This post was written by 2016 Yenching Scholar, Sudarshana Chanda.

Few can lay claim to a pagoda in their backyard—Yenching scholars are among the fortunate few.

Interested in a fully-funded Master’s in China Studies program, with both Chinese and international peers? Project Pengyou is happy to announce that the application for the Yenching Academy’s Master’s in China Studies Program is now open! Consider applying to study alongside future leaders from more than 40 different countries at Peking University!

Please note these two deadlines, associated with candidates’ universities:

• December 11, 2017: Universities in the United States and Canada;
• January 15, 2018: Universities in all other countries.

Read on below for more information about the program:

About the Yenching Academy:

This globally diverse group is fully immersed in Peking University student life while completing the interdisciplinary Master’s program in China Studies, which includes one fully-funded year in residence, with the opportunity to extend funding for a second year.

Scholars take a wide range of courses while writing their theses in one of six research areas:

• Economics and Management
• History and Archaeology
• Law and Society
• Literature and Culture
• Politics and International Relations
• Religion and Philosophy

Coursework is taught primarily in English, but students may also select classes offered by other Peking University departments. All international students study the Chinese language, as well.

The Yenching Academy aims to shape a new generation of global citizens with a nuanced understanding of China and its role in the world. The program includes an organized field trip to Xi’an, where scholars visit museums, imperial gardens, and terracotta warriors; an ambassador speaker series; and the opportunity for scholars to curate their own field study experiences, choosing both the venues and topics of their projects. (This past semester, destinations ranged from far-flung Xinjiang to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai). Students also have the opportunity to learn and lead through the Academy’s student-run signature events: the Yenching Global Symposium (http://yenchingsymposium.org/) and the Yenching Social Innovation Forum (http://www.ycasocialinnovation.org/). Students are also strongly encouraged to launch their own initiatives.

So if you are someone who has been captivated by the intensity of a Chinese scroll or awed by the distinct slope of the traditional Chinese roof; if you meticulously took notes while Kylie Kwong tossed up a stir fry but were afraid to imitate her lest you burn down the house; if you’ve strolled the streets of Chinatown in your home country and wondered about the shop owners; if you want to understand China and change the world for the better –then Yenching Academy may be the place for you.

Interested Pengyous can visit the Yenching Academy website for more information and to apply (http://yenchingacademy.org/application).