Q: When will the 2019 CLS application go live?
The 2019 CLS application is live! Please check the "Home" page.
Q: When is the application due?
Applications from Duke and UNC students are due by February 15th, 2019 at 11:59 pm. Applications from external students are due February 1st, 2019 at 11:59pm. However, external delegates can have their applications reviewed earlier by meeting the priority deadline: January 25th, 2019. Priority notification is being made available to allow external applicants more time to appeal for school funding and to arrange transportation to the summit.
Q: 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. Each year the conference becomes more competitive (we cap the delegates around 100 due to budget limitations), thus we encourage you to put considerable effort into your application.
Q: 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.
Q: Do you need to have visited China before?
No. The conference seeks students with strong interest in China and US-China relations. However, this does not mean you need to have visited China. Each year several of our delegates attend the conference prior to their first trip to China in the summer. The conference creates an informal travel network for alumni.
The 2019 CLS application is live! Please check the "Home" page.
Q: When is the application due?
Applications from Duke and UNC students are due by February 15th, 2019 at 11:59 pm. Applications from external students are due February 1st, 2019 at 11:59pm. However, external delegates can have their applications reviewed earlier by meeting the priority deadline: January 25th, 2019. Priority notification is being made available to allow external applicants more time to appeal for school funding and to arrange transportation to the summit.
Q: 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. Each year the conference becomes more competitive (we cap the delegates around 100 due to budget limitations), thus we encourage you to put considerable effort into your application.
Q: 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.
Q: Do you need to have visited China before?
No. The conference seeks students with strong interest in China and US-China relations. However, this does not mean you need to have visited China. Each year several of our delegates attend the conference prior to their first trip to China in the summer. The conference creates an informal travel network for alumni.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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. Social media may be used to facilitate discussion and take questions.
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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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. Social media may be used to facilitate discussion and take questions.
Q: 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.
Q: How big is the conference?
Each year, we accept 100 delegates from all over the United States and China. Approximately fifty percent will be made of Duke and UNC students.
Q: When will I be notified of my application result?
Within one to two weeks of the application deadline, the planning committee will notify all individuals about their application result, with successful applicants receiving an invitation to the conference.
Q: 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, UNC will host both Friday and Sunday and Duke will host Saturday. Forbes Magazine has recently cited our conference as an example of a “collaborative program” between Duke and UNC.
Q: 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 Friday.
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.
Q: How big is the conference?
Each year, we accept 100 delegates from all over the United States and China. Approximately fifty percent will be made of Duke and UNC students.
Q: When will I be notified of my application result?
Within one to two weeks of the application deadline, the planning committee will notify all individuals about their application result, with successful applicants receiving an invitation to the conference.
Q: 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, UNC will host both Friday and Sunday and Duke will host Saturday. Forbes Magazine has recently cited our conference as an example of a “collaborative program” between Duke and UNC.
Q: 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 Friday.
Have more questions? We'd be happy to answer them! Please submit your questions below or you can email us at dukeunccls@gmail.com
