United States ↔ China
China-America Student Conference
What is the China-America Student Conference?
The China–America Student Conference (ChASC) is a student-led exchange program that brings together college students from China and the United States. Each year, the same number of students from both countries are chosen to take part.
For three weeks, delegates travel, learn, and take part in open discussions together. Through roundtables, guest talks, cultural activities, and shared daily life, ChASC helps students better understand U.S.–China relations and develop skills to lead in a global world.
ChASC is different because it is run completely by students. Each year, a student Executive Committee plans the program, chooses the themes, and leads the discussions, making the experience truly peer-driven and relevant.
In 2027, ChASC 7 will take place in Seattle, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen.
Program Overview
Building perspectives, Shaping futures
In a world increasingly shaped by secondhand narratives and distant headlines, Building Perspectives, Shaping Futures emphasizes the value of experiencing another country and its people firsthand. By living, learning, and building relationships side by side, delegates will gather their own understanding and perspectives that will shape both their paths and the future of U.S.–China relations.
📂 Application Opens: October 9, 2026
📁 Application Closes: December 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
📆 Conference Dates: July 3–24, 2027
📍 Sites: Seattle, Hong Kong, Shenzhen
Each delegate joins a Roundtable (RT) — a small group focused on one theme related to China–U.S. relations. These groups meet throughout the conference to explore their topic through discussion, research, and collaboration. At the end, each group presents its findings at the Final Forum.
Roundtables are led by Executive Committee members and shaped by student perspectives. They combine academic learning with real-world relevance — perfect for students interested in international affairs, social change, or cross-cultural understanding.
Roundtables
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Led by María Paula Mora 🇺🇸 & Yajing Liu 🇨🇳
Who gets to decide what progress looks like? As China and the U.S. play influential roles in global development, their different approaches to international partnerships raise important questions about whose priorities, perspectives, and knowledge shape the future of developing nations.
In this roundtable, delegates will explore how development strategies move across borders and adapt to local needs. Through perspectives from the Global North and Global South, they will examine how China, the U.S., and developing countries approach international cooperation, including the growing role of partnerships with countries in the Global South.
By considering the perspectives of governments, businesses, researchers, and local communities, delegates will explore how international development can become more inclusive and responsive to local priorities through the lens of China-U.S. collaboration and competition. How can China and the U.S. contribute to global development while supporting the ability of communities and nations to shape their own futures?
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Led by Branson Chi 🇺🇸 & Chuanxin Xu 🇨🇳
Who should decide how artificial intelligence is developed, regulated, and used? As two major players in the global AI landscape, China and the U.S. are taking different approaches to technological innovation and governance, raising important questions about the future of AI and its impact on the world.
In this roundtable, delegates will explore how AI is transforming education, the economy, and government in both countries. They will compare approaches to AI regulation, cybersecurity, and accountability, examining how different policies seek to balance innovation with public safety and security.
Through perspectives from China and the U.S., delegates will consider how these competing approaches create both opportunities and challenges for global cooperation. As AI continues to reshape society, what role can the next generation play in influencing the rules and policies that govern its future?
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Led by Yiwen Bai 🇨🇳 & Tyler Smith 🇺🇸
How does the way we remember history shape how we see the world? The U.S. and China have distinct historical experiences, but how their societies interpret and teach the past also shapes national identity, cultural values, and perceptions of one another.
In this roundtable, delegates will explore how historical narratives shape cultural understanding in both countries. By comparing how historical events are remembered, taught, and interpreted, they will examine how differing perspectives can create misunderstandings and divisions while also offering opportunities for empathy and dialogue.
Through this exchange, delegates will consider how understanding different historical memories can strengthen cross-cultural relationships. How can we acknowledge different interpretations of the past while building greater mutual understanding for the future?
Delegate Experiences
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Cultural Exchange
Living, eating, and traveling side by side, delegates build friendships across cultures while experiencing China firsthand — from vibrant urban centers to historic landmarks and local traditions.
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Daily Life
You’ll attend roundtable sessions, site visits, and guest lectures, all led by your peers and shaped by current global conversations. Expect lively debates, collaborative research, and late-night group discussions that carry on long after formal programming ends.
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Housing & Meals
Delegates stay in shared housing in each host city. Meals are provided throughout the program, with efforts made to accommodate dietary needs. An ISC representative travels with the group for the full duration of the conference to provide support and respond in case of emergencies.
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World-Class Access
ChASC offers opportunities to meet diplomats, scholars, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Delegates often visit government offices, cultural institutions, and organizations that shape U.S.–China relations.
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Academics
ChASC emphasizes dialogue over debate. Roundtables provide space for delegates to share perspectives, explore complex issues together, and learn through collaboration. The Final Forum brings these conversations together in presentations open to peers and guests.
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Social Time
Delegates also enjoy informal time together — whether through karaoke nights, food outings, cultural activities, or simple downtime. These shared experiences are often what make ChASC friendships last long after the program ends.
