Butler students are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs in China, to learn firsthand about Chinese culture and contemporary issues. Students in any major or college may arrange individualized study abroad experiences through Butler's own sister colleges. Butler has direct exchange relationships with several universities in China, including Lingnan University and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Butler is also the host campus for the Institute for Study Abroad, one of the most popular overseas study programs in the nation. Students from more than 200 American institutions attend IFSA-Butler's 48 programs in countries all over the world, including China. Butler also is a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), which offers study in more than 60 countries.

In recent years, Butler students from programs as diverse as music, business, pharmacy, chemistry and English have studied in China, for one or more semesters. In addition, the Butler Symphony Orchestra travelled to Taiwan in the summer of 1996.