September 23, 2011:
CSA Supports Obama's 100,000 Strong Initiative

The 100,000 Strong Initiative was announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009 and was officially launched in May 2010. This initiative aims to dramatically increase the number of Americans who study in China. The United States and the Chinese government both recognize the need for increased understanding between the two cultures and cite it as possibly the most important international relationship for our future. While interest in China is steadily growing among Americans there is still a large gap between the amount interest shown and the actual number of students who learn Chinese in China or study another course there. The Chinese government contributed 10,000 “bridge scholarships” to entice the new generation of Americans to study in China. Those who heed the call will be those who recognize the powerful role Chinese and American relations will play in future world politics, economics, and culture. CSA was founded on the precepts that the best way to learn Chinese is through immersion in a Chinese environment and that coming to China should be fun and exciting, not difficult.

The ideals of the 100,000 Strong Initiative closely align with our core values and we fully support this meaningful cultural exchange.

In addition to increasing the numbers of American students who study in China, CSA endorses the 100,000 Strong Initiative goal of ensuring those students represent the diversity within American culture. CSA has always taken pride in the fact that our students come from over fifty countries and represent a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. Our commitment to diversity is evident in our student testimonials and staff biographies. Having a diverse student population and staff makes CSA a strong ally to any student seeking to broaden their experiences or any organization looking for a partner in China.

As we support the 100,000 Strong Initiative's goal to increase the diversity of the students that travel and study in China, we would like to take time to highlight the diversity that exists here already. There are over 50 distinct ethnic groups within China. This fact alone highlights why one should choose a company that values diversity when planning to travel here. America and China both have diverse populations and have shown a commitment to increasing the connections and understanding between those cultures. Fostering a meaningful connection between individuals and nations depends on the ability to understand the nuances within both American and Chinese culture.

CSA understands these differences and has been working to bridge the gap between the United States and China for almost ten years. Unlike many other international education companies, who offer world-wide programs, we are specialists: we only offer study abroad programs in China which means are staff have an unparalleled knowledge of, and commitment to, the country. CSA embodies the ideals of the 100,000 Strong Initiative and has shown this through our many community outreach programs. Each year CSA allocates a portion of its budget and resources to improving education in rural China. From Tibet to Hunan to Yunnan, we have worked hard to reinvest in rural schools and orphanages. Our efforts have not only been in the form of donations, but CSA staff members and students also work with these schools to develop their volunteering programs, infrastructure, and publicity.

CSA's Very Own China Initiatives

President Obama stated, “America has no better ambassadors to offer than our young people.” CSA believes this to be true. We also believe China has no better ambassadors than its young people. It is with this thought in mind that CSA has developed ten new initiatives to be rolled out over the next two years that will help foster person-to-person connections between the diverse cultures in the US and China. Please see the tabs listed above for more information about our Current Initiatives and our 2012 Initiatives in support of Obama's plan to send 100,000 US students to China.

CSA's Current Initiatives

The Experience Matters Project

A place for you to share your experience of studying in China, how that experience influenced your life and how your life is shaping the world. This project will focus on user generated video testimonials in which participants share their positive experiences in China, with the aim of encouraging others to study abroad in China, particularly students who have been historically under-represented in study abroad programs.

Diversity Committee

CSA has elected staff member Paul Berry to head our Diversity Committee. The committee’s primary goals will be to: 1) monitor the demographics of students studying through CSA; 2) identify ways we can increase the number of underrepresented populations within CSA; and 3) forge partnerships with community organizations who can help us achieve these goals.

If you or your institution is interested in increasing the diversity among students abroad please contact the head of our Diversity Committee - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The CSA Diversity Internship (Merit Based)

By providing more scholarships increases accessibility for many students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to study in China, we aim to increase the diversity among study abroad program participants. However, the lack of diversity among students in China is not simply due to a lack of funding and if we are to be successful in our diversity goals we must engage more students in the overall process.

This is why, in addition to our study abroad program scholarships, we offer students the opportunity to intern at CSA. The CSA Diversity Internship is awarded on a rolling basis to students who have innovative plans for improving US - China relations and creative ideas about increasing the diversity of students traveling to China. If accepted the applicant will receive a $1,000 scholarship to study in China and will intern in Beijing, acting as an integral part of our Diversity Committee. Applicants are asked to:

Community Development in Rural China

There are 56 ethnic groups recognized by the Chinese Government. Ethnic minority populations in China equal approximately 105 million people, many of whom live in rural areas within China, and CSA works with various organizations to send volunteers to rural schools throughout the country. CSA operates a company-wide biannual volunteer project in which all students are given the opportunity to participate. In addition to volunteer projects, CSA reinvests a percentage of its annual profits directly to rural schools and orphanages in China. One such beneficiary is the Golog Orphanage in Tibetan Plateau. Founded in 2004, the orphanage takes in displaced children regardless of their ethnicity, gender, or religious affiliation. The Golog school teaches children basic classes in literacy, hygiene, and arts while also promoting ideas of cross-cultural collaboration. The goals of the Golog school is to promote public awareness and provide upward mobility for community members lacking fundamental life and working skills. The school does this entirely free of charge in partnership with CSA and other community organizations. CSA staff help empower schools and organizations like the Golog School by assisting them with building their infrastructure and publicity opportunities.

Individually Tailored “Edu-Tourism” Programs (10 to 90 days)

CSA Edu-tourism programs are designed to increase accessibility to people who can not take a full summer or semester away from home, work, or school. From learning Mandarin,to mastering martial arts to learning about Chinese tea service and production, CSA will design tailored educational trips to fit your specific interest in Chinese culture.

China Scholarship Advice

While many people know that CSA offers scholarships for study in China, what some may not know is that we offer advice on scholarships in general. We know where the funding is and how to maximize your chances of getting it. To share our knowledge with you, we're creating a databank of scholarships related to studying in China that will be made accessible to students around the world via the Scholarships section of our website.

CSA's 2012 Initiatives

Ambassador Program

During 2012 CSA plans to implement a comprehensive Ambassador Program which will encourage and reward our current students and alumni for sharing their experiences with people in their home country. CSA will empower students to hold person-to-person events that promote educational travel to China, with a particular focus on encouraging students whose ethinic background may be historically underrepresented in study abroad programs.

Person-to-Person Webcasting

In an effort to encourage a person-to-person exchange of information CSA will begin webcasting forums in which people will be able to have their specific questions answered by a student who is currently studying Chinese in China. Past Webcasts will be recorded and available to peruse on the CSA site.

Study Abroad Infosessions and eForums

In 2012 CSA will launch a service that directly connects students in American Colleges and Universities with students in China. CSA’s Telemmersion will be a video conversation between American undergraduate students and Chinese students. These eForums will focus on how to make the experience of coming to China both fun and easy. These forums have the added potential to address the concerns students historically underrepresented in study abroad programs may have about living and studying in another country.

Topic Specific Webcasting (on the CSA site)

We will work with students who are currently engaged in a specific type of program (language, study, teach, intern, martial arts, and others) to discuss their experiences via webcast. Archived webcast discussions will serve as a valuable resource for prospective students seeking information directly from current and former students.