Stanford China Discovery Program
The Stanford China Discovery Program provides an opportunity for advanced high school students to learn about China–its people, culture, and economy–through a 16-day experiential learning trip in China led by SCCEI faculty and senior researchers.
During the program, students will experience China through the lens of an economist, learning about China’s economic development, political institutions, and human capital challenges through interactive visits to factories, local schools, environmental projects, child development centers, and more. Along the way, students will participate in lectures and discussions with top experts on China, challenge their thinking and perceptions, and gain a better understanding of themselves and their interests.
At the end of the program, students will independently write an essay sharing their insights from the journey, and have the opportunity to workshop it with our professional writing staff.
Program Dates: June 14 - June 30, 2023
Location: China (Cities will be confirmed closer to departure)
Program Cost: $6,500*
*Flights not included. Accommodations, in-country travel, and most meals included.
Each year SCCEI runs a rigorous summer program for an elite group of high school students from around the world. Due to the highly competitive nature of the selection process, we ask that you review the below qualifications to confirm your eligibility.
All applicants must:
- Be a current high school student in grade 10 or 11
- Have a GPA of 3.75 or more on the unweighted 4.0 GPA scale
- Have strong English writing skills
- Be self-motivated and inquisitive
- Mandarin Chinese language skills are not required, but are preferred for all applicants.
We receive a large number of applications each year. Please do not call or email to check on your application status. We will notify every applicant whether or not they have been accepted for the program.
Applications are due by 11:59pm Pacific Time on February 12, 2023.
To apply, please submit the following information through our online form:
- Basic information
- A 300 word (max) statement of interest describing why you want to participate in the program and what you can bring to the team
- A 300 word (max) short essay answering the following prompt:
High school students in China are required to select a major before they enter college. If you had to choose your college major right now, what would you choose, and why?
- Your current resume or CV
Will I receive academic credit?
The China Discovery Program does not offer academic credit.
What does the application and selection process entail?
The application will ask you for a resume, statement of interest and short essay. Applications must be received by February 12, 2023. You will be notified within a few weeks if you have been accepted.
Can I check on my application status?
Processing applications takes time, we carefully review each and every application. Please do not call or email to check on your application status during this review period. We will notify every applicant whether or not they have been accepted.
The application deadline has passed. May I still submit an application?
No, we do not accept late applications.
Is the program open to non-high school students?
No, only high school students are eligible to participate in this program.
I cannot commit to the full duration of the program. May I still apply?
We can only accept participants who can commit for the full duration of the program.
What does the program fee cover?
The program fee covers accommodations for the duration of the program, in-country travel, and group activities. Most meals will also be provided.
The program fee does not include flights to and from China, nor does it cover visa fees or travel insurance. All participants will need to arrange for their own transportation to a designated meeting point in China - this meeting point will be determined closer to the start of the program.
If I am unable to travel to China this summer, is there another way to participate?
We are excited to be able to return to China this summer and plan to focus on running the program for accepted students who are able to travel to China. We anticipate everyone who needs a visa will be able to secure one by the time of the program; however, if a participant is unable to attend due to visa concerns or other inhibitors, there will not be an option to attend virtually or from a different location.
Do I need to get any vaccinations or immunizations to travel to China?
Stanford University requires all participants to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and show proof of vaccination prior to the start of the program. Exceptions can only be made for medical reasons.
All students should consult with a travel health clinic about exact precautions and immunization recommendations prior to the trip. Generally, physicians recommend that you have completed your Hepatitis A and B shot cycles. Sometimes the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is recommended as well.
Will COVID cause any issues during the program?
The COVID-19 situation in China is constantly changing, however normal business operations and social activities are open and travel restrictions have eased. That said, regulations and requirements can change pretty quickly. For example, COVID testing before domestic travel can be implemented at any time and regulations change from region to region. We ask that you all keep an eye on and follow any local requirements in your area prior to program start. As new requirements become available we will try to update you as soon as possible.
