Sino-US CHEPD 1+2+1 Program 

The Sino-US CHEPD program is designed for undergraduate and graduate Chinese students to study at participating AASCU member institutions. The  program is jointly administered by AASCU and the China Center for International Educational Exchanges (CCIEE).  Students who complete the program receive two separate degrees from a US institution and their Chinese home institution.

Participate.
1+2+1 students graduate from UW Eau Claire
CHEPD 1+2+1 students graduate from UW Eau Claire.

Sino-US 1+2+1 CHEPD program is the largest student mobility program between the US and China.

Under the platform of Sino-US Cooperation in Higher Education and Professional Development (CHEPD), with joint administration of the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and the China Center for International Educational Exchange (CCIEE) in China, AASCU is proud to offer the Sino-American CHEPD 1+2+1 Program.

Since 2001, this program has provided the opportunity for Chinese students to spend up to two years at an AASCU institution to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies. Participants then receive two separate degrees from their Chinese home institution and their U.S. host institution.

The CHEPD 1+2+1 Program has become the largest and most successful program of its kind. Recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education as a Program of Excellence, it is one of most important platforms for cooperation between Chinese and American universities.  

Graduation 2019
CHEPD 1+2+1 Program Graduation, 2019.

Criteria to join.

  • AASCU member 
  • Eligibility to grant J visas 
  • Institutions MUST offer ESL or bridge programs 
  • Identified designated campus coordinator  
  • Ability to host Chinese visiting scholars 

How will you benefit?

  • Opportunity to partner with an extensive range of Chinese institutions 
  • Support and network for developing robust academic exchange programs 
  • Teaching and research opportunities for faculty members  
  • Scholarship resources for US students 
  • Additional program development opportunities 
impact

20+ years 

Our program has built sustainable partnerships for over two decades. 

182

Number of participating institutions – 38 AASCU members, 144 from Chinese partners.

6500

Number of students that have participated.

$400 M USD

U.S. campuses have received approximately $400 million in tuition, fees, room and board.

Program Structures and Types 

Chinese students who pass the national entrance examination will complete their initial year of study in China. They will study in the US during their 2nd and 3rd years, then return to their Chinese home institution for the final year. After completing all the degree requirements, the student will receive two degrees from both US and Chinese institutions. 

First-year graduate students are selected from Chinese universities to spend two or three academic semesters studying in an AASCU member university. They return to their Chinese universities for the final academic year. Qualified students will be granted diplomas and masters’ degrees from both Chinese and U.S. universities.

Students follow the regular 1+2+1 Program, i.e., the International Cohort Program students complete their freshmen year in Chinese university. In the second and third years of the program, students come to the United States to complete their sophomore and junior years at the US partner university. Students return to China to finish their senior year at Chinese university and graduate with two separate bachelor’s degrees from Chinese and American universities. All students participating in this program have already had their four-year curriculum mapped out, through articulation agreements between the two partner institutions.

Learn more about ICP.

Students who are not interested in pursuing a degree in the United States, but are seeking study abroad experiences, can apply for the Youth Exchange Student program for one academic semester or one year through US partner institutions. YES students are allowed to transition to 1+2+1 Program degree-seeking status once they are on the US campuses. 

CHEPD 1+2+1 Program Participating Institutions
1
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Testimonials

Studying abroad at NAU has helped me exercise my independent thinking and problem-solving abilities.  The ability to expand my horizons and experiences will be very beneficial to my future work and life.

Tingxiao Lu

Mass Media and Film major  
Northern Arizona University and Nanjing University of the Arts

During my time at Troy University I gained a lot.  I experienced humanistic care; gained professional knowledge; and learned how to face difficulties independently.  

Yin Xiatoting

Broadcasting and Journalism Major
Troy University and Nanjing University of the Arts  

Our Partners

CCIEE

The China Center for International Education Exchange (CCIEE) is an independent legal entity established by China Educational Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), affiliated with the Ministry of education of China. Over the past thirty years, CCIEE has extensively conducted short- and long-term programs such as student exchange, study in China, teaching training, self-funded overseas-study. Aiming at promoting education exchange and cooperation between China and other countries, CCIEE insists on bringing in high-quality foreign educational resources, and facilitating China’s education to be internationalized and worldwide recognized. 

CEAIE

Founded in 1981, the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) is China’s nationwide not-for-profit organization that conducts programs and activities that facilitate international educational exchanges and cooperation. CEAIE is fully committed to promoting the advancement of education, culture, science and technology; and strengthening understanding and friendship among the peoples of all countries and regions of the world. 

