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China International Leadership Programme | Ambassador for Europe—China Relations Track

12 Months

Course Story Ambassador for Europe–China Relations Track

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.

Teach in China

China International Leadership Programme

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—


  • 3-Month Europe–China Delegate Track,
  • 6-Month Ambassador for Europe–China Cultural Relations Track,
  • 12-Month Ambassador for Europe–China Relations Track


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.

Choose a pricing plan

Ambassador For Europe–China Relations | China International Leadership Programme

€29,000
🌏 12-Month Track

Ambassador for Europe–China Relations

The Ambassador for Europe–China Relations 12-Month Track is the most comprehensive level of the programme, offering a full year of intensive Mandarin study, deep cultural immersion, and meaningful educational contribution in China.

This extended track includes two signature experiences: a guided cultural discovery tour across China, exploring its most iconic landmarks and hidden regions, and a structured teaching internship that enables participants to support rural and community-based educational initiatives.

Through this work, participants make a real difference in the lives of rural Chinese children—including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with disabilities—while developing meaningful leadership and communication skills


Over twelve transformative months, participants engage in advanced language learning, hands-on cultural interaction, guided travel, a teaching internship, and impactful community involvement—cultivating linguistic mastery, cultural intelligence, and meaningful international experience.


Programme Highlights

✅Language Learning & Cultural Immersion
✅15 hours per week of advanced Mandarin instruction
✅5 hours per week of cultural and conversational practice, including:
✅Family-style dining
✅Language exchanges
✅Community engagement
✅Real-life communication with local residents
✅Cultural exploration & engagement
✅A guided exploration of China’s iconic landmarks and hidden regions
✅Extended involvement in cultural exchange and educational initiatives
✅Teaching & Community Contribution
✅Teaching practice and mentoring experience within rural or community environments
✅Leadership development through educational initiatives and cultural exchange activities

Additional Programme Benefits

✅Free accommodation with Wi-Fi
✅Monthly stipend: 2,500 RMB
✅Z-visa sponsorship (legal work, study & teaching visa)
✅Internship and teaching placement coordinated by the Ireland Sino Institute, Liaoning Province
✅Low cost of living for a sustainable and fulfilling year in China

The 12-Month Track is ideal for those seeking advanced cultural understanding, practical language mastery, teaching experience and meaningful real-world contribution.


Programme Modules (Blended Learning Structure)

Your year-long journey follows a structured eight-module pathway.
Upon enrolling, learners gain access to the China International Leadership Programme Portal, the central hub for all learning materials, schedules, and ongoing support.


Module 1 — Admission & Onboarding (Online)

This module provides applicants with a live introductory session and individualised guidance tailored to their specific circumstances. It also includes a formal interview, résumé preparation support, and assistance in securing required documentation, including an apostilled degree, apostilled police clearance, TEFL or TESOL certification, and a professional recommendation letter. .

Module 2 — Visa Preparation (Online)

This module focuses on the China Z visa application process. Documents obtained in Module 1 are submitted to the relevant Chinese authorities, followed by an application at the applicant’s nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. Upon successful completion, participants are issued a valid Z visa, enabling them to formally commence the China International Leadership Programme.

Module 3 — Essential Chinese for Everyday Living in China (Online)

This online module equips participants with essential Mandarin Chinese language skills required for everyday living in China. It focuses on practical communication and foundational language use to prepare participants for daily interactions, social situations, and professional environments prior to arrival in China.
Practical survival Mandarin for real-life communication:
transportation, shopping, dining, basic conversations, cultural etiquette, emergency vocabulary, and everyday living scenarios.

Module 4 — Pre-Departure Preparation (Online)

At this stage, participants receive guidance on travel preparation. This includes recommended items to pack, SIM cards and essential mobile applications, and documentation required for formalities to be completed after arrival in China. Information is also provided on arrival procedures, an overview of relevant aspects of Chinese law and society, and the scheduling of airport pick-up arrangements.

Module 5 — Induction Period (Blended)

Upon arrival, participants receive a structured orientation and settling-in period, including introductions to their host school and accommodation, familiarisation with local amenities such as shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and food options, and guidance on utilities, banking, transportation, and essential applications. Final registration and immigration formalities are also completed at this stage.

Module 6 — In-China Language & Cultural Immersion (Blended)

Participants receive a combination of structured and immersive Chinese language instruction, including HSK-aligned modules, practical language use in everyday settings with Chinese families and local businesses such as restaurants, supermarkets, and shops, as well as participation in cultural, community, and language exchange activities.

Module 7 — Cultural Discovery & China Study Tour (Blended)

Participants will engage in a curated cultural tour exploring China’s historic sites, regional lifestyles, cultural traditions, and iconic landmarks, gaining firsthand insight into China’s civilisation and contemporary culture. The tour is designed to deepen intercultural understanding.  Participants also develop a richer appreciation of regional diversity and social practices across different parts of China.

Module 8 — Teaching Internship & Community Leadership (Blended)

This module provides participants with the opportunity to gain teaching and leadership experience within a formal school environment. As the programme’s flagship module, it enables participants to develop leadership capability, Mandarin language proficiency, cross-cultural competence, and communication skills through teaching in an international setting, while also making a positive and meaningful contribution to the lives of rural Chinese students

This module strengthens teaching and leadership abilities, communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and participants’ capacity to create lasting real-world impact.

Requirements

Apostilled BA Degree
Apostilled Police Clearance
TEFL/TESOL Certificate
Recommendation Letter
Successful Interview

Course curriculum

Get to know us

About the Ireland Sino Institute

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:


  • The China office, based in rural Northeast China, is a registered non-profit focused on education, cultural exchange, and philanthropy.
  • It delivers free or affordable English education to students in underserved areas, creating life-changing opportunities where they are needed most.
  • The Ireland office serves as a hub for tourism promotion, international cooperation, and bilateral business engagement between Europe and China.


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