China Study Abroad
About
Drawing from Ambassador Max Baucus’s life and work experience building diplomatic bridges, including as the U.S. Ambassador to China, the Baucus Institute brings Montana students on immersive academic exchange programs in China and Ireland. For our China programs, the Institute is pleased to provide scholarships so that students who would not otherwise be able to travel internationally have the opportunity to participate.
China has emerged as one of the world’s most powerful economic forces in today’s global economy. There is an increasing need for experts familiar with the ever-changing nature of the Chinese economy and Chinese political and legal systems to provide guidance to U.S. businesses and policymakers. The Institute recognizes these needs and offers Montana students the opportunity to experience China’s culture, language, policies, and people firsthand.
.jpg)
2027 China Program 1: CUSEF Next Gen Scholars
In Spring of 2027, the Baucus Institute is planning to bring up to 20 students from Montana-based colleges and universities to China for this two-week academic exchange. Other universities offering similar opportunities with CUSEF include Harvard, University of Chicago, and Johns Hopkins. This program will likely travel to Hong Kong, Beijing, and Chengdu. The program includes many seminars and visits to high-tech, cultural, and rural sites, providing opportunities for students to learn about Chinese culture, green technology, environment, rural development, and language—while developing intercultural communication skills in an immersive setting.
The Baucus Institute is able to offer scholarships that cover most of the in-country expenses, as well as group flights to/from the U.S. and China.
The 2027 program dates are still being determined. Usually we travel during the last two weeks in May. We will update this website as plans are finalized. Applications for 2027 will open on November 15, 2026 and close on January 22, 2027.
2027 China Program 2: Environmental/Climate Emphasis
In 2027, the Baucus Institute plans to bring up to 20 students from Montana-based colleges and universities to China for this month-long program. Students will be hosted on Hangzhou Wanxiang Polytechnic’s campus in Hangzhou, bookended with trips to Beijing and Shanghai. This program has an emphasis on learning about China’s sustainability efforts, with lectures and site visits to power plants, EV battery manufacturers, and the Wanxiang Innova Smart City project. Students will also participate in several cultural courses, including tea ceremonies, martial arts, language classes, making incense art, and woodblock printing. Day trips usually include visits to a silk museum, the Xixi wetlands, a tea farm, and an evening canal cruise through Hangzhou. Lunches and dinners are group events, creating informal opportunities for American and Chinese students to learn about each other over shared meals.
The Baucus Institute is able to offer scholarships for this program that cover nearly all expenses, including flights to/from China, international health insurance, visas, all in-country travel and lodging, and most meals.
The 2027 program dates are still being determined. Usually this program occurs during the month of July. We will update this website as plans are finalized. Applications for 2027 will open on November 15, 2026 and close on January 22, 2027.
2027-2028 Mandarin Studies at Fudan University
In fall of 2027, the Baucus Institute plans to bring 2 to 3 students to Shanghai, China to study Mandarin at Fudan University for a full academic year.
Fudan is one of China's top universities, located in the bustling city of Shanghai. This program is for students who are serious about learning Mandarin and gaining exposure to the heart of China's economic world.
The Baucus Institute has scholarships available, which will cover tuition, housing, visas, and flights to and from Shanghai.
Ireland Study Abroad
2027 Ireland Comparative Law in Cork
Since 2022, we have partnered with the Alexander Blewett III School of Law in Montana and University College Cork in Ireland to offer an ABA-accredited Ireland Comparative Law Study Abroad program. Students in this program will work directly with law faculty and other students from both law schools to analyze current legal issues through a comparative lens. This program includes lectures, skills exercises, and enrichment activities, including observing Irish court proceedings.
In 2027, this program is designed as a 2-week, 2-credit comparative law and skills course focused on comparative sports and business law. This program is open to all students attending ABA-accredited law schools who are in good academic standing. Applications are on a first-come, first-served basis, with a cap of 25 participants.