Interested in participating in the
Sino-American CHEPD 1+2+1 program?

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Does your institution have an ESL/bridge program?*
Does your institution grant J1 visas?*
Do you currently work with any Chinese institutions ?*

 

 

Questions about this program? Let us know.

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American Short-Term Study in China Initiative

ASSCI provides funding and support through AASCU and the Embassy of China to facilitate partnership building through institutional based faculty-led study abroad programs in China.

Contact us.
Students from Salem State University (MA) were able to study at Nanjing Normal University, through a program facilitated by an ASSCI scholarship.
Students from Salem State University (MA) participate in a program facilitated by an ASSCI scholarship.

ASSCIASSCI supports faculty-led study abroad programs.

The American Short-Term Study in China Initiative (ASSCI) is a scholarship program 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. The scholarship will support students enrolled in institutional-based, faculty-led study abroad programs in China. Faculty members with existing China study abroad programs, faculty interested to adding a study abroad component to a pre-existing course, or faculty interested in developing a program for studying abroad in China, are encouraged to submit a funding proposal.

Who should participate?

  • Faculty from accredited U.S. institutions
  • Faculty from all disciplines interested in adding a study abroad component to their course /curriculum
  • Faculty members with existing study abroad programs with Chinese institutions
  • Faculty members interested in creating study abroad programs, but require assistance to identify matching partners

How will you benefit?

  • Scholarship support for students’ expenses in China
  • Support for identifying Chinese university partners and developing robust academic exchange programs
  • Opportunity to partner with an extensive range of Chinese institutions
  • Opportunities for U.S. faculty to teach abroad

Applying to ASSCI.

Proposals should be submitted by faculty on U.S. campuses, with support from the provost, along with accompanying approval and signatures from the individual responsible for study abroad programs on each campus.

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) [Search Universities & Regions_Universities & Programs_留学中国 (campuschina.org)]. AASCU can assist with identifying Chinese institutional partners. Applicants requiring assistance with identifying a partner to apply for the scholarship should indicate this when completing the application form.

Proposals will be accepted through November 1.  Submitted proposals will be reviewed and rated by the Selection Committee organized by the Chinese Embassy and recommended to CSC for approval.  Applicants will be notified by December 15.

  • Program fee, AASCU member: Fee waived
  • Program fee, non-AASCU member: $1000

Students in the program will be eligible to receive the ASSCI scholarship. The scholarship covers the following expenses for each participating student:

  • Tuition at the Chinese institution
  • On-campus accommodation
  • Health insurance
  • Monthly stipend

The scholarship does NOT cover:

  • Faculty-related expenses
  • Tuition at the US institution
  • Airfare and other travel expenses to China
  • China visa application fees

Applicant must be a:

  • Faculty in any discipline who teaches a course that requires students to study abroad in China
  • Faculty who are interested in developing a course for students to study abroad in China

The course must meet the following requirements:

  • Co-designed and co-taught with a Chinese partner institution, with at least 50% of the content delivered by the Chinese partner on site in China
  • Offers academic credits for all the students
  • Has a duration of no less than two weeks and no longer than one academic year in China
  • Minimum enrollment of six students
  • Maximum enrollment of 30 students

The selection committee will use several criteria when reviewing applications:

  • The proposed program will be measured for clarity of learning goals and the extent to which the program’s activities contribute to those goals.
  • The proposed program includes faculty leadership at the US institution.
  • The proposed program uses the resources of the Chinese partner, such as academic strengths, location in China, and connections outside the institution.
  • The proposed program involves students from the Chinese partner institution.

Complete and submit the Proposal Form and Nomination Form before November 1, 2024

  1. Submitted proposals will be reviewed by a Selection Committee comprising Chinese embassy staff, AASCU staff, and selected faculty who have led past faculty-led programs in China. They will then recommend proposals to the China Scholarship Council (CSC)  for approval.
  2. Applicants will be notified by Dec. 15, 2024.
  3. Once an American institution has received notification of its successful application, participating students, under the supervision of the leading American faculty, will complete individual scholarship applications on the CSC website during Jan.–March 2025.
  4. Faculty-led group study abroad in China, May–July 2025.

Visit the China Scholarship Council website for more information about the scholarship.

China Scholarship Council

 

Instructions for students who are admitted in a study abroad in China program on your campus and the teaching faculty will work with you to fill out the ASSCI scholarship application. 

ASSCI application instructions.

