2023 AASCU China Partnerships and Education Expo
The Expo is designed to support AASCU’s senior leaders in a bid to internationalize their campuses.
AASCU Study Abroad Opportunity: Teach English in France
Learn about an exciting student professional development opportunity in France.
AASCU Study Abroad Opportunity—Teach English in France
An extraordinary opportunity for students to be immersed in the rich culture of France, while making a lasting impact in public schools throughout France.
Applications open in mid-October.
Imagine living and working in the captivating landscapes of France, immersing oneself in its rich culture, and getting paid to teach English to enthusiastic French students.
The Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) offers a remarkable postgraduation academic and professional development opportunity for university students. Participants ages 20 to 35 have the chance to experience living and working in France through a seven-month work contract, teaching English to French students of all ages in public schools across France, including Departements d’Outre-Mer (overseas departments such as Martinique and Guadeloupe.)
TAPIF isn’t limited to language enthusiasts alone. Regardless of major or field of study, this opportunity welcomes participants from all disciplines. Applicants are required to demonstrate intermediate low proficiency in French at a conversational level and to have completed at least six semesters of university classes.
Who should participate?
- Current students or graduates ages 20 to 35
- Language enthusiasts with a demonstrated proficiency of conversational French who are eager to share their skills and embrace new cultures
- Curious minds from all academic disciplines who have completed at least six semesters of university classes
- Individuals with a passion for teaching and making a difference
How will you benefit?
- Experience an unparalleled postgraduation opportunity to live, work, and teach English in France
- Explore post-TAPIF career pathways in the teaching field
- Earn a French as a foreign language graduate certificate while in France and transfer completed credits toward a master’s in teaching at esteemed U.S. partner universities
- Expand your network and connect with like-minded students and professionals
- Upon completion of the program, alumni gain access to generous MA and PhD scholarships in both the U.S. and France
Testimonial
“Our assistantships allowed us to wear many hats – American culture specialists, lesson planners, public transport connoisseurs, French bakery enthusiasts, group tutorial providers, French administration experts, English department colleagues, public speakers, explorers, and cross-cultural communicators to name a few! Living in Troyes and working in the French school system was an experience of cultural immersion that only intensified our penchant for all things French.”
“Our assistantships allowed us to wear many hats – American culture specialists, lesson planners, public transport connoisseurs, French bakery enthusiasts, group tutorial providers, French administration experts, English department colleagues, public speakers, explorers, and cross-cultural communicators to name a few! Living in Troyes and working in the French school system was an experience of cultural immersion that only intensified our penchant for all things French.”
“Our assistantships allowed us to wear many hats – American culture specialists, lesson planners, public transport connoisseurs, French bakery enthusiasts, group tutorial providers, French administration experts, English department colleagues, public speakers, explorers, and cross-cultural communicators to name a few! Living in Troyes and working in the French school system was an experience of cultural immersion that only intensified our penchant for all things French.”
“Our assistantships allowed us to wear many hats – American culture specialists, lesson planners, public transport connoisseurs, French bakery enthusiasts, group tutorial providers, French administration experts, English department colleagues, public speakers, explorers, and cross-cultural communicators to name a few! Living in Troyes and working in the French school system was an experience of cultural immersion that only intensified our penchant for all things French.”
“Our assistantships allowed us to wear many hats – American culture specialists, lesson planners, public transport connoisseurs, French bakery enthusiasts, group tutorial providers, French administration experts, English department colleagues, public speakers, explorers, and cross-cultural communicators to name a few! Living in Troyes and working in the French school system was an experience of cultural immersion that only intensified our penchant for all things French.”
Program highlights
TAPIF fosters language learning and cultural exchange.
With an annual intake of approximately 1,300 American teaching assistants, TAPIF fosters language learning and cultural exchange, enabling participants to enhance their language proficiency, teaching skills, and personal development in this pre-professional mobility program.
Earn credits toward a master’s in teaching at esteemed partner universities.
TAPIF, as part of the French Embassy’s cultural and education department, also provides exciting opportunities for participants to pursue a career in teaching. The new TAPIF to Teacher program (as part of the French for All initiative) offers a scholarship for a French as a foreign language certificate in France, along with transfer credits toward a master’s in teaching at esteemed U.S. partner universities such as Boston University and Concordia College (MN). Additionally, TAPIF alumni can apply for the Multi-State Pathways to Teaching French program, which facilitates a teaching career through an online curriculum, a learning plan for obtaining a teaching license, and connections with local education agencies.
Program Partner
Applications open every year in mid-October and close at the end of January.
Ready to take the leap?
This initiative is the gateway to an unforgettable experience, where teaching, travel, and cultural immersion intersect.
Don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity!
Questions about the study abroad program? Let us know.
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National Constitution Day Conversations
A national facilitated dialogue based on the fundamental value of the pursuit of knowledge for the public good.
