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Zhi-Xing China: U.S. -China University Student Leaders Academy

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
As one of the highlights of U.S.-China people-to-people exchange, under the framework of Young Envoys, this fellowship was aimed at inspiring and building connections between the next generation of global leaders in the U.S. and China. Hosted by China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), college students from the U.S. will be selected and paired with Chinese students to carry out social research activities in China over a period of two weeks. The fellowship is conducted in English.

The Zhi-Xing China: U.S.-China University Student Leaders Academy derived from the Chinese philosophy Zhi and Xing, of which literal translations in English are knowledge and action. Thus, within the myriad of research activities, indoor lectures, seminars and dialogue will go hand in hand with field visits in different cities in China. Through the two-fold approach, students are able to observe the recent social, economic, and technological development of China while revisiting the thousand-year history of China and experiencing its cultures. The research topics include Create in China and the Era of Big Data, Sustainable Development and Public Policy, and Social Reforms and Development, etc.

The fellowship will conclude with a certificate of completion after presenting final capstone project.

FELLOWSHIP FEATURES

• U.S.-China Youth Leader Dialogue

Being an integral part of this fellowship, the U.S-China Youth Leader Dialogue: One World, Our Future, facilitates dynamic dialogues and presentations, allowing participants to connect with their Chinese counterparts to share thoughts, voices and ideas about the future. Each applicant needs to submit a project proposal for application. Projects can cover a wide range of subjects, including STEM, arts and culture, music, literature, language, and history, and it encourage students to brainstorm the possible ways to examine international issues, such as climate change and sustainability and to unite our global citizens together for a healthy and sustainable future.

• Social research project with different themed routes

With the attention given to sustainable development, urban planning, digitalization and technologies in China, the fellowship groups students into sub-groups depending on their choices of the research topic. The fellowship takes students to government entities, international organizations based in China, universities, start-ups, technology enterprises, and local communities. It offers substantive themed site visits interspersed with lectures, discussions and workshops.

• Youth leadership development

Young generation holds the key to create the pathway to a healthier, more fulfilled and more sustainable global future. The fellowship seeks to inspire students from both the U.S. and China by bringing them together for meaningful conversation and dialogue to build connections, enduring friendships, and a better understanding of each other. From ice-breaking activities to the group capstone project, the gathering encourages students from both sides to pursue collective actions towards the workable solutions for a more sustainable future.

• A valuable cross-cultural experiences

Embarking on a journey to cities across China, the fellowship delivers an immersive opportunity that engages students with the cultures, histories, and development of China. From experiencing Chinese cultural traditions to visiting historical sites such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall across China, students will take a closer look into the past of the rich Chinese history. Pairing American and Chinese students together allows them to step out of their comfort zone and get to know more about their peers who live in the other sides of the Pacific Ocean.

ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
- be U.S. citizen
- be currently enrolled in the an undergraduate or graduate program of studies or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent)
- have a good disciplinary and academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
- have a strong sense of social responsibility
- have demonstrated leadership capability or have served in a senior leadership position of a student-led organization/community/club
- be willing to facilitate bilateral relationships between U.S. and China and aim to act upon their shares of responsibilities to the world

TIME & LOCATION
July15-27, 2024 (in-country dates)
Beijing, sub-group visits to 1-2 cities such as Chengdu, Hangzhou and Shanghai, etc.
China

FIANCICAL CONSIDERATIONS
The fellowship covers all costs that are related to this fellowship in China, including accommodation, insurances (in China), inter-city transportation, etc. International flights, travel insurance, any personal purchases or individual travel plans are subject to personal responsibilities and will not be covered by the fellowship.

HOW TO APPLY
Please go to http //ylf.ceaie.edu.cn/ui/start/#/home to fill out the application form. If the above link doesn’t work, please send the following documents to zhi-xingchina@ceaie.edu.cn to submit your application (all documents should be in PDF format).
- A completed application form (all document required in this form)
- A recommendation letter from university

DEADLINES
Application will be accepted on a rolling basis until the deadline or when all slots are filled.
- April 15: Application submission ends
- May: receive decision and confirm participation
- June: Complete pre-arrival paperwork
- July 1: Pre-departure orientation
- July14: Zhi-Xing China journey begins

CONTACT
Jessica BIAN
bianboye@ceaie.edu.cn
Senior Program Officer
China Education Association for International Exchange