Youth worldwide is facing many complex global challenges; hence future leaders must take on a global perspective in order to adequately understand local, global, and cross-cultural issues. As the world’s two most important nations, the United States and China have the responsibility to promote world peace and shared prosperity. It is crucial for future American leaders to gain a better understanding of China.

In summer 2025, in collaboration with partner universities in the U.S., Peking University will launch the “Academic Explorers in China” program as a part of the “China Deep Dive: Global Young Leaders Program.” Selected students will attend lectures on the Peking University campus and go on guided trips in and outside Beijing. Students from PKU will also participate to better facilitate a deeper understanding of each other, their respective culture and values, and their home country, and to begin lifelong friendships that will stay with them as they grow into leadership roles in the near future.

Program Information

The program combines both classroom and field studies, with lectures by Peking University professors and being held at Peking University, followed by trips in and outside Beijing.

Program Dates

Route One: Jiangsu & Zhejiang & Shanghai: June 26-July 10, 2025
Route Two: Ningxia & Shaanxi & Sichuan: July 5-July 19, 2025

Program dates start with arrival at Peking University and end with the last day’s summary of selected program/route. All participants are expected to arrive at Beijing, hence any duration outside the above program dates is the sole responsibility of the participants.

Highlights for Route One: Jiangsu – Zhejiang – Shanghai

The itinerary is subject to change depending on the local situation.

Highlights for Route Two: Ningxia – Shaanxi – Sichuan

The itinerary is subject to change depending on the local situation.

Selection Criteria

• Current full time students attending a partner American university, holding valid U.S.
  passports that do not expire before January 20, 2026.
• Well-rounded, ambitious, physically and mentally healthy, and demonstrate excellent
  leadership potential and a broad international vision.
• Display international interest and have outstanding academic performance.
• The applicant should not already have extensive China experience.

Scholarship

Merit based scholarships, ranging from $1,000.00-3,000.00 USD, are awarded for insightful program essays, combined with candidate’s overall academic standing and community service. Decisions for acceptance to the program and scholarship reward are made at the same time by late-February, 2025.

Before scholarship disbursement, scholarship holders shall submit program summary report and finish program satisfaction questionnaire within 2 weeks after the completion of the program. Without the submission, the scholarship eligibility will be revoked.

In 500-1,000 words, submit an essay on one of the following two topics:

1. Why do you consider it important for American and Chinese students to understand each other better?
2. Describe an incident during which you become aware that you had an inaccurate stereotype about somebody with a different background. Alternatively, describe a situation where you yourself were treated in a stereotypical manner. What did you do in that situation and what did you learn from it?

Program Expenses

Peking University will cover in-country expenses including meals and lodging, domestic transportation, program and course related tuition during the program. The end of the last day’s summary of each program marks the completion of that program. Students are responsible for their travel arrangement and expenses between the United States (or other originating countries and regions) and China. Should the student wish to and plan to stay in China before and after the end of the program (outside the aforementioned program dates), all such expenses incurred will be borne by the students themselves.

Insurance

Peking University will purchase a uniform comprehensive medical insurance for international students studying in China from Chinese domestic insurance providers.

Visa

Students are required to submit documents pertaining to their acceptance to this Program to their respective Chinese embassy or consulate to apply for an X2 visa or F visa in order to come to China.

Application

Please use this link to submit your application if you are interested.

If you have any questions, please contact Center for Chinese Studies at ccsgrant@hawaii.edu