China International Leadership Programme | Ambassador for Europe—China Relations Track
12 Months
12 Months
The Ambassador for Europe–China Relations Track was designed for learners who want to dedicate a full year to cultural immersion, advanced Mandarin development, and meaningful educational impact. At the heart of this programme is a structured teaching internship, where participants step into real classrooms, support rural learners, and develop the leadership skills needed to guide, mentor, and inspire others. This is not just a study-abroad experience — it is a year of service, contribution, and personal transformation.
This track was built on a simple belief:
leadership grows when learning and contribution come together.
Over time, we witnessed how participants who engaged deeply with communities — especially through teaching — developed stronger communication abilities, cultural sensitivity, and a profound sense of purpose. These experiences shaped the creation of a 12-month journey that blends immersive language training with authentic, hands-on leadership development.
Learners begin with online preparation before transitioning to life in Liaoning Province. There, they study Mandarin intensively, practise daily with local communities, and take part in a curated cultural discovery tour that reveals both iconic and lesser-known parts of China. But it is within the teaching internship that the greatest growth occurs: participants support children in rural and community-based settings, make a real difference in the lives of young learners — including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with disabilities — and gain practical leadership experience that cannot be taught in a classroom.
Throughout the year, participants live China from the inside. They form connections with families and students, experience the rhythm of daily life, and develop a deeper understanding of the values and traditions that shape modern Chinese society. The combination of long-term immersion, cultural exploration, language mastery, and community service leads to genuine personal and professional transformation.
The Ambassador for Europe–China Relations Track represents the most advanced stage of the China International Leadership Programme. It prepares learners for future pathways in international relations, education, NGO and humanitarian work, cultural diplomacy, and global leadership — offering an experience that shapes not only careers, but character.
The China International Leadership Programme is a blended, immersive internship and leadership development initiative coordinated by the Ireland Sino Institute Headquarters in Cork, Ireland, and delivered on the ground in Liaoning Province, China. The programme is hosted in partnership with a locally registered institution in China that is officially recognised by the China Ministry of Education and the China Ministry of Civil Affairs.
Structured across three progressive tracks—
The programme offers participants a unique opportunity to live, work, and study in China while building leadership skills, deepening cultural understanding, and developing strong Mandarin proficiency.
Founded in 2012 by Pat and Chang McCarthy, the Ireland Sino Institute is a non-political organization dedicated to deepening cooperation and mutual understanding between Europe and China. With operations in both regions, the Institute follows a dual-office model:
To be admitted to the programme, applicants must hold an apostilled degree from a recognized university, an apostilled police clearance certificate issued within the last six months, a TEFL or TESOL qualification, and a recommendation letter from a previous employer.
We offer a free introductory module that includes a programme overview document and video. It’s free to sign up, and you can access it here:
China International Leadership Programme Free Introductory Module
We also offer an Accelerated Arrival Preparation Session — a once-off advisory module designed to help prospective participants complete key documentation and procedural requirements before entering the main stages of the China International Leadership Programme. This accelerated pathway allows applicants to significantly shorten their preparation timeline, reduce administrative delays, and begin their studies and cultural immersion in China much sooner.
More information is available here:
If you meet the requirements for your chosen track—whether the Europe–China Delegate, Ambassador for Europe–China Cultural Relations, or Ambassador for Europe–China Relations—it is likely that you will be accepted.
Participating in the free information session will help you determine whether the programme is suitable for you and will better prepare you for both the application process and your journey to China
For any participant who wishes to withdraw from the China International Leadership Programme within the first 8 weeks, we offer a 20% full refund.
Ideal for motivated graduates ready for elite China immersion, the International China Leadership Programme blends intensive Mandarin learning with structured teaching and internship placements, cultural engagement, and guided exploration of iconic Chinese cities. Participants gain real-world experience working with local communities, build influential professional networks, and develop leadership, cross-cultural insight, and confidence. With personalised support from teams in Europe and China, this transformative programme accelerates global career potential and lifelong connections.
No, this is not a governmental position, but it will prepare you exceptionally well for future roles in government, international organisations, education, cultural exchange, and global development
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