1. Brief Introduction

The Visiting Program for Young Sinologists (VPYS) 2016 is jointly hosted by Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China (MOC) and Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). Shaanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Shaanxi Normal University, directly ministered by Ministry of Education of the PRC, will co-organize the program in Xi’an. This program aims at setting up a platform for overseas excellent young experts and scholars to study Chinese history and culture, China’s Belt and Road Initiative and other research fields concerning China, facilitating their co-researches with China-based academic, cultural, educational institutions, groups, enterprises and scholars, as well as helping them achieve academic excellence and international influence.

The VPYS has been successfully delivered in 2014 and 2015 and well received by participants. The Visiting Program for Young Sinologists (VPYS) 2016 (Xi’an) will be held in Shaanxi Province from September 6^th(Tuesday) – 25^th(Sunday), 2016.

1. Organization Institutes

Hosts: Ministry of Culture of the PRC and Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS)

Organizers: Shaanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Shaanxi Normal University

1. Themes and Features of the Program

1. Themes of Research

1. Studies on contemporary China and the world, including Chinese values, China’s Road and China Model, the Belt and Road Initiative, China governance system, China’s economic transition and innovation, China’s public policy, international relations of China, China’s “soft power”, and the Strategies of West China Development (Xi’an) etc.

2. Studies on Chinese humanities and social studies, including Chinese literature, history and philosophy, Chinese art theory and practice, the history and status quo of idea exchange between China and other countries, and China studies, etc.

3. Studies on the inheritance and development of Chinese culture, including Chinese culture, history and ideology, protection of cultural heritage, cross-culture comparison, culture spread in the era of new media, and cultural inheritance and development especially against the background of the Belt and Road Initiative (Xi’an) etc.

1. Program Features

1. Orientation and lecturing: lectures and workshops presented by renowned Chinese scholars and experts.

2. Professional experience and research: according to pre-submitted outlines, participants will be assigned to different partner organizations / institutes / companies for in-depth researches and studies; participants will also take a study tour on China’s national conditions and cultural heritage, and participate in social bonding activities.

3. Closing ceremony and idea sharing: during the closing ceremony of the program participants will share ideas and experience, give feed-back and make suggestions.

4. Follow-up report: A report of 5000 words should be submitted within three months after the program. All submitted reports will be compiled into a book.

1. Program Schedule (tentative)

September 6^th(Tues.): Registration

September 7^th(Wed.) – 11^th(Sun.): Opening Ceremony and lectures

September 12^th(Mon.) – 18^th(Sun.): In-depth research and studies in the arranged partner organizations / institutes / companies

September 19^th(Mon.) – 22^nd(Thur.): Field Research to regions of Shaanxi Province

September 23^rd(Fri.): Program Summary and Closing Ceremony

September 24^thand 25^th(Sat., Sun.): Departure

1. Expenses

The expenses related to the program including international round-trip fare, local food and accommodation will covered by the hosts.

1. Application

1. Eligibility Standards

1. Basic requirements: Applicants should be between the ages of 30 and 45 and in good health (a health certificate issued by the native country health organization required); fluent in spoken and written Chinese (priority) or English.

2. Academic ability: Applicants should have relevant working experiences in government departments, research institutions, educational institutions or social organizations; have published research papers, writings or translated works related to China; or have ongoing China-related research projects; have substantial achievement in China studies. Excellent young scholars who are interested in Chinese history and culture as well as the Belt and Road Initiative are also very welcome to participate.

1. Application Method

Applicants should submit the application form (see the attached document) with a recommendation letter issued by one of the following institutes: Chinese embassies (or consulates), overseas China Cultural Centers, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, The International School of Chinese Studies of Shaanxi Normal University, or Shaanxi Academy of Social Sciences. The stamped recommendation letter and application form should be sent tojiachen@snnu.edu.cnbefore March 29^th, 2016.

1. Selection Process

The applicants’ information will be collected and sent to an expert panel organized by the secretariat of VPYS for final examination and selection. The final candidates will get a formal invitation letter from the panel.

1. Consultation and Contacts

   Jia Chen、Liu Kun (International School of Chinese Studies, Shaanxi Normal University)

   Email:jiachen@snnu.edu.cn

   Tel: +86-29-85307408；+86-29-85303643

   Fax: +86-29-85303653

   Liu Kun (Division of External Cultural Relations, Shaanxi Provincial Department of Culture )

   Email:1262548552@qq.com

   Tel: +86-29-87399063

   Fax: +86-29-87399063

2. Application Form Download Link:

   Visiting Program for Young Sinologists 2016 Application Form

Shaanxi Provincial Department of Culture

Shaanxi Normal University

March 22^nd, 2016