Transforming Lives of Chinese and Americans

The Yale-China Fellowship is a transformative two years for both the Yale-China Fellows and the Chinese students and community members they interact with. Select Yale graduates are chosen to spend two years teaching in China, where they not only become familiar with China but also make China their home. During their two years, Fellows gain an in-depth understanding of themselves, China, and Chinese language and culture, resulting in great personal and professional growth.

“My Yale-China experience truly sensitized me to the needs and aspirations of cultures other than my own. It put a “face” on what had previously just been an academic exercise.”

— Joseph A. Pertel, Hunan Medical University 1985-1987, Attorney

Teach and Lead

What do Yale-China Fellows do?

Yale-China Fellows have life-changing experiences while embedded within a Chinese community for two years. They inspire students as teachers, lead impactful projects and programs, learn Mandarin or Cantonese (or take their existing language ability to a new level) --all while gaining tangible professional skills that lead to exciting future career paths and life-long friendships. Learn about our current Fellows here.

Who can apply?

All Yale University graduates (including rising graduates) from the past five years. This includes both Yale College and Yale Graduate and Professional Schools.

How do I apply?

For our current Xiuning-focused special application round, applicants need to submit the following items:

Application Form
One Page Resume
Transcript (Unofficial Accepted)
Two Recommendation Letters
Dean’s Form

Select candidates will then be invited for an interview.

When is the application deadline?

We are currently accepting applications for an unexpected opening at our Xiuning site the coming school year. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Applications for 2026-2028 will open in September, with an early application deadline of December 1 and a final application deadline will be March 1.

I have more questions. What do I do?

Visit our details page
Contact Education staff

How do I attend an Info Session?

Email education@yalechina.org to arrange an in-person or virtual conversation.

What if I am selected?

After being selected, Yale-China will work with you to prepare the necessary documents for your work visa to China and arrange one-on-one online language study if necessary. You will then travel to Hong Kong for an orientation beginning on August 9th.