I. Project Background
Globally, over-utilization of resources and climate change have caused increasingly serious ecological damage, including but not limited to losses of biodiversity and ecosystem stability, threatening the sustainability of ecological functions and services. In 2021, the United Nations launched the “United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration” plan. Grasslands, the most important terrestrial ecosystem, account for more than 40% of the total land area, and around 1 billion people worldwide live on grassland. However, more than 49% of the grasslands are degraded. It is imperative to recognize and understand the important functions of grassland ecosystems in regulating the climate, improving the environment and maintaining the ecological balance. Exploring the ecological restoration techniques of degraded grasslands helps broaden our horizons and provides solutions for human beings to combat degrading ecosystems.
College of Grassland Science and Technology, CAU sincerely invite students worldwide to join the upcoming journey of exploration and learning in China. Here, you will have the opportunity to delve deep into the mysteries of grassland ecosystems, grasp cutting-edge technologies in ecological restoration and contribute to the sustainable development of the Earth. Let’s work together to protect our beautiful Blue Planet!
II. Introduction to China Agricultural University
China Agricultural University (CAU) is a key university directly under the Ministry of Education listed in the national "Double First-class" initiative. Being the origin of China's modern agricultural higher education, CAU’s history dates back to the Imperial University of Peking Agricultural University founded in 1905.
Going through more than a century of vicissitudes, CAU has developed itself as a world leading university in agricultural disciplines. In recent years, CAU was ranked among the top 10 in the world agricultural discipline, a ranking conducted by QS, US News and Shanghai Ranking’s Academic Ranking of World Universities, and its nine disciplines, including biology, agricultural engineering, food science and engineering, crop science, agricultural resources and environment, plant protection, zootechnics, veterinary medicine and grass science, have been rated as national first-class disciplines. CAU has a strong faculty, which consists of more than 1700 professors and associate professors, 23 doctoral and 33 master’s degree first-level disciplines and 76 undergraduate majors. At present, it has an enrollment of 12,000 postgraduate students and 13,000 undergraduate students.
CAU has significantly accelerated the opening up of education to the outside world over the recent years and has established friendly cooperative relations with 242 universities, research institutions and international organizations in 52 countries and regions in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe and America. In order to promote the development of world-class universities, CAU has established the “World’s Top Agricultural University Alliance (A5 Alliance)” in collaboration with Cornell University in the United States, Wageningen University in the Netherlands, University of California, Davis in the United States and University of São Paulo in Brazil. In close alignment with the “Belt and Road” Initiative and the “China-Africa Cooperation” initiative, CAU organized 40 domestic and 35 foreign agricultural and forestry universities to jointly form the “Belt and Road” Agricultural Education Science and Technology Innovation Alliance, and set up 11 “Belt and Road” agricultural cooperation centers relying on the alliance. Furthermore, the university has maintained long-term cooperative relations with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Food Programme, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, World Bank, African Green Revolution Alliance and other important organizations to jointly carry out policy dialogue, think-tank research, international development projects and other cooperation.
III.Introduction to the Summer International School
The Summer International School program includes three sections that aim to allow the students to experience extensive and profound Chinese culture and grassland knowledge.
Firstly, in the section “Immersive Experience of Traditional Chinese Culture,” you will have the opportunity to DIY Chinese characteristic handicrafts, learn Chinese soft brush calligraphy, visit cultural relics in Beijing, learn basic Chinese (Mandarin), touch the pulse of Chinese history, appreciate the unique charm of Chinese culture, and start an in-depth dialogue with China.
In the “Academic Lecture” section, experts will be invited to initiate in-depth discussions on the restoration of degraded grasslands, current status and development trends of grassland woody encroachment, grassland carbon cycling and climate change. Moreover, the students will also have the opportunity to attend the International Grassland Congress in Hohhot and discuss the future development of worldwide grasslands with global peers.
Finally, in the ”field trip” section, you will learn basic techniques in grassland research, such as investigating plant diversity and sampling plants and soils. You will also experience agricultural activities such as grazing and replanting in the Hulun Buir Grassland Agriculture Experimental Station. Field trips also include visiting the global change experimental platform, farmlands and pastures, mine rehabilitation projects, and nature reserves, allowing you to appreciate nature's magical charm.
The three sections each have their own features, including the immersion in traditional culture, the inspiration of academic lectures, and the practical experience of on-site surveys. We believe this summer school will surely bring you an unforgettable journey.
IV. Schedule
(Adjustments may be made based on actual circumstances)
Day 1 (July 5th): Upon arrival at the East Campus of CAU in Beijing, campus tour, overall introduction to the program, and the ice-breaking ceremony.
