Understanding China’s Economy: SCCEI Summer Study Program

Understanding China’s Economy: SCCEI Summer Study Program

An experiential learning program in China for Stanford students

Summer 2026 Program: June 16-27We are currently accepting applications for the Summer 2026 program. Applicants must be Stanford undergraduate or co-term students to be eligible for the program. Applications are due on January 25, 2026.

SCCEI is organizing a unique two-week program that will enable students to delve deeply into the second largest economy in the world: China. This intensive field excursion will involve different program modules -- including seminar sessions, workshops, and site visits -- to both internationally renowned companies in China and to the factory floor in a rural township.

Selected participants will gain first-hand understanding of the complexities of China’s economy through site visits to technology firms, consumer markets, factory floors, education and environmental organizations. Participants will visit a spectrum of industries in Shenzhen, Beijing and a rural township (location TBD) and the ecosystem within which they operate. Under the close supervision of SCCEI’s faculty directors Hongbin Li and Scott Rozelle, participants will together explore the key issues, challenges, and opportunities that China faces as refracted through the experiences of these organizations.

View Highlights from Past Programs

Students dressed as Chinese opera characters pose with a banner that says "2025 SCCEI Summer Study Program"

Students pose on the Great Wall of China with a banner that says "2024 SCCEI Summer Study Program"

Learning Objectives

By the end of the two-week program, students will come away with a deeper understanding of China’s political economy, the factors that have contributed to its rise, elements that may fuel or hinder its continued growth, and the geopolitical context that confronts the country and its economy. More specifically:

Students will come away with a deeper understanding of some of the major sectors and companies in China and the ecosystem in which they operate;
The key challenges and opportunities facing these organizations and the means by which these entities are navigating their political, economic, social and international contexts;
The program will also provide a unique window onto a critical bilateral relationship of the 21st century - that between the United States and China.

This two-week, immersive program will include a carefully selected itinerary of visits to technology companies, retail markets, universities, and factory plants in both urban and rural China, including Beijing, Shanghai and a rural township (exact location still TBD). While the program is open to all currently enrolled Stanford undergraduate, co-terms, this is an intense field excursion and will require full commitment during this period. During the program, selected students will:

Visit China’s largest ecommerce company, its largest fintech company and largest online travel company in Shanghai and Beijing, and small businesses operating on these platforms from the rural area. Students will be asked to probe the factors driving China’s economic growth and to think critically about its complexity and challenges;
Visit schools in both urban and rural cities to understand China’s education system, and how human capital will affect the country’s labor force and China’s future growth;
Connect with Stanford alumni in China, faculties from Peking University, friends at Stanford Center at Peking University, and the US Embassy in Beijing, to learn from their experiences, create connections and open doors to future collaborations.

Locations: Shanghai, Beijing and a rural city (TBD)

Faculty Mentors: SCCEI’s faculty directors Hongbin Li and Scott Rozelle

Instructions for Applying

Application Requirements:

Submit an online application form through SOLO
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Unofficial Transcript

Complete applications will be screened, finalists interviewed by the program committee. We plan to release a decision before the winter quarter final week. Applicants should respond promptly (within 48 hours) via email to the program offer, or the offer will be rescinded.

Candidates who demonstrate the ability to integrate the program’s experience with their own academic interests, research, and career goals will be preferred. The purpose of this immersive program is to expand a participant’s understanding of contemporary China, its economic system and its political context.

Apply on SOLO

Program Costs

SCCEI will cover:

In-country accommodation and transportation
Most of the meals, except for a few free nights

Students are financially responsible for:

Pre-departure immunizations
Travel medicine consultations
Health insurance (with sufficient coverage for the duration of your time abroad as required by the program, including coverage for medical care and treatment outside the U.S., medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains)
Visa costs
International Airfare
All other incidental expenses

For participants with demonstrated financial need, we will provide a stipend sufficient to cover international travel expenses, including visa fees and round-trip economy-class airfare, based on fares to and from San Francisco. For admitted students, financial need will be verified through their Stanford financial aid status or by submitting documentation of need, such as proof of an applicable scholarship.

Eligibility and Requirements

Required:

Program participants must attend all orientation meetings, complete a final narrative report after the program, and participate in a public presentation as instructed by the program leadership.
Program participants must also complete an Office of International Affairs (OIA) international travel preparation course via Canvas and a Vaden Travel Health information session or a travel clinic appointment during the spring quarter.
Program participants must certify that they are in good academic standing, and may not participate in the program or receive or retain program stipends if they are on suspension.

Desired:

Enthusiasm for learning, teamwork, maturity, and cultural sensitivity.
Prior demonstrated interest or involvement in China or East Asian affairs, including related coursework, will enhance your application but is not required.
Students enrolled in spring quarter Econ 131: “The Chinese Economy” with Professor Scott Rozelle and Professor Hongbin Li will be given preference for this program. Enrollment in Econ 131 is not a prerequisite, however.
Mandarin Chinese is helpful but not required.

General Guidelines:

All majors are welcome.
The program is open to all undergraduate students. Seniors or co-terms are eligible as long as they do not confer their undergraduate degrees until after they complete their summer program in order to remain eligible. Coterm students must still have undergraduate status.
Students must be enrolled full time at Stanford in undergraduate study in the quarter when they apply (Winter), and when the stipend is disbursed (Spring).
Violations of the program policies will also be considered violations of the Fundamental Standard and may be referred to the Office of Community Standards. Students who fail to abide by the policies set forth by SCCEI, this program, and Stanford University will have low priority or no longer be eligible for future SCCEI funding opportunities and programs. SCCEI reserves the right to rescind funding at any given point and time should they be apprised of any policy violations as outlined above.

Visit SOLO for Travel Requirements