Summer College Program

2026 CICER Summer Program in Business & Economics

The Cornell Institute for China Economic Research (CICER) has been hosting an annual summer program for college students in economics and business since 2017. Through interactive courses in economics, and big data & business analytics, academic seminars, discussion-based activities, and interactions with Cornell faculty and students, participants have the unique opportunity to experience the Ivy League academic environment and learn about cutting-edge research from Cornell’s outstanding researchers. CICER’s elite summer program has attracted ambitious undergraduate and graduate students from around the world and offered invaluable opportunities for them to consult Cornell faculty, staff, and graduate students on academic paths and career planning, network with Cornell students, and make new friends!

The dates for the 2026 summer program are 13 July – 27 July 2026. We hope to see you on the beautiful campus of Cornell University in the summer of 2026!

Application is now open. Spots are limited. Apply soon.

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COURSES + CAPSTONE

Behavioral economics uses the concepts and tools of economics to build an understanding of human behavior that is grounded in relatively realistic assumptions. It combines the empirical and theoretical rigor that characterize modern economics with insights from psychology and sociology about hidden drivers of human behavior. Environmental economics, on the other hand, is a broad set of approaches to understanding how people interact with the environment and natural resources – the things we get from the natural world (everything from minerals to fresh air to the pleasure we get from experiencing nature) and the things we put into it (such as pollution). Many environmental problems are modeled and understood using core behavioral models. In this course, we will study the intersection of the two fields, focusing on environmental applications of behavioral topics. We will start by understanding approaches to research in these fields through theory, experiments, observational data, and surveys. Next, we will explore rational unselfishness, including altruism and reciprocity, which can give rise to voluntary pro-environment behavior. We’ll introduce the behavioral economics of choice under risk and of intertemporal choice, which are crucial to environmental problems like climate change. And, time permitting, we’ll study various biases and ways in which people can be nudged, intentionally or unintentionally, including to protect the environment.

Data-driven decision-making and analytical thinking are essential skills for success in today’s business environment. The demand for analytics expertise continues to grow, and in many cases, it has become a core requirement for business professionals. The rise of digital technologies—such as personal electronic devices, social media, and e-commerce—has led to an exponential increase in the volume of data generated and collected every day. Organizations are eager to extract insights from this data to gain a competitive edge. To effectively work with large volumes of structured and unstructured data, coding skills are increasingly necessary. This introductory course offers a foundation in analytics, with a focus on using Python for data analysis. Students will explore real-world applications and gain hands-on experience with Python tools and techniques.

One or both of the following research seminars will be offered, each demonstrating how financial and economic research can support the global transition to a sustainable and low-carbon economy. Together, these seminars highlight the role of economic research in addressing climate change and promoting an energy-sustainable future.

– The Climate Finance seminar focuses on how public and private investment can drive low-carbon development and climate adaptation.

– The Environmental and Energy Economics seminar examines how market forces and policy tools shape energy use, emissions, and the adoption of renewable technologies.

Step into the role of a decision-maker in a global industry! In this hands-on, simulation-based course, you and your teammates will run your own company, making real business choices about product design, pricing, advertising, promotions, and sales. Over 12 rounds of play, you’ll see how your decisions shape the company’s performance, using market reports and analysis tools to guide your strategy. By the end, you’ll have a taste of what it’s like to think like a business leader—analyzing data, collaborating with a team, and competing to succeed in a fast-paced market.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Courses and research seminars by faculty. (Click here to see a list of course instructors and guest speakers for CICER summer programs.
Business analysis simulation labs and competition (certificates awarded to top teams).
Information and Q&A session about U.S. graduate school application.
Panel discussion about working experience in the industry sectors by industry leaders and Cornell alums.
Academic consultations with Cornell faculty.
Certificate issued by CICER upon adhering to code of conduct and completing course requirements.
Graded end-of-program exam. (Students with excellent performance may request a recommendation letter from CICER director for graduate school application.)
Visitation to places of interest, including Niagara Falls, Watkins Glen State Park, Finger Lakes winery, etc.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

**Important Dates for the Program**
Milestone	Date
Application & rolling admission begins †	October 15, 2025
Early bird application deadline	December 31, 2025
Regular application deadline *	April 1, 2026
Program begins	July 13, 2026

^†Upon admission and receipt of a non-refundable deposit amount of $1,500, CICER will provide an official invitation letter, tips, and a checklist for Visa application. (Applicants will apply for a B1/B2 Visa if they do not yet have a valid U.S. Visa.) Applicants will be responsible for paying Visa application-related fees.

Applicants will be notified of their application results via email. Admitted applicants must accept the offer by replying to the email and pay the program fee within 15 business days after the offer letter was sent. Failure to do so will be considered a decline to the offer, and other applicants will be given the available spots instead.

^*If you already have a U.S. Visa, we may accept your application after the deadline.

Considering the possibly long wait time for a visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, we encourage you to apply sooner than later.

PROGRAM FEE

The program fee ($4,900) includes accommodation at Cornell housing, some meals, course materials, entrance fees to places of visit, and transportation fees for CICER-organized events.

Early bird applicants are offered a discount of $200.

NOTE: The fee does not include your costs for traveling to participate in the program. You may pay an additional small fee to take our chartered bus (with limited seats) for JFK airport pick up and/or drop off. (For more information about how to get to Cornell, please visit Travel to Campus or Getting to Cornell.)

If you choose to participate in any optional recreational activities (e.g., exercising in a gym, swimming, canoeing, rock climbing, etc.) on Cornell campus that requires a fee, you will be responsible for paying it.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

All applicants are required to submit the following materials:

Completed online application form.
Personal statement (350-500 words). Describe yourself, your interests and goals, and explain why you want to join the program.
Latest transcript.
English proficiency exam scores (e.g., CET4/6, TOEFL, IELTS, DuoLingo, or GRE). If English is the language of instruction in your university, you may also upload a university-issued letter as proof.

Please note that we will not process any incomplete applications!

CONTACT US

Email: cicer@cornell.edu
WeChat Assistant: cicercornell
WeChat Official Account: cornellcicer

Summer College Program

2026 CICER Summer Program in Business & Economics

COURSES + CAPSTONE

1. Behavioral & Environmental Economics

2. Big Data & Business Analytics

3. Frontier Research Seminars on Climate Finance and/or Renewable Energy

4. Business Analysis Simulation Competition (Capstone)

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

APPLICATION TIMELINE

PROGRAM FEE

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

CONTACT US

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