China Deep Dive: Global Young Leaders Program
Launched in 2024, the China Deep Dive: Global Young Leaders Program is an immersive two-week fellowship that combines classroom lectures at Peking University, followed by field studies and trips in and outside Beijing.
Classroom lectures during the program cover various topics including China’s history, development, technology, science, and governance. Field study sites include major historical and cultural sites, Chinese firms, and state-owned enterprises. Students choose one of two itineraries encompassing different cities/regions outside of Beijing and field studies/site visits relevant to those areas.
University of Rochester students are selected upon recommendation of faculty and nomination by the Student Fellowships Office. Selection is based on demonstrated interest in China but limited prior experience in the country; academic excellence; well roundedness; leadership potential; and broad international outlook.
Peking University covers all student expenses while in China during the program. Learn more about other fellowship, scholarship, and award opportunities available to Rochester students.
Recent China Deep Dive: Global Young Leaders Program Scholars
Congratulations to the University of Rochester participants in China Deep Dive 2026!
Annalise Harter ’27
Areas of study: East Asian studies (BA)
Minor: Chinese
An East Asian Studies major, Annalise aspires to become an academic librarian specializing in East Asian collections and aims to increase the visibility of resources so future students can deepen their understanding of East Asia. A resident of Ithaca, NY, and a person of partial Chinese descent, Harter’s motivation to participate in the China Deep Dive program includes a desire for a deeper connection with her Chinese heritage. Harter is a member of the Phoenix Fire traditional Chinese dance club, and in summer 2024, participated in study abroad in Seoul, South Korea at Seoul National University.
Dante Jikia ‘29
Areas of study: Optical engineering (BS) and physics (BS)
Optical engineering and physics student Dante Jikia ’29 will make his first trip to China through the program. Jikia became curious about Chinese culture through friends he met while growing up in Brooklyn, NY, and began studying Chinese formally during his first semester at URochester. He hopes to become fluent in Chinese and pursue a post-baccalaureate fellowship to study in China. As a first-year student, Jikia was active on campus, participating on the electronics team of the CubeSat Club and working for Dining Services and Event and Classroom Management.
Livia Ilasz ’26
Areas of study: Linguistics and political science (BA)
Certificate in Polish and Central European Studies
Livia Ilasz, a linguistics and political science major, is interested in a career with an international/intercultural focus, possibly involving research on multilingual education. The Jersey City, NJ resident is considering teaching English in China before pursuing graduate study. Ilasz is of half-Chinese descent and wants to expand her understanding of Chinese culture and society beyond what she’s learned from her family. A varsity athlete, she has been a member of URochester’s women’s track and field and rugby teams. Ilasz has also participated in the University’s study abroad program at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland in summer 2025.
Tiketa Thomas ’27
Areas of study: Brain and cognitive sciences (BS) and linguistics (BA)
Tiketa Thomas is a Handler Scholar who began studying the Chinese language to challenge herself. A resident of Rochester who also studies Korean outside of school, Thomas is considering a career at the intersection of languages and the brain. In 2021-22, as a high-school student, Thomas spent a year in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, after being selected for the National Security Language Institute-Youth (NSLI-Y) Program, a State Department initiative. Living in Taiwan before college and friendships with international Chinese students at URochester deepened her interest in an immersive experience in mainland China through the China Deep Dive program. She is a member of the Xclusive Step Team and a RICE Crew participant.
Past China Deep Dive: Global Young Leaders Program Scholars
2024 Participants
Jesse Campanelli ’25
Areas of study: International relations (BA)
Minor: Chinese
Sierra Jefferson ’27
Areas of study: Black studies and international relations (BA)
Faith Liu ’26
Areas of study: Linguistics
Minors: Chinese and legal studies