The first step in the application process is to submit a preliminary proposal to your sponsoring institution. This should be an informal letter of no more than two pages that addresses the following:

1. What is your project?

2. How is it relevant to you?

3. What is your estimated budget, itinerary, and timetable?

Your preliminary proposal can be submitted any time between September 15 and November 24, 2003, to ICF's Avery China Program coordinator at your sponsoring institution. The list of coordinators can be found by clicking here. A panel of judges, a group that includes program staff and past participants, will then determine whether the proposal is within the spirit and scope of the program. Successful preliminary applicants will be notified by January 12, 2004 and asked to prepare a final proposal providing more detail about their planned adventure. Final proposals, due on March 8, 2004, must be endorsed by the applicant's sponsoring institution, and will once again be reviewed by panel judges. Notifications on final proposals will be sent out in mid-April.

FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions )