Blog

By Firat Koklu (Spring 2026 Seminar Fellow) I was not sure what to expect when I first joined the CACI seminar. My academic world, as a historian of the Ottoman Empire and the modern Middle East, revolves around labor migration, legal regimes, and the multilayered workforces they produce. China felt… Read more: Fellow Reflections: Firat Koklu

By Juan Rúa-Serna (Spring 2026 Seminar Fellow) Growing up in Latin America, I had very few chances to learn something about China. The chances were even rarer if you grew up in Colombia, a country that very early in its history adopted a foreign policy strictly focused on looking “up”… Read more: Fellow Reflections: Juan Rúa-Serna

By Rosa Arevalo Leon (Spring 2026 Teaching Fellow, Fall 2025 Seminar Fellow) Over the course of this year, participating in the China at CUNY Initiative (CACI) significantly expanded the way I think about Chinese culture, society, and politics. One of the most valuable lessons I took away from the program… Read more: Fellow Reflections: Rosa Arevalo Leon

By Sara Feinstein (Spring 2026 Seminar Fellow)  I did not have a substantial background learning about China prior to participating in the CACI seminar. I was seeking an opportunity to learn about China and consider how a cross-cultural perspective might shape my research interests and ideas for teaching. I really… Read more: Fellow Reflections: Sara Feinstein

By Amalia Torrecillas (Spring 2026 Teaching Fellow, Fall 2025 Seminar Fellow) This past academic year, I had the opportunity to participate in the China at CUNY Initiative (CACI), an experience that has been deeply enriching both intellectually and pedagogically. For me, the fellowship contributed to two central areas of growth:… Read more: Fellow Reflections: Amalia Torrecillas, part 2

By Gloria Caminha (Teaching Fellow Spring 2026, Seminar Fellow Fall 2025) This past academic year (2025-2026), I was a Seminar and Teaching fellow for the China at CUNY Initiative (CACI). An experience that was both incredible and enriching. Participating in the seminar discussions and hearing from specialists enlightened me about… Read more: Fellow Reflections: Gloria Caminha

The China at CUNY Initiative (CACI) program is accepting applications for Graduate Fellows for Fall 2026 and Faculty Fellows for 2026-27. Please see the linked pages for more information about the requirements and application process. Both applications have a deadline of June 15, 2026. Please reach out to Larry Au… Read more: Applications Open: Graduate Student and Faculty Fellowships for 2026-2027

By Amalia Torrecillas (Fall 2025 Seminar Fellow) For me, CACI has represented a completely new open door. I have always believed that entering a new literature is incredibly difficult without guidance, especially when it concerns a region, history, or set of social realities that I have not previously studied in… Read more: Fellow Reflections: Amalia Torrecillas

By Bret Windhauser (Spring 2025 Seminar Fellow; Summer 2025 Travel Fellow; Fall 2025 Teaching Fellow) My participation in the CACI program has proven instrumental in significantly expanding both my knowledge base and pedagogical competency in teaching Chinese history to my students. This professional development program serves a critical function by… Read more: Fellow Reflections: Bret Windhauser