WHAT IS THE YES PROGRAM?
In November 2023, during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States, he announced an important new initiative “Inviting 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study over the next five years”. The initiative aims at strengthening U.S.-China relations, particularly among younger generations. In May 2024, during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to France, he announced an important new initiative “promoting the number of French students studying in China to exceed 10,000 in the next three years, and double the scale of European youth exchanges in China.” The initiative aims at at strengthening France-China and Europe-China relations, particularly among younger generations. In July 2025, during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, he said that China is ready to invite more Australian youth to participate in exchange programs, emphasizing the importance of cultivating people-to-people ties. The Young Envoys Scholarship (YES) program came into being to support these powerful initiatives, and China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) has been acting as the lead executing institution of YES program.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE YES PROGRAM?
The YES program is an integrated platform that consolidates educational resources from various regions and institutions across China, offering a rich and diverse curriculum for American, Australian and European youths with exceptional learning and exchange opportunities. Through the YES program, participants could participate in a variety of courses and practical activities, fostering interaction with international peers, experiencing diverse cultures, and enhancing cross-cultural communication skills. The program aims to deepen mutual understanding and cultivate a greater sense of global citizenship among young people from both nations.
WHAT TYPES OF PROGRAMS ARE INCLUDED IN THE YES PROGRAM?
The YES program features an array of programs, including but not limited to inter-school exchanges, language learning, short-term study programs, winter and summer schools, internships, preparatory courses, and summer/winter camps, etc.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE YES PROGRAM?
The YES Program is open to American, Australian and European youth, aged between 13 to 45 years old, especially those enrolled in or working at public and private schools and universities in the aforementioned countries, as well as young scholars. It also welcomes professionals dedicated to strengthening bilateral relations, including employees. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by experienced adult guardians under the age of 65. All participants are required to be in good health and fit for international travel.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE YES PROGRAM?
Interested participants from the United States, Australia, and European countries could visit the YES Program website at https://www.youthlink.cn for detailed information about various programs, including short-term study programs during semester, summer schools, short-term internships, preparatory courses, and short-term exchange visits. Prospective participants could directly contact the program liaisons at Chinese institutions for further information. If any institution from the aforementioned countries would like to find a Chinese counterpart to organize group exchanges, you are encouraged to contact with the Chinese Embassy or Consulates in its respective country or with CEAIE.
WHAT COST WOULD BE COVERED OR TAKEN BY APPLICANTS?
Costs vary depending on the Chinese host institution. Generally, host institutions cover most in-country expenses, including accommodation, meals, activities, and local transportation for YES program participants. Some specialized programs may require tuition fees. Participants are typically responsible for personal costs such as passport fees, round-trip airfare, medical and travel insurance.For accurate details, it is recommended to consult the specific host institution.
HOW TO CONTACT
China Education Association for International Exchange
Contact: YES Program Team
Email: yes@ceaie.edu.cn
Website: https://www.youthlink.cn