Meet the Executive Committee
Every year, the China-America Student Conference is planned and led by students — just like you.
The Executive Committee (EC) is a group of returning delegates from the U.S. and China. They work together across time zones for months to shape the next conference — building the schedule, leading Roundtables, and coordinating logistics. During the program, they serve as on-site leaders and peer mentors.
ChASC 7 is brought to life by this year’s dedicated student leaders:
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Branson Chi
Chair
George Mason University
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Yajing Liu
Treasurer
China Agricultural University
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Chuanxin Xu
Marketing
Xi’an International Studies University
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Tyler Smith
Recruitment
University of Tampa
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María Paula Mora
Communications (US)
University of Tampa
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Yiwen Bai
Communications (China)
Jiaotong‑Liverpool University
How to Apply
Eligibility
Open to undergraduate and graduate students who are 18+ years old at the time of the conference.
Must be enrolled at an accredited university either during the application period or in the fall semester after the program concludes.
All majors and fields of study are welcome. English proficiency is required (Chinese is not required).
Applicants for both delegations must hold a valid passport and obtain a visa before the program starts.
What You’ll Need
– Complete online application
– Resume or CV
– University transcript
– Proof of enrollment or acceptance
– Optional: Letter of Recommendation, any additional (writing) materials that you would like to share.
– No application fee required for ChASC 20
Applications
Open: October 9, 2026
Deadline: December 20, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. ET
Timeline & Process
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual interview in January.
Final decisions will be announced by mid-March
If accepted, you’ll be asked to submit a $500 deposit within two weeks to confirm your spot.
Need Help?
Download the Applicant Packet (PDF) for more details.
Have questions? Email ChASC@iscdc.org or message us on Instagram @ChASC_official.
Information Sessions
Join an online info session to learn more about ChASC before you apply.
TBA
Cost & Scholarships
Participation Fee: $4,250
The full cost of the conference experience is approximately $7,500 per delegate. Thanks to the generosity of ISC supporters, every accepted delegate receives more than $3,000 in scholarship support, reducing the 2027 cost to $4,250.
Your participation fee covers:
What’s not included:
We’re committed to making ChASC financially accessible. Each year, 30–50% of delegates receive full or partial funding through ISC’s scholarships, their universities, or our generous partners. Our Executive Committee is here to help you secure the resources you need.
Start by visiting our scholarship page for tips to fund your conference. Still have questions? Contact the ISC office at info@iscdc.org or the ChASC Executive Committee at ChASC@iscdc.org. We’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. The official language of the conference is English. You do not need Chinese language skills to participate.
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For conferences taking place in China, American delegates must have a valid passport and obtain a Chinese visa. ISC will provide guidance.
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Yes. As long as you are enrolled at the time you apply, you are eligible — even if you will graduate before the conference begins.
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Yes. You can apply as long as you are enrolled in an accredited U.S. or Chinese university. ISC cannot sponsor visas, so please check your visa requirements and consult your consulate or embassy if needed.
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Yes! Alumni from JASC or KASC are welcome.
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Yes. You are welcome to apply again.
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Please contact the ChASC Executive Committee at ChASC@iscdc.org.
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All delegates will participate in a few virtual meetings and prepare for Roundtable topics. Expect to spend 5–10 hours total on pre-conference activities.
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We do our best to accommodate all dietary needs. Please share this information in your application.
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Yes. ISC offers need-based scholarships to selected delegates. The Plant a Diplomatic Tree Scholarship fully covers the participation fee for one delegate per conference.
Most delegates receive partial or full funding through ISC, their universities, or partner organizations. Visit our Scholarships page to learn more.
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After the deadline, selected applicants will be invited to a short virtual interview. Final decisions are typically shared within 1 month of the interview or by early March.
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Yes. ISC is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming experience. If you need accommodations — such as accessible housing or anything else — email us at info@iscdc.org as early as possible so we can work with you to provide reasonable accommodation.
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No. All delegates are required to attend the full program. If accepted, you must participate in every segment of the conference from start to finish.
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ISC provides group travel health insurance that covers medical for the full program period abroad. All delegates must have their own health insurance in their country of residence. If you would like additional travel insurance coverage, you may purchase it separately.
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You’ll receive a detailed packing list after you’re accepted. It will include guidance on clothing, tech, cultural etiquette, and more.
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ISC does not offer credit, but some universities allow independent study or internship credit. Ask your advisor. If your school offers academic credit, ISC will work with you to provide the necessary paperwork
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Yes, reliable internet will be available at all housing and most venues. ISC will provide SIM cards or a stipend to cover mobile data plans.
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Most days are full, but there will be free evenings, optional outings, and occasional breaks for personal time or group social activities.
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You can reach us at ChASC@iscdc.org or on Instagram @ChASC_official. We’re here to help!