Discover China 2026

Summer Youth Exchange Program

Jiangsu Program

Xinjiang Program

Participants will receive an official China–U.S. Cultural Ambassador Certificate.

Discovery Series: 1

Discover Jiangsu

📍Shanghai & Suzhou & Nanjing, China • June 6 - June 16, 2026

（Open to High School Students • Ages 16-19）

This program is designed to foster international friendship and cultural understanding through:

Academic Exchange:

Engaging visits and interactions at local high schools and universities.

Corporate Insight:

Tech giant Huawei, biotech pioneer Innovent, semiconductor leader HYC, and cutting-edge New Energy Vehicle hubs.

Cultural Immersion:

Exploring world-class museums, tranquil gardens, and significant historical landmarks.

Join us for a 9-day experience that bridges the gap between classrooms and the global stage.

JIANGSU Itinerary

APPLY TO JIANGSU PROGRAM

Application ends on April 10, 2026

WHAT IS DISCOVER CHINA?

Discover China is an immersive cultural exchange and storytelling program developed in partnership by U.S.–Sino Culture Experience Consortium (USCEC) , Jiangsu Education Services for International Exchange (JESIE) and the Odyssey Project.

Together, our two nonprofits connect young people through firsthand learning, university exchange, and youth-led storytelling. We bridge the gap between cultures by empowering participants to not just visit, but to deeply understand and share China's evolving narrative.

❋ Experience modern China. Travel beyond the headlines. Build bonds for a lifetime. Explore history and tell real stories – your way.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Are excited to travel as part of a cohort and build shared community

Are 16-19 years old (Jiangsu Program)
Are 18-28 years old (Xinjiang Program)-28
Are a U.S.-based student or young professional
Have an interest in storytelling, media, culture, or creative expression
Enjoy independence and open-ended travel within a structured program
Are curious, adaptable, and comfortable engaging with complexity

Discover China 2026 is a strong fit if you:

What’s included

Thanks to the generous support of the US-SINO Culture Experience Consortium (USCEC), most travel and lodging expenses are covered. The program fee of $1200 includes :

Travel and Lodging

Round-trip airfare from San Francisco (SFO) to China
Comfortable local accommodations (double occupancy) – Optional single-room upgrade available
Local transportation throughout the program

Experiential Programing

Historical site visits and cultural experiences
Sustainability-focused field visits and local exploration
Peer exchange sessions with Chinese Students
Guided tours

Meals and Daily Necessities

Quality daily meals during the program
Amenities bag with items designed to elevate participant experience in the local environment

Group Discussion

The group discussion shares the discoveries and growth from the journey

❋ Playful Curiosity

Explore how different cultures experience fun and discover hidden strengths by engaging in shared games and challenges.

❋ Leadership and Community

Step into youth leadership by building cross-cultural community that’s grounded in empathy, shared humanity, and a spirit of discovery over division.

❋ Youth in Dialogue

Connect with Chinese students through peer-to-peer seminars, shared activities, and independent exploration – fostering curiosity, empathy, and honest cross-cultural exchange.

❋ Unique Storytelling

Experience, reflect, and create based on your own authentic journey, sharing nuanced human stories that foster understanding, dialogue, and trust beyond borders and headlines.

To enhance educational exchange between Jiangsu and the rest of the world, promote the "Discover Jiangsu-International Youth Exchange Program", and attract foreign primary and secondary school students to study and participate in exchange programs in China, JESIE launched the " Discover Jiangsu-International Youth Exchange Program" in 2015.

This program invites foreign primary and secondary school students to Jiangsu for Chinese language courses, cultural visits, school tours, and interactive activities with local teachers and students. Through these activities, participants can gain firsthand experience of Jiangsu's educational system and Chinese culture. As a flagship international exchange program of Jiangsu Province, this program has been well received by foreign educational authorities and schools. Over the past decade, the program has welcomed over 3,000 foreign youths to Jiangsu, establishing itself as a key platform for fostering international friendships and cultural exchange.

Since 2024, the program has invited 1082 students and teachers from 30 U.S. states and 226 from other countries to Jiangsu for visits and exchanges. The American students and teachers engaged in immersive school exchanges, city visits, and cultural experiences across 13 cities inJiangsu, fostering mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and American youth.