Women stands in front of bridge in China

The Gansu Provincial Foreign Affairs Office is once again offering a 20 day fellowship to an individual who lives or works in Selwyn to join others from around the world to study and experience Chinese culture and business.

Fellows join a cohort from some of Gansu’s 62 Sister Cities, including countries like Ghana and Turkmenistan.

Selwyn’s Sister City relationship with Shandan County in Gansu Province was established because of the relationship put in place by Rewi Alley from Springfield. Rewi built vocational schools and established cooperatives in Gansu for local communities during his sixty years in China.

The fellows will stay in Lanzhou city on the Yellow River, which is located on the Silk Route, from 1 to 20 June 2025.

Applicants are required to be between 22 and 50 years of age and preferably come from a government, scientific research or business background.

The Gansu Government pays for local transport, international travel, accommodation and gives a small allowance. The successful applicant must pay for their insurance, medical checks, internet and food.

Previous fellows have found this a worthwhile experience for themselves and for their workplaces.

“Opportunities like this fellowship open doors to new perspectives, connections, and experiences that can shape both personal and professional growth. If you have the chance to step outside your comfort zone and learn from another part of the world, take it — you never know how it might inspire your future,” said Councillor Lydia Gliddon, who travelled to Lanzhou city last year with the Fellowship.

For more information, please contact selwynsistercities@gmail.com

Applications close on Thursday 10 April.

Last modified: 19 Mar 2025 2:11pm