CSP 9

Application for the 9th China Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth has commenced! For more information, check out the official website CSP9. Excerpt from the main page:

"In order to extend our vision of “Learn More About China and Chinese Culture”, the 9th China Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth (CSP9) is now available for application. Simply refer to the Application section for recruitment criteria and online application. The Programme date will be 1 – 17 July, 2008. Visiting cities will include Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Xian, Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai. For any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us."

N. B. Unfortunately, this programme is only open to application for people who are Chinese descendant, i.e. have Chinese blood from their paternal and/or maternal side. Also, the applicant must be a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate when he applies.

If you have been reading my blog you would know that I was a participant in CSP8. Whilst all CSP batches definitely visit Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Beijing and Shanghai, there are always some differences in the itineraries between different CSP batches: CSP7 went to Macau, CSP8 went to Hangzhou, and now CSP9 will be going to Tianjin. To read about my experiences during the trip, I've provided the links below:

CSP8 (part 1)
CSP8 (part 2)
CSP8 (part 3)
CSP8 (part 4)
CSP8 (part 5)
CSP8 (part 6)
CSP8 (part 7)

Accommodation, transport and food are all included in the 16-day package, so you don't have to pay for it! The only fees involved (after you are selected) are the plane tickets to Hong Kong (the starting point) and back, a non-refundable deposit of US$200 plus your own expenses on souvenirs, snacks etc. It doesn't matter a lot if you are interested in Chinese culture or not; I personally treated it as a summer holiday in China. However, I have made a lot of new friends and contacts through this programme and based off purely on that I would recommend you to join this programme, especially if you have nothing better to do during the holidays. Besides, it might look good in your résumé ;)

Ability to understand Chinese is not necessary, however I think it is helpful. English is supposed to be the main lingua franca. Knowing some Cantonese would be nice too. It'll be advantageous if you have had a myriad of different experiences in your life as well as if you are from a country/university where not many applicants are likely to apply(Germany for example).

So if you are interested you can read up on the website I provided; read through the FAQs etc. If you need help concerning filling in the application forms, document proofs, résumés etc., don't hesitate to ask me =) Always willing to help. Don't be afraid that you have a lesser chance because you are not a "high-flyer". There's no harm trying! The application deadline is 28 January 2008. Don't wait til the last minute!