Intro & Mission

TOChina can take pride in offering what in Europe is a very unique and much-needed educational experience in contemporary China affairs.

Dr. Bates Gill
Director, SIPRI

In July 2009 some 35 professionals and students from all over the world gathered in Torino for an intensive course on China’s politics, international relations and political economy. Four continents and 15 countries were represented, including the U.S., Mainland China, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Russia and Taiwan.

They stormed a city still in post-Olympic swing and were briefed by world-class academics, diplomats, and practitioners – many of whom have actually contributed to making China what it is today. The blend of a vivacious international class, coupled with top-quality China experts in a relaxed atmosphere made the School a truly unique experience in Europe.

This summer a fourth edition of the School will run from June 28th to July 10th. The working language will be English and participation is open to any student or professional willing to brave the challenge of China’s peculiarity and complexity in the regional and global context.

The program is suitable for both those wishing to study the domestic aspects of China’s politics and for those intending to explore the rapidly evolving dynamics of Asian and global geopolitics and economics. For those looking for insight for future careers TOChina offers the unique opportunity to inquire with the lecturers, often in charge of PhD schemes in their country and affiliated to a variety of organizations. The beloved informal sessions that TOChina instructors accept to have with students after class are a trademark of TOChina’s, quite possibly generating liaisons that last beyond the School itself.

The programme is available online, with details being added weekly. Applications will be accepted as from Monday 8th March. To apply, please use the links to the left.

Several scholarships are available, covering anything from tuition fees to accommodation and meals. Please do check whether you may be eligible for either a Zerotasse or a Freetorino scholarship.

After you leave

Some alumni of the TOChina programme have gone on to do PhDs at some of the most prestigious universities in Europe, while others have pursued careers in institutions, NGOs and professional organisations around the world.

Several have moved to China, either on a temporary or permanent basis.

Many alumni are to this day in touch with TOChina and its coordinator. Information on international scholarships, academic opportunities and jobs are routinely circulated within this growing network of promising alumni.