Apply Now! - Academic Explorers in China Program for Undergraduates in Summer 2026
In the summer of 2026, Peking University (PKU) will continue to host the 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 Friday, January 30, 2026. Late and incomplete applications will NOT be considered. PKU will announce the results in late February 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 May 24 to June 7, 2026, the first cohort will visit Beijing, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai.
- Route Two: From June 21 to July 5, 2026, the second cohort will visit Beijing, Ningxia, Chongqing and Sichuan.
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, and reimburse up to $2,000 for round-trip economy class international flights between San Francisco and Beijing, Shanghai/Sichuan and San Francisco, for the 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 student 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 F visa from their local Chinese embassy at least 30 days prior to the program start date. Please refer to the link below for instructions provided by the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco. PKU will issue a formal invitation letter to support your visa application.
https://sanfrancisco.china-consulate.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/lszj/zgqz/202509/t2...
Eligibility
-
Must be a U.S. citizen (holding a valid U.S. passport through January 9, 2027).
-
Must be a full-time student enrolled at UC Berkeley.
-
Must have a keen interest in international affairs and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3.
-
Do not have extensive experience in China.
Application Deadline
5pm, Friday January 30, 2026
Application Checklist
-
Upload an essay of 1000-1500 words 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?
Additional Merit-based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships, ranging from USD $1,000 to $3,000, are awarded based on the strength of the applicant’s program essay, overall academic performance, and record of community service. PKU will provide this scholarship via bank wire after the program.
Admission and scholarship decisions will be released by the end of February 2026. Before scholarship funds can be disbursed, recipients must submit a program summary report and complete a program satisfaction questionnaire within two weeks of the program’s conclusion. Failure to submit these materials will result in forfeiture of the scholarship.