The “2025 University Immersion Bootcamp for Duke Undergraduates to China ” is an enriching educational and cultural exchange program aimed at deepening cultural knowledge and enhancing cross-cultural exchange between China and the United States. This program offers Duke undergraduates a unique opportunity to explore China’s vibrant cultural heritage, broaden their global perspectives, and appreciate the value of multiculturalism. By personally visiting cities and regions in China that are symbolically significant, participants will not only witness and experience the unique charm of Chinese culture but also gain firsthand insights into China’s rich history, diverse culture, and cutting-edge technological advancements.
The activities will consist of cultural tours across Kunshan, Suzhou, Nanjing and Beijing, including field research, seminars, and sharing sessions, among various other rich and interactive events. Expert-guided lectures and group work will take the young scholars through a temporal corridor, showcasing the fusion of tradition and modernity and deepening cross-cultural communications and understanding while enhancing their capacities to engage in international dialogues as global citizens. The main working language of the event will be English. A closing ceremony will be held at the end of the activities, and participants will be awarded certificates of participation.
* Please note: there will be limited, closely coordinated media presence during the program.
Explore the delicate gardens of Suzhou, the classical art of Kunshan, the historical depth of Nanjing, and the rich cultural heritage of Beijing. These cities offer a unique blend of historical features, modern industries, and fast-paced urban life, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of China’s past, present, and future.
Engage in forums and academic discussions that will challenge your thinking and broaden your Interact with local experts and fellow participants to share insights and reflections on the value of cultural diversity in the age of globalization.
This program is not just an excursion; it is an opportunity for personal growth and development. By stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a new culture, you will gain valuable skills and experiences that will serve you well in your future academic and professional
Up to 100 undergraduates from Duke University will be selected, without restrictions on nationalities or field of study.
Note: Candidates should exemplify strong personal attributes and an inclination for fostering intercultural youth fellowship. Participants are expected to be in sound health, respect legal and event rules, and commit to full attendance.
All undergraduates from Duke University.
DKU will directly cover program fees and essential costs incurred during the program, including insurance, transportation costs within China, accommodations, meals, and program activities. DKU expects to secure funding for international flights for participants, up to a maximum of $2,000 USD per student.
Students will be responsible for their visa costs and processing fees, any additional costs resulting from airfare price differences, and other personal expenditures.
This depends on your personal circumstances, however, students who are not Chinese nationals will likely require a visa.
I. Group Visa Processing Method
To ensure that program participants can participate in activities on time, we will organize a group visa processing session prior to the start of the program. Under this method, you are required to submit complete visa application materials to us by the specified deadline. We will endeavor to coordinate and seek support from relevant authorities, with the hope of potentially waiving you from visa fees. However, please note that the final decision on whether fees are waived rests solely with the visa processing authority.
II. Individual Visa Processing Method
If you are unable to attend the group visa processing session for any reason or have other visa arrangements, you will be responsible for processing your visa independently and incurring all associated costs.
When you receive a confirmation letter from DKU, please reply to the email to confirm your participation. We will then provide contact information for our partner agent CITS, which you can contact to purchase your ticket.
Please note that any portion of the airfare over $2,000 will be paid by students themselves.
Yes, you will be eligible to participate in the program. While the program is designed to provide comprehensive and immersive experience, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. Please note that we strongly recommend full participation for the entire duration of the program, as early departure may impact on your engagement with the curriculum, cultural activities, and peer collaborations. That said, if you are admitted and ultimately need to leave early, we will not refuse your request provided you:
Students adhere to a formal dress code, eschewing the use of slippers, miniskirts, shorts,tank tops, or any form of clothing that could be considered excessively revealing or unsuitable for a professional setting. The sole exception to this directive is during designated personal recreation periods within the confines of the hotel.
The program has an intensive agenda and students are expected to participate in all activities, including seminar discussions and group presentations. We will send the students the relevant pre-departure information and detailed schedule for their reference.
If you expect to need any accommodations for travel, housing, meals or otherwise, please contact: international@dukekunshan.edu.cn
Email: international@dukekunshan.edu.cn