Training Programme Understanding China Training Programme Understanding China

The Understanding China training is a highly targeted programme developed according to the needs of business representative organisations. The programme offers a unique mix of academic and practical courses on Chinese business and culture, organised in a flexible way to allow compatibility with the participants' professional life. The seminars will take place both in Europe and China and will be accompanied by a variety of practical and social activities, such as business plan development, study trip to China, different networking events, company visits, etc. The 'train the trainers' approach of the programme will ensure that a large number of companies will ultimately benefit from improved services and support. Ultimately the programme will result in the creation of a network of China experts in a range of business representative organisations across Europe. 

The training is made up of different elements:

 4 modules: 
- 1 week training in Antwerp 

- 1 week training in Shanghai  

- 1 week study visit to Beijing 

- 2 days wrap-up in Antwerp with a graduation ceremony 

Business Plan: 

Throughout the training course participants will be supported in their preparation of a business plan for their organisation on how to bring SMEs and other business closer to China and provide even better service 

On-line distance learning: 

On-line distance learning linking the different modules and allowing you to remain in direct contact with lecturers throughout the whole course of the training 

The curriculum for the training programme is developed by Antwerp Management School (AMS), together with EUROCHAMBRES, the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry. It is specifically targeted to the needs and requirements of business representative organisations.

All training courses will be complemented by various practical and social activities to encourage the exchange of best practices, foster networking and deepen the understanding of China.

The courses will be taught in English in the form of intensive and interactive seminars to encourage active participation and dynamic discussions.

Accommodation and all other logistical aspects will be arranged by AMS and four bilateral Chambers of Commerce in China. The trainees only need to organise their own travel arrangements.

Minimum requirements for participants:

- Be a national of one of the EU Member States, Official Candidate Countries or the European Economic Area 

- Be employed by an eligible business representative organisation (see below) 

- Have the support of the organisation to participate in this programme 

- Work in an international or Asia/China department 

- Have a university degree 

- Have an excellent command of English 

- Minimum of 2 years work experience on international affairs, with a focus on China 

- Have not previously participated 

Minimum requirements for organisations:

- Chambers of Commerce and Industry and SME Federations, Industry and sectoral Associations, Employer Federations, or other relevant business organisations which provide services to SMEs 

- Be based, i.e. with the head office in one of the EU Member States, Official Candidate Countries  or the European Economic Area 

- Have profound experience in international trade and a strong interest in China 

Award criteria for candidates and organisations:

- Relevant work experience 

- Quality of the business plan + possibility of implementation afterwards 

- Motivation of both participant and organisation 

- Geographical balance 

Recruitment for Understanding China training 2012 now open 

The Understanding China training programme can accommodate up to 25 participants per cycle. The deadline for the 2012 application will be 1 May 2012.

Due to the limited number of placements available, a selection process will be carried out by EUROCHAMBRES, AMS and the European Commission.

The selection process will comprise the following steps:

- Pre-screening: after the deadline, an initial pre-screening will be carried out to verify and/or clarify eligibility or elements of the applications 

- Selection committee: representatives of EUROCHAMBRES, AMS and the European Commission will form a selection committee to evaluate the pre-screened eligible applications and select those candidates with the highest scores on award criteria and the highest potential to benefit from the programme 

- Results: The results will be communicated directly to successful applicants. A waiting list will be also created in case of cancellations. 

- Participation commitment: Once selected, the selected participants will sign a participation commitment with EUROCHAMBRES 

Financial support

All training courses and the study visit are financed by the Understanding China programme together with the accommodation of the participants in the EU and China. Participants will be asked to pay a one time registration fee of EUR 500,- + their flight costs (flight to Brussels, Belgium and to Shanghai and Beijing, China).

If you have any questions regarding the training programme, please contact: 

Ms. Freya Lemcke, Advisor International Affairs, EUROCHAMBRES lemcke [at] eurochambres.eu

Ms. Estelle Jacques, International Affairs, EUROCHAMBRES jacques [at] eurochambres.eu

www.understandingchina.eu