2026 Chengdu Catalyst Global Immersion Program
Industry Immersion, Cultural Exchange & Build Real Connections
What if your summer wasn’t just another study abroad program?
What if instead of sitting in classrooms or following tour guides, you spent two weeks inside one of China’s fastest-changing cities — visiting real companies, collaborating with Chinese university students, exploring local culture, and learning how innovation, technology, food, media, and everyday life connect in modern China?
This is a real-world China immersion experience for curious university students who want to understand how modern China actually works.
This program is ideal for students who:
- are curious about modern China beyond headlines
- want real-world global experience, not just tourism
- are interested in technology, sustainability, media, or culture
- enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds
- want something more meaningful than a typical summer program
You do not need:
- Chinese language experience
- rowing experience
- prior international exchange experience
You only need curiosity, openness, and willingness to participate.
Why This Program Is Different
Most international programs show you China from the outside.
This program puts you inside it.
You won’t just visit places — you’ll interact with the people building them.
You’ll:
- Visit technology companies and manufacturing facilities
- Explore sustainability, media, food culture, and urban innovation
- Collaborate with Chinese university students
- Participate in team-based cultural and sports exchange
- Turn your experiences into projects, presentations, and real conversations
No Chinese language background required.
What You’ll Experience
1.Inside China’s Innovation Economy
Go beyond sightseeing and step inside real industries shaping modern China.
Participants will visit selected companies and innovation spaces across Chengdu, including:
- Smart manufacturing companies
- Semiconductor and sustainability-focused enterprises
- Cultural branding and food industry organizations
- Digital storytelling and animation studios
You’ll explore questions like:
- How does Chinese manufacturing connect to global supply chains?
- How do Chinese companies approach sustainability and smart cities?
- How does local culture become global business and media?
This is field-based learning through observation, conversation, and real-world exposure.
2.Real Cultural Exchange Through Shared Experience
One of the most important parts of the program is interaction with Chinese university students.
Instead of formal lectures, you’ll build friendships through:
- Rowing and dragon boat activities
- Team challenges
- Campus exchange
- City exploration
- Shared meals and conversations
Sports become a shared language that breaks down barriers faster than any classroom.
No rowing experience required.
3. Chengdu Beyond The Tourist View
You’ll experience China not just as a visitor, but through everyday life.
Activities include:
- University campus immersion
- Introductory Chinese communication sessions
- Tea culture and bamboo weaving workshops
- Local neighborhood exploration
- Public space observation
- Group discussions and reflection
The goal is not simply to “see China,” but to understand how people live, work, create, and connect.
What You’ll Leave With
- Cross-cultural collaboration experience
- Real-world industry exposure
- Global teamwork and communication skills
- Project and presentation experience
- A deeper understanding of contemporary China
- Meaningful international friendships
WIN #1: The Research Advantage — Practice real field-based research by connecting company visits, cultural spaces, and urban experiences with broader questions about technology, society, sustainability, and culture.
WIN #2: The Cultural Insider — Go beyond the guidebook. Through local student interaction, public space observation, food culture, city walks, and everyday dialogue, you’ll experience China as a living society rather than a tourist destination.
WIN #3: The Sports & Global Friendship Advantage — Meet Chinese student partners who share a love of sport. Through rowing exchange, teamwork, and sharing, you’ll build friendship and communication skills in a natural, active, and memorable way.
Application & Program Fees
Step1 – Application Fee ($300 USD)
A refundable $300 Application Fee is required to begin the application and interview process.
Applicants who are not accepted into the program will receive a full refund of the $300 application fee.
Step2 – Program Fee ($350 USD)
Students who are accepted into the program will pay a separate $350 program fee.
Fees that have been covered:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Local transportation
- Program activities
- Cultural workshops
- University exchange activities
- Safety supervision and emergency support
Participants are responsible for:
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- personal expenses
Your 14-Day Schedule
How To Apply
Step 1 — Submit the application form below
Step 2 — 15-minute conversation with the organizer’s team
Step 3 — Final selection & welcome package
Application Deadline: June 4, 2026
Your Field Cases: Four Real Companies
Explore how Chinese manufacturing connects to global supply chains.
See how sustainability and smart cities are shaping modern China.
Food Heritage, Cultural Branding & Global Communication
Digital Storytelling, Cultural Media & Creative Industry
Application Form:
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no refund for this summer school.
This summer school is designed to serve students with all levels.