1. What is the deadline for the 2025 CLS application?
The deadline was February 12th, 2025 at 11:59pm. We invite you to apply again next year for CLS 2026!
2. How important is the application?
The application is a crucial part of the selection process, and all applications will be carefully reviewed by the selection committee. We limit the amount of delegates to provide everyone with the best experience, so the conference becomes more competitive each year. We encourage you to put considerable effort into your application.
3. What language will the speakers be using? Do I need proficiency in Chinese?
The conference will be conducted fully in English! No Chinese language knowledge is required to attend the conference. However, many delegates speak some level of Chinese and enjoy practicing during meals and free time.
The deadline was February 12th, 2025 at 11:59pm. We invite you to apply again next year for CLS 2026!
2. How important is the application?
The application is a crucial part of the selection process, and all applications will be carefully reviewed by the selection committee. We limit the amount of delegates to provide everyone with the best experience, so the conference becomes more competitive each year. We encourage you to put considerable effort into your application.
3. What language will the speakers be using? Do I need proficiency in Chinese?
The conference will be conducted fully in English! No Chinese language knowledge is required to attend the conference. However, many delegates speak some level of Chinese and enjoy practicing during meals and free time.
4. Is there a registration fee for the conference?
No. The conference itself is free to all delegates, and is part of why we must be selective with our applicants. We do ask that visiting delegates cover their travel and hotel fees. Through fundraising and generous sponsorships we are able to provide all meals during the conference.
5. Where do delegates stay during the conference?
The majority of external delegates and speakers will be staying at a local hotel nearby Duke and UNC. Shuttles will bring delegates to the university campuses and back at night. Duke and UNC students can stay at their usual residences and will be provided free, private busses to take them to the other campus. Delegates are allowed to stay at other hotels or with friends but should keep in mind transportation will not be provided from alternative locations, city buses do not run on Sundays, and taxis must be ordered ahead of departure time.
6. Are hotels provided for all delegates?
No, we ask that each delegate apply for funding from his or her university to cover transportation and two nights at the hotel. Funding may be provided on a case by case basis for individuals who, despite their efforts, were unable to obtain funding.
7. Which meals are provided by the conference?
Through our fundraising efforts, CLS is able to provide an opening banquet dinner on Friday, as well as breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Generous amount of coffee and tea will be provided throughout the conference.
8. Will the whole conference be lecture-based or will there be opportunities for discussion and debate?
CLS prides itself on providing opportunities for thought-provoking discussion, debate, and questions. Speakers will speak uninterrupted for roughly 45 minutes followed by as many questions as time permits. Panels will address thematic questions, but will also take questions from the audience.
No. The conference itself is free to all delegates, and is part of why we must be selective with our applicants. We do ask that visiting delegates cover their travel and hotel fees. Through fundraising and generous sponsorships we are able to provide all meals during the conference.
5. Where do delegates stay during the conference?
The majority of external delegates and speakers will be staying at a local hotel nearby Duke and UNC. Shuttles will bring delegates to the university campuses and back at night. Duke and UNC students can stay at their usual residences and will be provided free, private busses to take them to the other campus. Delegates are allowed to stay at other hotels or with friends but should keep in mind transportation will not be provided from alternative locations, city buses do not run on Sundays, and taxis must be ordered ahead of departure time.
6. Are hotels provided for all delegates?
No, we ask that each delegate apply for funding from his or her university to cover transportation and two nights at the hotel. Funding may be provided on a case by case basis for individuals who, despite their efforts, were unable to obtain funding.
7. Which meals are provided by the conference?
Through our fundraising efforts, CLS is able to provide an opening banquet dinner on Friday, as well as breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Generous amount of coffee and tea will be provided throughout the conference.
8. Will the whole conference be lecture-based or will there be opportunities for discussion and debate?
CLS prides itself on providing opportunities for thought-provoking discussion, debate, and questions. Speakers will speak uninterrupted for roughly 45 minutes followed by as many questions as time permits. Panels will address thematic questions, but will also take questions from the audience.
9. Do you need to be majoring in a particular field to apply to the conference?
No, students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply as we believe the diversity increases the quality of discussion at the conference. The application simply requires you to show demonstrated interest in China and Sino-US relations.
10. How big is the conference?
Each year, we accept 150 delegates from all over the United States and China. Approximately fifty percent will be made of Duke and UNC students.
11. Why is the conference located at both Duke and UNC?
Duke and UNC are famous for their rivalry, particularly on the basketball court. Part of what makes the rivalry so strong is the proximity of the two top-notch research universities -- they're separated by a mere 8 miles! This year (2024), Duke will host Saturday and UNC will host Sunday. Forbes Magazine has cited our conference as an example of a “collaborative program” between Duke and UNC.
12. Is parking available on campus if you choose not to take the free shuttles?
Parking is available at both universities. Detailed parking information will be provided to accepted delegates. Please keep in mind that events will not be held up for individuals who choose not to take the shuttles and encounter traffic or parking difficulties. While Duke and UNC are only 8 miles apart, expect heavy traffic on the highway separating them (15-501), particularly on Fridays.
No, students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply as we believe the diversity increases the quality of discussion at the conference. The application simply requires you to show demonstrated interest in China and Sino-US relations.
10. How big is the conference?
Each year, we accept 150 delegates from all over the United States and China. Approximately fifty percent will be made of Duke and UNC students.
11. Why is the conference located at both Duke and UNC?
Duke and UNC are famous for their rivalry, particularly on the basketball court. Part of what makes the rivalry so strong is the proximity of the two top-notch research universities -- they're separated by a mere 8 miles! This year (2024), Duke will host Saturday and UNC will host Sunday. Forbes Magazine has cited our conference as an example of a “collaborative program” between Duke and UNC.
12. Is parking available on campus if you choose not to take the free shuttles?
Parking is available at both universities. Detailed parking information will be provided to accepted delegates. Please keep in mind that events will not be held up for individuals who choose not to take the shuttles and encounter traffic or parking difficulties. While Duke and UNC are only 8 miles apart, expect heavy traffic on the highway separating them (15-501), particularly on Fridays.
More Questions?
Contact us via email at [email protected]
