MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Sarah D. Lande US-China Friendship Education Co., in partnership with Wanxiang America Corporation, is accepting applications for the Muscatine-China Friendship Education Study Abroad.
The program 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 four-week program in Beijing at the end of June before traveling as a group to Hangzhou. Housed at Wanxiang Polytechnic University, the program consists of three 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 participate in field trips geared to advancing their understanding of Chinese culture. U.S. 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,” a 2024 participant said in a news release. “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.”
Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, Feb.18, at the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine’s scholarship application portal.
To be eligible, students must be a current 10th to 12th grade Muscatine High School student or current Muscatine Community College student. Previous Chinese language study is not required. Students must cover passport fees, personal spending money, and a $200 nonrefundable deposit upon selection. All other expenses are covered.
For more information about the program and to apply, visit www.givinggreater.org/china or contact Becca Harden-Jones at [email protected] or 563-264-3863.