 

 

 

Provost David Silva of Salem State University (MA) and students from SSU and  Nanjing Normal University.
Provost David Silva of Salem State University (MA) and students from SSU and  Nanjing Normal University.
Students from Salem State University (MA) were able to study at Nanjing Normal University, through a program facilitated by an ASSCI scholarship.
Students from Salem State University (MA) and Nanjing Normal University.

Applications are officially closed.

If you would like to be considered for the next program cycle, please contact Sufei Li.

Frequently asked questions 

Faculty  in any discipline can apply for the ASSCI program. The students in the program are qualified to apply for the scholarship automatically once the program is approved. 

The scholarship for each student covers tuition paid to the Chinese partner institution, accommodations, a monthly stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance. The value of each scholarship for a four-week program could be approximately $10,000 or more. 

Part of the scholarship, such as tuition fees, accommodation fees, and comprehensive medical insurance, goes to the host university directly. The student receives a monthly stipend upon arriving at the Chinese campus. 

  • ¥2500 per month for undergraduate students 
  • ¥3000 per month for master’s students 
  • ¥3500 per month for doctoral students 

Yes. You will need to state that you have no partner and you’re requesting assistance in the proposal form. AASCU will work with the Chinese embassy to find a matching partner for the program.  Once you accept our recommendation and work out the articulation plan with the recommended partner, we will continue to work on your application for funding. 

Once your proposal is approved, all students registered for the course are qualified to apply. However, the student applicant must be a full-time student who is not a Chinese citizen. 

You will need to renew your program with the embassy if there is no change to the previously approved program. The renewal process is simple. The purpose of renewal is for the embassy to have a record of the program each year. If there are changes at the partner institutions in China, such as different teaching faculty, altered course description or delivery methods, etc., you will need to submit a new proposal for approval. Your students will also need to apply for the scholarships through CSC’s online application every year to participate and receive the scholarships. 

Only eligible students can apply for the scholarship. The leading faculty member is responsible for all the expenses, including international travel, room, and board in China. It is possible that your partner university will be able to cover room and board. However, these costs are not considered part of the scholarship program. 

There are no limits and restrictions for institutions. We welcome faculty members in any major as long as the proposal reflects the goals, and the teaching curriculum involves joint activities of the program that contribute to those goals. Multiple faculty members from one institution could submit individual proposals for separate funding as long as they have partners in China. 

Have questions about the American Short-Term Study in China Initiative? Let us know.

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Japan Studies Institute

The Japan Studies Institute (JSI) is a unique multidisciplinary professional development program designed to help faculty and administrators integrate Japanese studies into their institutions.

Apply by Feb. 28.
Tea ceremony at JSI 2022
Japan Studies Institute 2022, Tea Ceremony Lesson
Our program is guided by faculty experts in historical and contemporary Japanese subjects.
Our program is guided by faculty experts in historical and contemporary Japanese subjects.

Transform your campus with Japan studies expertise. 

JSI offers a unique environment for educators and administrators to deepen global studies capacity, intercultural learning and enhance your campus internationalization efforts. The program equips participants with the tools and knowledge to incorporate Japanese studies into the undergraduate curricula and co-curricular activities.

JSI is ideal for faculty and staff with little or no prior experience in Japanese studies. Through immersive learning and collaboration, participants gain practical insights into Japan’s history, culture, and modern society. By participating in JSI, individuals will acquire the expertise and resources needed to inspire student learning about Japan and global awareness in any academic discipline.

Who should participate?

  • Faculty interested in expanding global and area studies in their teaching
  • Administrators and staff seeking to support intercultural learning or international programs on campus

How will you benefit?

  • Collaborative Learning: Engage in peer-to-peer learning with a diverse group of colleagues from across AASCU institutions.
  • Specialized Resources: Access curated content, including Japanese studies materials tailored to help integrate Japan studies into your curriculum.
  • Curriculum Development: Receive mentorship and support in developing courses, modules, or campus initiatives focused on Japanese studies.
  • Networking: Connect with JSI alumni, Japanese scholars, industry experts, and diplomats to broaden your professional network and enhance your campus’ global connections.
What to Expect

Immersive residential experience.

Participants live and work together over two weeks at San Diego State University, fostering a vibrant residential community focused on collaborative learning. This intensive, hands-on format encourages a supportive exchange of ideas and builds lasting professional connections.

Interdisciplinary approach to Japanese studies.

Engage with Japanese culture, history, business, and social issues through seminars, lectures, and cultural activities. Participants gain a holistic understanding of Japan’s evolving role in global affairs, modern societal shifts, and cultural traditions, equipping them to incorporate these insights into diverse academic disciplines.

Integrated cultural and professional development.

