The US-China Education Trust, in cooperation with Tsinghua University and George Washington University, has completed our new projects to bring American and Chinese students together. These projects worked on areas where US-China cooperation is urgently needed in an era of competition and tension between the two countries.
Students Finding Common Ground—US China Collaborative Projects in An Era of Strategic Competition included thirty-two students, chosen through a competitive process, where half were enrolled in Chinese universities and half in American universities. The students formed four groups of eight students, each group focusing on a separate topic area: 1) Climate Change and Environment, 2) Economics and Trade; 3) Education; and 4) Energy. After six months of collaboration, the groups are proud to present their final projects shown below:
1) Climate Change and Environment
This experiential project focuses on addressing food waste at universities in the US and China. Their project presents the significance of reducing food waste, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of such efforts. By leveraging data collection, best practices, and collaborative partnerships, the team identified the common sources of food waste and proposed tailored strategies for GW and Tsinghua. Their project also emphasizes the importance of student involvement and education, advocating for awareness campaigns and educational programs. This project collected compelling data that showed the need for food waste reduction and demonstrated useful joint efforts between Chinese and American universities to minimize wasteful behavior through coordinated publicity efforts. The project promotes a culture of sustainability and responsible consumption within academic institutions, contributing to global environmental conservation efforts.
2) Economics and Trade
This research project examines potential areas of cooperation between the United States and China in Vietnam’s rapidly developing electric vehicle (EV) industry. The team incorporated many methods and tools throughout their research process, including a quantitative analysis of the EV market in Southeast Asia, firm-level case studies, a comparative analysis of RCEP vs. IPEF provisions, and more. Their project offers strategic potential for joint ventures, technological exchange, and market expansion. The seven recommendations seek to promote innovation and sustainable development in the region by utilizing the capabilities of both countries. Additionally, their proposed US-China partnership aims to address international issues, including energy security and climate change, while simultaneously enhancing the impact of trilateral cooperation – fulfilling each party’s interests and ensuring long-term success.
3) Education
This guidebook is designed to help American students navigate the complexities of studying abroad in China. Educational exchange fosters US-China relations by building mutual understanding and ties. Educational exchanges remain crucial despite recent challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Their experiential project, a handbook based on interviews with American students in China, provides practical tools and suggestions for adjusting to life in China. For example, they listed cultural understanding, funding options, and useful digital applications. The handbook details steps on essential tasks, like acquiring a Chinese phone number, setting up a bank account, and using WeChat for communication and payments. This comprehensive guide, compiled with insights from American and Chinese educators, aims to encourage and support American students in undertaking the enriching experience of studying abroad in China.
4) Energy
Their research project analyzed the potential for battery recycling collaboration between the US and China. It concluded that it is significant due to their roles as major players in the global battery market. However, this collaboration faces several obstacles and presents numerous possibilities. Collaborative research initiatives can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the sustainability of recycling methods. Additionally, partnerships can create a robust global supply chain for recycled battery materials, addressing raw material shortages and reducing environmental impact. Establishing bilateral agreements on recycling standards and practices can streamline efforts, promote greater industry alignment, benefit both economies, and contribute to global environmental goals. Their project suggests that the US and China can make significant strides in battery recycling by addressing these obstacles, leading to mutual economic and environmental benefits.
On June 10th from 7 to 9 pm (Beijing Time), the Center for Global Competence Development at Tsinghua University supported a panel discussion showcasing Gen Z youth dialogues on campus. Leaders from Chinese teams participating in the Students Finding Common Ground program presented their projects at this in-person event. Each group was given a 5-minute slot to showcase their work.
USCET has been inundated with positive feedback from students, mentors, and partners involved in the Common Ground program. Here are some testimonials we’ve gathered from participants:
What the mentors and partners have to say…
“The event (panel discussion at Tsinghua University) was a tremendous success, with each group achieving remarkable outcomes over the past three months. The collaboration fostered profound friendships between Chinese and American students and mentors alike. Thank you for your invaluable contribution to promoting cultural exchange between Chinese and American youth!” – Huang Ying, Associate Professor in the Department of International Relations, Tsinghua University
“I was really struck by the creativity [and] care students exhibited. I was really impressed at the hard work our students put in, both on the Chinese side and the US side… I really hope we can continue to collaborate in the future to improve Sino-US relations through education and through encouraging more students from each country to study abroad.” – Emily Matson, Mentor, Education Group, Assistant Teaching Professor, Georgetown University
“This was a very ambitious undertaking, and the hard things are always the most worth doing.” – Michael Davidson, Mentor, Energy Group, Assistant Professor, University of California, San Diego
What the students have to say…
“It was a rare opportunity to interact with creative American peers and my first time leading an international collaborative group. Despite the challenges, the experience was incredibly rewarding and enriching.” – Shi Jiayi, Education Group, Tsinghua University
“As a part of the education team of the common ground project, I worked with my classmates at George Washington University and future classmates at Tsinghua University to develop a presentation and handbook for American students interested in studying abroad in China. The project not only connected me to like-minded students in both the US and China but also solidified my drive to contribute to the revitalization of US-China people to people ties. I look forward staying involved with USCET, and to more exciting projects that promotes US-China education ties. ” – Ziye (Zach) Zhang, Economics Group, George Washington University
“I participate[d] in the education group of USCET Common Ground. It was a wonderful experience where I recognized lots of interesting teachers and classmates to finish the meaningful project about improving the exchange experiences of the American student.” – Muye Zhang, Education Group, Tsinghua University
“It was a delightful and fruitful experience to meet and collaborate with wonderful peers from the US and China. Looking back, the process was not all plain sailing but we have achieved something I never imagined possible.” – Xinyue Hong, Economics Group, Tsinghua University