus.
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.