Day 2 (July 6th): Elementary Chinese study in the morning, immersive experience of traditional Chinese culture (Chinese knotting /paper cuttings /handicraft making) in the afternoon on the East Campus of CAU;
Day 3 (July 7th): Immersive experience of traditional Chinese culture (Visiting Yuanmingyuan Imperial Garden, the Summer Palace or the Great Wall, etc.);
Day 4 (July 8th): Academic lectures at the College of Grassland Science and Technology on the West Campus of CAU in the morning, and visit the Feed Museum, Veterinary Medicine Herbarium and Insect Museum in the afternoon;
Day 5 (July 9th): Elementary Chinese study and Chinese calligraphy on the East Campus of CAU;
Day 6 (July 10th): Survey in Shangzhuang/Zhuozhou Experiment Station;
Day 7 (July 11th): Academic reports on the East Campus, make preparation for and take training on the field trip;
Day 8 (July 12th): Departure from Beijing to Hohhot in the morning, carry out camp registration and opening ceremony in the afternoon, and be grouped in the evening;
Day 9 (July 13th): The students will attend the International Grassland Congress in Hohhot;
Day 10 (July 14th): Departure to Hulun Buir in the morning; listen to the presentations and share thoughts on the meeting in the afternoon and evening;
Day 11 (July 15th): Visit Hulun Buir Grassland Agriculture Experiment Station;
Day 12 (July 16th): Visit Tenihe Farm in Hulun Buir;
Day 13 (July 17th): Visit M-Grass Group’s base and mine rehabilitation base in Hailar District, Hulun Buir;
Day 14 (July 18th): Visit Honghuaerji National Nature Reserve for Mongolica Forest and submit the academic competition materials and summary report;
Day 15 (July 19th): The students will return to Beijing from Hailar, enjoy free time and prepare for returning home.
V. Enrollment Information
1. Qualification
This summer school program is designed for students in their sophomore year or later and whose majors include but are not limited to grassland science, agronomy, ecology, biology, geosciences and other related disciplines. Students interested in grassland production, restoration, and improvement of degraded grassland are welcome to join us. Students with backgrounds in mathematics, computers, economics, and management who are interested in grassland-related interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurial practice, as well as those who are simply interested in grasslands, are also welcome to participate.
Seats: 10, selected for admission based on merit.
2. Application
Applicants need to first log in to the international student application website of China Agricultural University（ http://apply.cau.edu.cn ）, provide the required information, select your application category (general advanced student) and upload the materials for submission.
Application Time: May 12 - June 10, 2024
Study term: July 5–19, 2024, 16 days
Program choose: Chinese government scholarship
Categories: General visiting students
Department: College Of Grassland Science And Technology
3. Application Materials
①First page of passport with photo
②Certificate of highest academic degree or certificate of schooling
③Language proficiency certificate: any proof of any English proficiency
④ Study plan: just upload the schedule of the suumer school
⑤Physical Examination Form: 
Foreigner Physical Examination Form Statement.pdf and sign your name
⑥Certificate of No Criminal Record: Non-criminal Record Affirmation.pdf and sign your name
⑦Registration fee: RMB400 (Non-refundable)
Note: All certificates must be original or notarized in Chinese or English. Otherwise, please provide notarized documents with Chinese or English translation.
4. Review and Admission
The application materials will be reviewed by the International Office, CAU and relevant professors, and qualified applicants will be admitted.
5. Inquiry and Admission Notice
Admission results can be queried on the website of the International Office, CAU in early June. The China Agricultural University Admission Notice and Visa Application Form for Foreign Students in China (JW202) will be issued to the applicants respectively.
6. Application for Visa and Enrollment Registration
Matriculates shall go to Chinese embassy (consulate) at their location to apply for study (X) visa with their ordinary passport, Admission Notice, Visa Application Form for Foreign Students in China (Form JW202), Physical Examination Form for Foreign Nationals and Blood Test Report, before presenting the foregoing materials to the International Office, CAU for enrollment registration at the time specified in the Admission Notice.
7. Tuition (Unit: RMB)
No, | Category | CNY/Person | Remarks |
1 | Application fee | 400 | Non-refundable |
2 | Tuition | Free | During the summer school |
3 | Premium | - | Unified purchase by the school |
|
4 | Accommodation | - | Unified provision by the school (two students/room) |
5 | United Transportation | - | Unified provision by the school |
*The school does not provide round-trip airfare and visa application fees to China.
*The school will provide 1500 CNY/Person as living expenses in China during the summer school.
8.Contact Information
International Office, China Agricultural University
Contact: Ms. Liu
Email: liuyanyan@cau.edu.cn