CI-100 YOUTH STUDY ABOARD PROGRAM
2026 Summer Heritage Study Program in China (SHC)
Organized by China Institute of America
Dates: July 3 to August 1, 2026
Location: Shanghai, Taiwan, Beijing
The Summer Heritage Study Program in China (SHC 2026) is designed to immerse Chinese American high school students in China’s rich culture and dynamic way of life. This transformative experience aims to help participants forge meaningful connections with and foster a sense of pride in their cultural heritage, develop a deep understanding of China’s diverse traditions, and inspire positive contributions to their communities and beyond.
This program is made possible through the generous support of the Tsao Family Foundation.
Program Overview
This four-week journey, taking place in China from July 3 to August 1, 2026, will bring up to 30 American high school students to the vibrant cities of Taiwan, Shanghai, and Beijing.
Students will spend their first four days in Taiwan on a cultural exploration trip, experiencing artisan traditions, historic towns, night markets, and a leading technology company. The program highlights the island’s layered history and warm, community-centered spirit, where Chinese culture evolved uniquely on an island, and where rich heritage meets cutting-edge semiconductor and digital innovation.
Students will spend the first four days in Taiwan on a cultural exploration trip. They will have a hands-on exploration of Taiwan’s artisan traditions, historic towns, night market and leading technology company. Highlighting the island’s rich layers of history and its warm, community-centered spirit, where Chinese culture took root, transformed, and evolved uniquely on an island. They will also witness its cultural heritage blend seamlessly with its status as a global leader in cutting-edge semiconductor and digital technology.
Students will spend the next three weeks on the picturesque campus of East China Normal University in Shanghai. Each morning, they will participate in in intensive language immersion classes designed to strengthen their Mandarin proficiency. Afternoons will feature carefully curated cultural activities led by university experts, including traditional art, culture, and culinary workshops. Students will also have opportunities to engage with Chinese peers, experience family life in Shanghai, and explore the city’s modern and historic landmarks.
Last three days, students will travel to Beijing to visit some of China’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Through these experiences, students deepened their understanding of China’s historical legacy and its enduring cultural influence in the modern world.
By participating in SHC 2026, students will not only strengthen their language skills and cultural understanding but also leave with lifelong memories, new friendships, and a renewed appreciation for their cultural heritage.
Program Features
- Intensive Immersion Language Classes for Heritage Learners.
Participants will significantly advance their Chinese language in conversation, reading and writing, through a fully immersive three-week study on the charming campus of the renowned East China Normal University (ECNU). Led by experienced Chinese language instructors from ECNU, students will benefit from small and highly interactive classes, plenty of practice time with Chinese peers and a broader community, and a customized curriculum designed for Chinese heritage learners integrating both language and cultural content. Students will not only refine their language abilities but also build confidence in real-world communication.
- Deeper Connection to Your Cultural Heritage.
Explore the streets of a Shanghai neighborhood on a city walk, offering a glimpse into China’s rich past and vibrant present; stand atop a tower of the Great Wall, a testament to ancient China’s advanced engineering and its enduring cultural significance; trace the convergence of history and modernity in places like Ximending in Taipei and the National Palace Museum. These thoughtfully curated cultural activities immerse students in iconic places, meaningful encounters, and captivating stories woven seamlessly into the program curriculum. Students will be encouraged and guided to reflect, engage, and discover connections that inspire a deeper appreciation of their cultural heritage.
- My Cross-Cultural Journey.
At the conclusion of the program, all participants will be tasked to complete a reflective presentation under the theme of “My Cross-Cultural Journey.” This capstone project encourages students to integrate the knowledge and insights gained during the program, explore their personal and family cross-cultural experiences, and develop a concrete plan to share their learning with their communities back in the U.S. Participants who propose and execute eligible projects can earn community service hours for their efforts, further emphasizing the program’s goal of fostering meaningful cultural exchange and community impact.
Program Details
Dates: July 3 – August 1, 2026*
*Group departures from LAX on July 3. Students may travel to China independently, provided they come to East China Normal University on July 4 by the specified time.
Program Fee: $2,500
- Include all in-country class fees, cultural activities, group meals*, group travel insurance, materials and transportation that are arranged by the program.
- NOT include international airfare between U.S. and China, and visa or travel document application fee if applicable.
- Scholarships available.