AASCU Delegation Attends 20th CHEPD 1+2+1 Graduation Ceremony in Beijing
The program has witnessed a total of 7,000 student participants, with 6,500 successfully graduating.
Mildred García Keynotes Reception Celebrating 75 years of Fulbright in France
García has special ties to the program.
AASCU’s International Education Team Participates at NAFSA’s Annual Conference & Expo
Connections were made with key stakeholders and potential international partners
ASSCI Proposal Form
Faculty members with existing China study abroad programs or institutions interested in developing a program for studying in China are encouraged to apply by submitting a funding proposal.
Proposals are officially closed.
If you would like to be considered for the next program cycle, please contact Sufei Li.
The American Short-Term Study in China Initiative (ASSCI) is a scholarship program supporting faculty-led study abroad programs to China. The scholarship is offered by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America and administered by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).
Faculty members with existing China study abroad programs or those interested in developing a program/course for studying in China are encouraged to apply. The application should be submitted by the faculty member who will be leading the proposed program/course in China.
The ASSCI program focuses on joint efforts between U.S. and Chinese partner institutions. Chinese partners must be recognized by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). Please visit their website for a list of CSC institutions. AASCU can also provide recommendations for Chinese institutional partners.
Application Materials
Please note that your application will not be considered without all the items listed below:
- Program Proposal (submit below)
- Nomination Form
- Institutional Approval Form
Form can be uploaded as an attachment in this form, or sent to Sufei Li
It is important to note that you are expected to complete this form in one sitting. If you prefer, you can prepare your responses in a Word document and then copy and paste them into the appropriate fields.
ASSCI Nomination Form
Please submit this form in a faculty member at your institution has applied for the American Short-Term Study in China Initiative (ASSCI).
Applications are officially closed.
If you would like to be considered for the next program cycle, please contact Sufei Li.
The 2024-2025 American Short-Term Study in China Initiative (ASSCI) is offered by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America and administered by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The ASSCI program focuses on joint efforts between U.S. and Chinese partner institutions. The scholarship will fund institutional-based, faculty-led study abroad programs in China.
To confirm institutional approval of the proposed program, an appropriate administrator at the institution (Provost, AVP, or Senior International Officer) must complete and sign this form. Should this proposal be selected for funding through the abovementioned initiative, institutional nomination implies that the institution agrees to provide necessary additional support to faculty and students for the execution of this program.
China Studies Institute
The China Studies Institute (CSI) is a multidisciplinary professional development institute focused on helping participants integrate Chinese studies into global learning opportunities on their campuses.
Learn more.
Learn about China and how to incorporate Chinese Studies into study abroad programs on your campus.
The Institute is hosted in China, and involves various activities including intensive seminars, lectures, meetings and cultural activities related to Chinese history, education, business and culture. Institute faculty includes scholars, business leaders, and education administrators from institutions and organizations in local Chinese communities, and relevant government officials.
Next China Studies Institute
July 7-17, 2024
Shanghai, Shandong, and Beijing
Who should participate?
- Faculty interested in expanding global and area studies in their teaching
- Senior international officers and staff seeking to support intercultural learning or international programs on campus
How will you benefit?
- Peer-to-peer learning with participating colleagues
- Gain first-hand experience about studying abroad in China
- Familiarization with China and Chinese higher education system, policies, and issues
- Develop strategies for incorporating Chinese studies into global learning opportunities through:
- Participation in forums, seminars and other activities designed to create and sustain educational partnerships in China
- Networking with partners or potential partners for further discussion on study abroad programs, policies, issues and concerns in China and the US
- Expand student exchange opportunities with Chinese partners
impact
5
Number of years AASCU has provided this professional development opportunity for its members.
37
Number of Institutions that have participated in the Institute from across the U.S.
51
Number of faculty and administrators that have been trained by the Institute.
program highlights
Connect with Chinese partner institutions and administrators in the field.
Over the course of the 10-day program, participants will explore the latest trends in student mobility among Chinese students. The agenda will provide in-depth understanding of the changing policies and regulations in China, as well as the increasing opportunities for American students interested in studying there. Additionally, the program will facilitate dialogue and collaboration between leaders from Chinese institutions and participants through various activities.
our stories
“Since being a part of the China Studies Institute, I have incorporated in my courses, a discussion and comparison of academia in the United States and China. This helps my students gain insight into the value of this opportunity. I have also strongly encouraged my students to study abroad via NSU International Programs. In addition to this, I have applied to teach in China in the upcoming Fall semester. None of these things would be on my radar if I hadn’t participated in CSI.
“My trip to China with the CSI was extremely formative and has motivated me and given me the confidence to work much more closely with colleagues in China to establish student and faculty exchanges. The most recent example was our university hosting Dr. Zhi Pei and other colleagues from Zhejiang University of Technology. We are moving forward with an exchange agreement between their institution and our whole engineering college.”
