China flag waving in breeze in Shanghai
Shanghai is one of four cities the group of Young Leaders will visit in October.

The World Affairs Council of Atlanta is seeking applications from under-40 professionals for a 10-day fellowship in China.

The program is underwritten by the Confucius Institute at Georgia State University and is targeted toward members of the council’s Young Leaders program whose professional development would be enhanced by greater knowledge about China.

The group of 10 will engage with media and business leaders, government agencies and universities in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou, which is home to a Singapore Science and Technology Park and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba.

The program is tailored to those who see themselves dealing with China in the future, says Jun Liu, the former director of Georgia State’s Office of International Initiatives, which houses the Confucius Institute.

“Through interacting with their counterparts and honing leadership skills,  the participants of this program will be expected to be more astute in doing business in or with China in the future,” said Dr. Liu, who recently left Atlanta to become vice provost for global affairs at Stony Brook University.

Hanban, the Chinese government agency that funds Confucius Institutes around the world, will cover the cost of airfare, accommodations and visits to cultural attractions such as the Great Wall and the China Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo site. Fellows will be responsible for food, insurance, visa fees and other costs. 

Applicants will be selected based on leadership qualities, ability to contribute to the U.S.-China relationship, engagement with the Young Leaders program and diversity. Priority will be given to those who have not traveled to China. Phone interviews will be conducted with a select group of applicants.

Applications are due April 15, and those chosen will be notified in May. Applicants are required to fill out a Basic Information Form and the full application packet.

Email the completed packet to Paulina Guzman, membership manager at the World Affairs Council of Atlanta, at pguzman1@gsu.edu, or contact her with questions at 404-413-7030.

The trip is scheduled for Oct. 14-22.

As managing editor of Global Atlanta, Trevor has spent 15+ years reporting on Atlanta’s ties with the world. An avid traveler, he has undertaken trips to 30+ countries to uncover stories on the perils...

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