*Individual meal plans for the 3 weeks in Shanghai are not included. Students will get a rechargeable campus card to pay for meals on campus, with daily dining costs averaging $10 to $15. The campus card can also be used at on-campus grocery stores and bookstores.
With the generous support of the Tsao Family Foundation, we are pleased to offer the program at a significantly reduced fee, approximately one-third of its original cost of $7,500.
Eligibility:
- Currently enrolled in 9 to 12 grades in an accredited high school in South California, CA
- At least one year experience learning Chinese language
- Have a proven academic track record equivalent with a GPA of 3.5 or above
- Demonstrate the willingness to gain a deeper understanding of one’s own Chinese cultural heritage, family history and cross-cultural experiences
- Have demonstrated competence to interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds
- Demonstrate the need to join the program as an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of one’s cultural heritage
- Commit to accomplish a final project during the program for future community engagement upon return
- Must hold American citizenship
How To Apply
The following documents are required to be considered as a completed application:
- A completed application form
Application Form - A recommendation letter from the school (see detailed requirements)
- A personal statement of interest (see detailed requirements)
Seats are limited, and all final decisions are subject to the discretion of China Institute of America.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, March 23, 2026 5:00 PM (PT)
Sign up a virtual info session to learn more about the program:
5:00 pm (PT), Thursday, February 26, 2026
5:00 pm (PT), Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Welcome to schedule a dedicated session for your school or PTA!
Have a question? Please contact Zoe Jia, at [email protected], or call (212) 744-8181, ext. 136.
Watch the recap of our SHC 2025!
THIS PROGRAM IS PART OF “CI-100 YOUTH STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM”.
Founded in 1926, China Institute of America has been bridging the understanding between the U.S. and China for nearly 100 years. Now more than ever, nurturing generations that understand China is vital to building a better world. To celebrate its centennial in 2026, China Institute embarks its “CI-100 Youth Study Abroad Program” to bring U.S. youth to join life-changing journeys in China.
Student Voices
“My SHC 2025 experience was one of the best summer experiences. Taking advantage of all available opportunities to explore allowed me to make this an eye-opening trip both in terms of my identity and cultural understanding. SHC has inspired me to potentially pursue study abroad in China during college and further my Chinese studies.”
— Loise W.
“SHC 2025 was one of, if not my favorite trips in my life. I’ve been to over 15 countries before, but the experience of studying abroad and Chinese immersion made this summer the most memorable to date. Having the privilege of exploring China with my friends deeply strengthened my appreciation for community and the culture that ties it together. This trip would not have been the same if we didn’t feel so comfortable and safe in the hands of the SHC staff. Our teachers specifically put extreme effort into making sure all the students were safe and content. Overall, this study abroad has meant so much to me, as well as many of the other students, and made me realize I wasn’t living my life to the fullest before. I’m extremely grateful for SHC 2025, and I wish I could relive the moments I had every day.”
— Isabel P.
“Growing up in a majority Vietnamese community has sometimes led me to neglect my Chinese heritage and language. Before, my understanding of China was limited and divided. While I appreciated my heritage, I was unsure what the country would bring. However, the SHC 2025 trip to China was the most eye-opening and fun experience. Thank you SHC for helping me discover part of my real heritage.”
— Jamie F.
“The 2025 SHC trip to China was such a special opportunity. During my time in China, we learned so much and traveled to many different places. When I first went on the trip, I knew almost none of the other students, but this study abroad allowed me to make so many new friends and improve my Chinese skills. I really got to immerse myself in Chinese culture! Even after returning to the U.S., we still chat and hang out together. While in China, I boosted my confidence in Chinese through daily speaking practice, such as ordering food and talking to locals, and I also learned so much more about the traditions and customs. This is a summer I will never forget!”
— Ella W.
“I had the absolute best time of my life at SHC 2025. Studying abroad with a group of teenagers around the same age as me was such a surreal experience. I learned the daily lifestyle, how to communicate easily around the country, and ate so much delicious food (for so cheap as well!). The teachers were so kind and understanding, the local Chinese students were so fun to hang out with, and exploring every new city was overall so fun. Although the final project took some time to complete, it was a great way to capture the memories we all shared in China. Looking back on them now, I’m filled with so much nostalgia!”
— Evee V.
We will launch SHC 2026 soon! Don’t miss this chance to explore your heritage, grow your language skills, and create lifelong memories. Sign up through the inquiry form below, and we’ll reach out as soon as registration opens.
