AI and the Future of Being Human

The application for the fall 2026 course is at https://spicestanford.smapply.io/prog/stanford_e-china_and_stanford_e-sea/.

Fall 2026 course dates: October 17 to December 12, 2026 (China Time)

Final deadline to apply: October 1, 2026. (Early-bird deadline: July 1, 2026.) Applications are considered on a rolling basis.

Tuition: $4000 USD (Early-bird: $3500 USD)

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AI and the Future of Being Human

Offered fall term, Stanford University is offering a virtual-learning opportunity to exceptional high school and early university students from across China and Southeast Asia. This interactive course with live classes will explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on society and what it means to be human in an era of rapid technological change. Students examine the foundations of AI alongside its implications for education, employment, human health and relationships, environmental sustainability, ethics and governance, philosophy and the arts. The course highlights the promise, risks, and trade-offs of AI while supporting students as they reflect on the future they hope to shape and the role they may play in it.

Students engage directly with a scholarly team of featured Stanford professors and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, along with a dedicated instructor who facilitates the weekly live virtual classes, online curriculum, technical logistics, and cohort interactions. Through reading, writing, analysis, discussion, and a final project, students develop the ability to think critically and creatively about AI, its impact on society, and the human capacities that may remain especially valuable in the years ahead.

Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion from SPICE, Stanford University. 

Students will:

• gain familiarity with key concepts, trends, and debates surrounding AI
• analyze the social, ethical, and global implications of AI
• discuss complex questions across disciplines
• articulate which human capabilities may remain uniquely valuable
• develop a thoughtful personal perspective on the future they hope to shape
• produce an original final project grounded in reflection, research, and argument

Students will also gain practical, academic skills:

• University-level lectures by leading scholars from Stanford University offer practice listening to a variety of lecturing styles
• Real-time discussions familiarize students with the dynamics of classroom participation in schools such as Stanford University
• Short writing assignments improve critical thinking skills
• The final project requires students to investigate a challenge related to course themes, develop a compelling presentation, and practice oral English skills

Course components emphasize active participation and development of student interests:

• 8 “virtual classes” online in real time on Saturday mornings Beijing time
• Weekly reading assignments of varying length and difficulty
• Required participation in virtual discussion boards with classmates
• Short writing assignments reflecting on readings and lectures
• Research in an area of interest related to course themes (with instructor guidance)
• Direction, facilitation, and support from the instructor throughout the course
  
   

Admission to this program is competitive; up to 30 exceptional students will be accepted. Requirements include:

• Enrollment in grades 10, 11, or 12 in a high school or year 1 or 2 in university in China or Southeast Asia with exceptional academic experience
• Ability to read, write, and discuss complex ideas in English (TOEFL 90 or above recommended)
• A complete application including a written personal statement, transcript, and (optional) letter of recommendation
• Availability for all or most of the virtual classes on Saturday mornings (Asia time)
• Ability to allot 3–4 hours per week for class preparation and assignments, on student’s own schedule
• Use of a personal computer, camera, microphone, and reliable access to a broadband Internet connection

For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions, contact Carey Moncaster (Stanford e-China and Stanford e-SEA Instructor and Manager) via email at cmoncaster@stanford.edu, or contact Liyi Ye (Stanford Advisor in Asia) via WeChat at hiStanford.