“My experience in the 2015 China Studies Institute was life changing. It was my first visit to China, and the three weeks in Shanghai, Xi’an, and Beijing were truly fantastic. I really appreciated the combination of classes and visits to places of cultural significance. For me, it was the culmination of a year (2014-15) when I basically discovered Chinese students–and China itself–and it added immeasurably to my knowledge and understanding of the huge, ancient, and fascinating country.”
“Since being a part of the China Studies Institute, I have incorporated in my courses, a discussion and comparison of academia in the United States and China. This helps my students gain insight into the value of this opportunity. I have also strongly encouraged my students to study abroad via NSU International Programs. In addition to this, I have applied to teach in China in the upcoming Fall semester. None of these things would be on my radar if I hadn’t participated in CSI.
“My trip to China with the CSI was extremely formative and has motivated me and given me the confidence to work much more closely with colleagues in China to establish student and faculty exchanges. The most recent example was our university hosting Dr. Zhi Pei and other colleagues from Zhejiang University of Technology. We are moving forward with an exchange agreement between their institution and our whole engineering college.”
“My experience in the 2015 China Studies Institute was life changing. It was my first visit to China, and the three weeks in Shanghai, Xi’an, and Beijing were truly fantastic. I really appreciated the combination of classes and visits to places of cultural significance. For me, it was the culmination of a year (2014-15) when I basically discovered Chinese students–and China itself–and it added immeasurably to my knowledge and understanding of the huge, ancient, and fascinating country.”
“Since being a part of the China Studies Institute, I have incorporated in my courses, a discussion and comparison of academia in the United States and China. This helps my students gain insight into the value of this opportunity. I have also strongly encouraged my students to study abroad via NSU International Programs. In addition to this, I have applied to teach in China in the upcoming Fall semester. None of these things would be on my radar if I hadn’t participated in CSI.
2024 CSI Cohort
Zlatinka N.
Blaber
Associate Professor of Accounting
Salem State University (MA)
Needha
Boutte-Queen
Acting Senior Associate Provost and Acting Senior Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Texas Southern University
James
Callaghan
Assistant Vice President for International Education/Senior International Officer
Georgia College & State University
Olufunke
Fontenot
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Fort Valley State University
DoVeanna Sherie
Fulton
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Norfolk State University (VA)
Byron
Nichols
Assistant Director
Jacksonville State University (AL)
Rachel S.
Shinnar
Professor
Appalachian State University (NC)
Application information
- AASCU member institutions – $950 (to be paid after candidate is selected and confirms their participation).
- The Institute covers costs related to accommodations in China, in-country domestic transportation, and other organized activity expenses.
- The Institute DOES NOT cover ancillary expenses related to personal and miscellaneous expenses such as passport fees, visa fees, roundtrip airfare and travel insurance.
Applicants must be:
- A US citizen or US permanent resident.
- An administrator/staff overseeing or working in global learning, global engagement or study abroad offices at an AASCU member institution.
- Endorsed by a president, chancellor, provost, or senior international officer either directly or at the request of the applicant
This program is hosted overseas, in China, and as such there are several necessary documents that candidates should be aware that they will need to already have or will be required to acquire prior to travel.
- Application Form: To complete the application for this program, candidates are required to complete the form provided. Additionally, a nominator must endorse the candidate through a separate endorsement form by April 1, 2024.
- Resume/CV
- Endorsement Form: Suitable endorsers for this program include Chancellors, Presidents, Provosts, or Senior International Officers.
- Valid passport: This program requires a valid passport with an expiry date no less than 6 months from the date of intended travel.
- Doctor’s Letter/Health Endorsement: This letter will be required if the applicant is selected to participate.
- Chinese Visa: If you are not already in possession of a Chinese visa, once selected, guidelines will be provided on how to acquire your Chinese visa for travel. Selected participants are responsible for the costs associated with acquiring a Chinese visa.
The CSI is a national competition across AASCU institutions. Participants will be selected and recommended by a panel composed of senior international officers. Final candidates are selected by the CEAIE.
Successful applicants will demonstrate the following:
- Leadership in international education and specifically in developing or managing study abroad programs.
- Experience working with, or a demonstrated interest in working with Chinese partner institutions to develop study abroad programs in China.
- The 2024 Program will take place from July 7-17, 2024, across Shanghai, Shandong, and Beijing
- Deadline for applications and endorsements is April 1, 2024
- Candidates’ notification for CSI Award: April 15, 2024
- Candidates’ confirmation of participation: April 29, 2024
- AASCU pre-departure orientation: June 10, 2024
- Participants are expected to arrive Shanghai on July 7, 2024.
Our Partner
Do you have additional questions about CSI? Let us know.
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