The Experiential Learning Studio (ELS) is an NYU Shanghai initiative that advances the scholarship and practice of experiential education in higher education in China. Through a research-informed approach, the studio contributes to a transdisciplinary body of knowledge that solidifies experiential learning as an evidence-based educational framework. Anchored in the principles of community-driven practice and pedagogical innovation, the Studio supports educators in refining their craft, deepening reflective practice, and expanding the impact of experiential learning across global contexts.
In its inaugural phase (2025–2026), ELS will focus on the theme From Practice to Pedagogy. As part of this initiative, we are hosting a retreat designed to bring together innovative experiential learning educators. This gathering will serve not only as a space for reflecting on personal teaching practices, but also as a platform for shaping the future of experiential education within China’s evolving higher education landscape.
This project - a collaboration between the Program for Creativity+Innovation, the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Office for Community-Engaged Learning - is generously funded by the Cyrus Tang Foundation.
Retreat Overview
- Dates: October 31 – November 2, 2025
- Location: Bishan Village, Huangshan
- Language: English
- Mode: Interactive, peer-led, participatory
- Funding: lodging and meals are fully covered, including group transportation from Shanghai to Bishan
Set in the foothills of Huangshan, the retreat is designed as both a pause and a provocation—a time to build community across institutions, engage with learning theory, and prototype the next chapter of experiential education.
Educators will leave the retreat not only with new ideas and collaborators, but also with a tangible output—a course case study, a redesigned experience, an instructional methodology, or a prototype of a new course—that contributes to a collective understanding of what powerful experiential learning can look like in China today.
Program Highlights
This retreat offers a unique opportunity to step away from daily routines and connect with peers who are shaping the future of experiential learning in China.
- A Curated Community: Join a cross-institutional cohort of educators committed to shared inquiry and reflective dialogue.
- Guided Exploration: Engage in lightly-structured sessions grounded in learning science and pedagogical research.
- Practice-to-Pedagogy: Prototype or refine your own teaching practice and contribute to experiential learning toolkit.
- Shared Meals and Stories: Enjoy locall- prepared meals and storytelling circles that foster creative exchange.
- Place-Based Inspiration: Draw insight from the cultural and historical richness of Bishan Village.
Why Apply?
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Join a curated cohort of cross-institutional, cross-disciplinary educators
- Receive full sponsorship for an immersive 2.5-day learning experience
- Refine their own teaching with peer and research-based input
- Develop a pedagogical contribution to advance the collective practice of experiential learning
- Create and share publishable teaching artifacts and/or prototypes
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from faculty members and experiential learning thought leaders supporting or working closely with faculty members, who are actively engaged in higher education settings in China.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- University faculty from all disciplines working in China
- Educational designers or program leads with experience implementing experiential learning frameworks
- Thought leaders who champion learning through doing—whether in studios, classrooms, fieldwork, or community-based environments
How to Apply?
- Application deadline: submit your application by 11:59 p.m. CST on July 15, 2025.
- Results available: applicants will be notified by August 15, 2025.
- Virtual interview: Finalists will be invited to a virtual interview in August.
Meet the Team
The core team consists of four entrepreneurial-minded experiential educators who launched the initial City as Classroom symposium and developed the NYU Shanghai Experiential Learning Design Faculty Fellowship:
Contact Us
Questions? Contact: experiential.learning@nyu.edu