Beyond structured sessions, the program includes off-campus excursions, evening gatherings, and cultural experiences that offer an immersive perspective on Japanese culture.

  • Applications Open: Mid-November
  • Applications Close: February 28
  • Applicants Notified: End of March
  • Institute Materials Provided: May 1, 2025 (includes handbook and other resources)
  • Institute Start Date: June 2, 2025, in San Diego
  • Institute End Date and Departure: June 15, 2025, from San Diego

To qualify for this program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be staff members capable of influencing undergraduate education, whether through teaching or providing academic support services relevant to undergraduate studies.
  • Must have no prior formal training or professional experience in Japan studies.
  • Should be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in learning more about Japan.
  • Must be nominated/endorsed by a provost, vice president, dean, or department chair. The nomination can be made either directly or at the applicant’s request.

Documents listed below must be submitted by the February 28, 2025 deadline. The application package should include:

  • A current, comprehensive CV or resume.
  • A one-page letter/endorsement from a provost, vice president, dean, or department chair who is familiar with the applicant’s academic achievements and career trajectory.
  • A typed, single-spaced, one-page statement outlining the potential benefits of the award to the applicant’s teaching and professional development, as well as to their institution and community. This statement should address:
    • The applicant’s interest in expanding their knowledge of Japan.
    • Plans for leveraging this experience to enhance undergraduate education at their institution.
  • AASCU member institutions – Participation in this Institute is complimentary for AASCU members. Costs associated with program administration, academic material, and residence life are underwritten by a generous endowment from the Nippon Foundation.
  • Non-AASCU member institutions – $895

Participants in the program are responsible for ancillary expenses related to travel to and from the program site, and all other personal and miscellaneous items.

Is my institution as AASCU member?
Institute mornings begin with Japanese language lessons.
Institute mornings begin with Japanese language lessons.
Participants visit the Buddhist Temple of San Diego for a meditation experience.
Participants visit the Buddhist Temple of San Diego for a meditation experience.
Taiko drumming
Participants being led in taiko workshop (Japanese drumming).
impact

28

Number of years AASCU has provided this professional development opportunity for its members.

200+ 

Number of Institutions that have participated in the Institute from across the US, the Bahamas and Canada.

500

Number of faculty and administrators that have been trained by the Institute.

The most memorable experience of JSI for me was the overall opportunity to participate in this program with faculty from different disciplines, from different universities, from different parts of the country, and even different parts of the world. The biggest impact the JSI program has had on me professionally is how it has better equipped me go back to the classroom and give my students cultural learning experiences.   

April Mondy

Delta State University
JSI 2018

The program is an excellent introduction to educators who do not have a background in Japan but are interested in learning more about the country and incorporating Japan studies in their classes.  The multidisciplinary nature of the fellows’ backgrounds helped make the various sessions very informative. Overall, I have nothing bad to say about this institute. It’s a 10/10 program and one of the most valuable professional development program I have attended in my career. 

Attendee, JSI 2022

2022 Fellows
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2022 JSI Fellows 
William Crawley  Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies  University of West Florida 
Lucas Foster  Associate Professor, Mathematics  Northeastern State University 
Sandra Gonsalves-Domond  Professor, Personality and Social Psychology  Ramapo College of New Jersey 
Abdul Knowles  Director, Global Studies and Programmes  The University of the Bahamas 
Michael Mays  Professor, English and Director, Hanford History Project  Washington State University 
Newly Paul  Assistant Professor, Print/Digital Media  University of North Texas 
Lokesh Shivakumaraiah  Executive Director, International Relations & Assistant to the Provost  Mississippi Valley State University 
Binod Shrestha  Associate Professor, Studio Art  University of North Texas 
Leslie Stewart  Associate Professor, Political Science  Delta State University (MS) 
Robyn Wall  Assistant Professor, Art  Delta State University (MS) 
Lingling Wang   Assistant Professor, International Business  Worcester State University (MA) 
Marie Barnas  Associate Professor, Video and Film Production  Middle Tennessee State University 

Applications and endorsements for our 2025 JSI cohort are open.

Application Requirements

  • A current, comprehensive CV or resume
  • A statement outlining the potential benefits of the award to the applicant’s teaching and professional development, as well as to their institution and community
  • An endorsement from a provost, vice president, dean, or department chair who is familiar with the applicant’s academic achievements and career trajectory

Important Dates

  • Applications and endorsements are due Feb. 28, 2025
  • The 2025 institute will take place June 2-15, 2025 in San Diego, CA

Our Partners

Interested in participating in this program? Let us know.

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