Harvard College AUSCR Summit for Young Leaders in China (HSYLC) postponed due to H1N1 virus

Harvard College Association for US-China Relations (HAUSCR) regrets to announce that its flagship program, Harvard Summit for Young Leaders in China (HSYLC) 2009 in Beijing, will be postponed to August of 2010. In a joint decision with host school, the High School Affiliated to Renmin University, and in consultation with the Chinese Ministry of Health, HAUSCR has deemed this course of action prudent as a result of the H1N1 influenza virus pandemic. This decision was made after concluding that despite a stringent health protocol including testing, quarantine, and close monitoring, the summit would still pose a public health hazard.

As has been widely reported, the Chinese government has been imposing especially stringent regulations to curb the spread of H1N1 virus, a global pandemic as declared by the World Health Organization. As a result of recent cases, Ministry of Health officials have been evaluating foreign exchange programs more closely. Several other international programs in our host school’s district have also been forced to withdraw their plans under this close scrutiny and in the interest of public health. HAUSCR recognizes the potential risks for all parties associated with holding a program at this time and believes that postponement is the best course of action.

Regardless, HAUSCR is also pleased to announce a record number of qualified applicants this year, several thousands in all. To recognize the time and superb effort that these students have put into their applications, HSYLC has extended offers of admission to 300 students as originally planned. Those students that accept HSYLC’s offer of admission will be able to attend our conference in 2010 without submitting a new application. HSYLC 2010 will offer another round of applications to select additional participants to join those admitted this year. HAUSCR understands that many students and volunteers have already planned their summers around the summit and attending the summit a year later would not be feasible. To those students HAUSCR is deeply apologetic. HAUSCR eagerly anticipates providing a valuable, enriching experience to the bright student leaders that choose to attend in 2010.

HSYLC 2009 would have also featured 40 amazing Harvard student Seminar Leaders from all walks of life, teaching a variety of diverse and mind-opening topics. The Seminar program lies at the heart of HSYLC’s goals for cross cultural exchange and liberal arts education. The Seminar Leaders chosen this year have a standing offer to teach the courses they have worked so hard to perfect at the summit in 2010.

As a note from the HAUSCR staff, it has been difficult for us to accept this outcome for our conference which we have planned all year, but we have now come to realize that it is inevitable given the current situation in China and the global H1N1 pandemic. As always, we thank you in advance for your understanding and support as we transition into working on the 2010 summit. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the Goldman Sachs Foundation for their continued support. We hope to see you next year.

HAUSCR is a non-profit Harvard College student organization, aimed at promoting culture exchanges between students in the United States and China through its four pillars: Leadership, Scholarship, Citizenship, and Entrepreneurship.