The Sarah D. Lande US-China Friendship Education Co., in partnership with Wanxiang America Corporation, is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Muscatine-China Friendship Education Study Abroad. This transformative opportunity offers students a unique chance to explore Chinese culture, language, manufacturing, and green energy science while fostering international friendship and collaboration for four weeks during the summer of 2025.
Established under the State Department’s 100,000 Strong Initiative, the program strives to create relationships and comradery between students from the United States and China with the hope of supporting collaboration and goodwill. Participating students will begin the 4-week program in Beijing at the end of June before traveling as a group to Hangzhou, China. Housed at Wanxiang Polytechnic University, the program consists of 3 weeks of classroom-based Chinese language and culture study, as well as seminars focusing on the basics of renewable energy and sustainability.
In addition to classes, students will also participate in field trips geared towards advancing their understanding of Chinese culture. US students are paired with Hangzhou Wanxiang Polytechnic student ambassadors who accompany them to workshops, seminars, and tours, and support participants in understanding the Chinese language and culture. Tentative travel dates are the end of June through the end of July.
“This opportunity is a moment to learn about yourself and what you understand about the world,” said a participant from last year’s program. “It helps challenge your own worldview, which can be scary, but it is also really rewarding. I encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy it.”
2025 marks the 6th Muscatine delegation to participate since the program started in 2012.
Applications will be accepted through February 18, 2025. Interested students can apply through the Community Foundation's scholarship portal.
Application criteria:
Must be a 10th-12th grade Muscatine High School (MHS) student or current Muscatine Community College (MCC) student residing in Muscatine County. Previous Chinese language study is not required.
Must have a cumulative MHS GPA of 2.00 or higher or a cumulative MCC GPA of 2.50 or higher.
Must be able to travel to China for 4 weeks during the summer in 2025 (exact dates to be determined, likely end of June through late July).
Must have a sincere desire to study Chinese language, culture, and clean energy science.
Must cover passport fee, personal spending money, and a $200 nonrefundable deposit upon selection. All other expenses are covered by the Sarah D. Lande Education Co. and Wanxiang America Corporation.
Program partners include the Sarah D. Lande US-China Friendship Education Company, Wanxiang America Group, Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, and Global Education at Stanley Center.
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