Youth worldwide is facing complex global challenges, making it essential for future leaders to adopt a global perspective to effectively address local, international, and cross-cultural issues. As two of the world's most influential nations, the United States and China share a responsibility to promote world peace and shared prosperity. Therefore, it is vital for emerging American leaders to deepen their understanding of China.
Apply Now! - Academic Explorers in China Program for Undergraduates in Summer 2025
In the summer of 2025, Peking University (PKU) will launch a new Academic Explorers in China Program, in collaboration with partner universities in the U.S., as part of the China Deep Dive: Global Young Leaders Program. Participants will attend lectures on the PKU campus and participate in guided excursions in and around Beijing. Students from PKU will also join the program, fostering mutual understanding of cultures and values. This initiative aims to encourage participants to form lifelong friendships that will support them as they transition into future leadership roles.
As a partner university, UC Berkeley has been invited to recommend 6-8 undergraduate students to participate in the program. Berkeley’s Center for Chinese Studies (CCS) will collaborate with PKU to publicize the program on campus and collect applications. The application deadline is Monday, December 23, 2024. Late and incomplete applications will NOT be considered. PKU will announce the results in mid-January to all the partner universities. CCS will forward this information to the applicants accordingly via email.
Program Dates and Routes
Applicants should indicate their preferred route by selecting one of the two options in the application form.
- Route One: From June 26 to July 10, 2025, the first cohort will visit Beijing, Suzhou (in Jiangsu Province), Hangzhou (in Zhejiang Province), and Shanghai
- Route Two: From July 5 to July 19, 2025, the second cohort will visit Beijing, Yinchuan and Zhongwei (in Ningxia Province), Xi’an (in Shaanxi Province), and Chengdu (in Sichuan Province)
Note: The itinerary is subject to change based on local conditions.
Program Cost
Berkeley’s Center for Chinese Studies will cover the $140 visa application fee (if applicable), and provide up to $2,000 for round-trip economy class international flights between San Francisco and Beijing for all selected students from UC Berkeley, thanks to the generous support of the Kenny & Maria C. Chin Student Awards in International Relations.
PKU will cover in-China expenses, including meals, lodging, domestic transportation, and program-related tuition during the program. Participants are required to attend the final group meeting on the last day of the program in order to successfully complete this program.
If a participant chooses to stay in China before or after the program dates, they will be responsible for all associated expenses.
Travel Insurance
PKU will purchase a uniform comprehensive medical insurance plan for the program participants from one of the Chinese domestic insurance providers.
Visa
Participants are responsible for obtaining an X2 or F visa from their local Chinese embassy at least 30 days before the program start date. PKU will provide a formal invitation letter for the visa application in April or early May.
Eligibility
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Must be a U.S. citizen (holding a valid U.S. passport through January 20, 2026).
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Must be a full-time undergraduate student enrolled at UC Berkeley.
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Must have a keen interest in international affairs and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3.
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Must not have extensive prior experience in China.
Application Deadline - 5pm, Monday December 23, 2024
Application Checklist
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Upload an essay of 500-1000 words on one of the following two topics: 1) Why is it important for American and Chinese students to better understand each other? Or 2) Describe an incident in which you realized you held an inaccurate stereotype about someone from a different background. Alternatively, share a situation in which you were treated in a stereotypical manner. How did you respond, and what did you learn from the experience?
Additional Merit-based Scholarships
The scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 will be awarded based on the quality of the essay submitted along with the application form, overall academic performance, and community service involvement. Award recipients will be announced in mid-January 2025. The scholarships will be disbursed after the program via bank wire.
To receive the scholarship, awardees must successfully complete the program and submit a final program report along with a program satisfaction survey within two weeks of the program's conclusion. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the revocation of scholarship eligibility.