From 14 to 31 July, 17 students from prestigious U.S. universities including Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan, the University of California, and the University of Wisconsin participated in a series of activities such as workplace Chinese language learning, corporate visits, case studies, and urban cultural experiences, deepening their professional knowledge and enhancing their Chinese language skills through hands-on practice.
During the programme, regular workplace Chinese courses were offered, accompanied by personalised learning guidance to continuously strengthen the participants’ business Chinese proficiency. Beyond the Chinese language classroom, the students visited the Investor Education Base of the Shanghai Stock Exchange to learn about the fundamental operational model of China’s capital market. They also toured local flagship enterprises such as Shanghai Aoshi Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., Yimidida Supply Chain Group Co., Ltd., Shanghai Daydream Technology Co., Ltd., and the Shanghai RCEP Centre, gaining insight into the operations of companies in finance, technology, logistics, and other sectors. They closely observed corporate strategic planning, technological innovation, market expansion, and internationalisation pathways, and explored new ideas for development in the AI era. During each corporate visit, the students engaged in in-depth discussions with company leaders on topics such as competitive industry dynamics, application scenarios and transformative trends of artificial intelligence, and the strategies of Chinese enterprises operating across borders, exchanging views based on their own local industrial experience.
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Beyond the study activities, the students immersed themselves in Shanghai’s urban life and cultural scenes, experiencing the charm of China and the flair of Shanghainese culture: they strolled along the Bund in Lujiazui, took an evening cruise on the Huangpu River, and felt the vibrancy of an international metropolis amid the glittering river views; they tasted characteristic Shanghai breakfasts and experienced authentic local street flavours; they attended tai chi and Wuqinxi classes to appreciate Eastern philosophy and the harmony of body and mind; they visited Panlong Tiandi to witness the fusion of ancient towns with modern urban landscapes and tried table tennis, enhancing interaction through shared activities.
At the closing ceremony, Rong Jun, Vice Dean of the College of International Cultural Exchange, spoke highly of the students’ outstanding performance during the programme and quoted the phrase 'If you have a friend afar who knows your heart, distance cannot keep you apart' in encouraging the students to be ambassadors for U.S.–China exchange.
Professor Shi Zhongqi from Columbia University commended the students for their consistent willingness to try, challenge themselves, and steadily improve their listening and speaking skills in real workplace environments.
Yan Jia, alumnus representative of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and Branch Manager of Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. Shanghai Huangpu Sub-branch, noted that the students actively participated in the practical programme, learned from and shared diverse perspectives through exchanges with industry professionals, and that this time spent working together would become a cherished common memory for all.
Subsequently, the students received their certificates of completion one by one.
At the project outcomes sharing session, participants presented comprehensive reports on their three-week practical research experience through a combination of online and offline formats, exchanging their insights, reflections, and personal growth. From professional observations during company visits to firsthand experiences in cultural activities, from in-depth case study analysis to broadened perspectives through urban exploration, everyone shared the challenges and breakthroughs encountered in language communication and cross-cultural adaptation. This enriching and memorable experience enabled each participant to develop a more multi-dimensional, vivid, and profound understanding of Chinese society, the business ecosystem, and cultural essence, while also forging precious cross-border friendships through collaborative learning and interactive exchanges.
The 'Chinese Business Strategy and Practice' research programme for undergraduate students from leading American universities was grounded in real-world Chinese business scenarios and built around authentic case studies of Chinese enterprises in the process of internationalisation. The programme aimed to continuously deepen people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States, and to help students from prestigious American higher education institutions understand the development logic of contemporary China and gain insight into the trajectory of China’s business growth. Participants integrated classroom language learning with frontline industry practice, enhancing their understanding of China’s finance, innovation and technology, logistics, and other sectors. Going forward, the College will continue to develop diverse international research programmes, promote deeper and more substantive cross-cultural exchange, and cultivate youthful momentum for China–foreign economic collaboration and people-to-people connectivity.
