Applications Open: 2026 International Summer School on River Civilization and Sustainable Development

4–18 August 2026 | Henan Province, China

The Faculty of Geographical Science and Engineering at Henan University is inviting international students and early-career researchers to take part in the 2026 International Summer School Programme on River Civilization and Sustainable Development.

The 15-day programme aims to explore the evolution of major river civilisations and the sustainable development of river basins. Based on Henan University’s Geo-STEP model—Geographical Science, Geographical Technology, Geographical Engineering and Geographical Practice—the programme combines academic study with practical and field-based learning.

Programme Highlights

Participants will take part in a wide range of academic, practical and cultural activities, including:

• academic lectures and seminars;
• laboratory and university visits;
• digital and virtual-simulation activities;
• cultural and physical geography fieldwork;
• activities focusing on Yellow River civilisation and sustainable development;
• university–industry–research activities; and
• practical activities relating to rural revitalisation.

The programme will include activities in Kaifeng, Zhengzhou, Dengfeng, Luoyang and Lankao. Planned visits and field activities include Henan University’s campuses and laboratories, Kaifeng Museum, the Iron Pagoda Park, the Ancient City Wall, Songshan Mountain, the Yellow River region and the National Institute for Rural Revitalisation.

Scholarship Support

Scholarship support is available for selected participants and covers:

• tuition fees;
• accommodation;
• meals;
• insurance; and
• transport within China associated with the programme.

International travel to and from China is not listed as part of the scholarship coverage.

Eligibility

The programme is open to non-Chinese nationals who are currently studying or conducting research at undergraduate, postgraduate or postdoctoral level.

Applicants from the following academic areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

Geography, history, economics, ecology, environmental science and related disciplines.

Applicants should have:

• a strong academic record;
• relevant research ability or academic potential;
• a good standard of spoken and written English;
• the ability to adapt to an international and unfamiliar environment; and
• an interest in academic exchange, field research and sustainable development.

Applicants with published papers, awards, patents or other relevant academic achievements may be given priority.

Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

1. The official application form, signed by the applicant, the applicant’s emergency contact and the relevant department leader;
2. An academic transcript;
3. A recommendation letter from an academic holding the title of associate professor or above; and
4. Any relevant supporting materials, such as award certificates, English-language certificates, published papers, patents or other academic achievements.

The scanned application documents should be placed in one compressed folder named:

Applicant’s university – Applicant’s name

The completed application materials should be sent by email to:

hddhws@henu.edu.cn

Applications will be reviewed by the Faculty of Geographical Science and Engineering at Henan University, and successful applicants will be contacted directly by email.