To further promote people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding between Chinese and American youth, our university recently hosted the 'Penn Global Seminar Series · Intermediate and Advanced Modern Chinese' short-term study visit programme. A student delegation from the University of Pennsylvania in the United States gained an in-depth understanding of China's scientific and technological innovation development and the spirit of contemporary youth through corporate visits, campus exchanges, cultural experiences, and forum presentations.
Corporate Visits: From Smart Logistics to AI Innovation
This short-term study visit programme specially organised on-site visits to several Chinese enterprises, giving American students an in-depth insight into China’s achievements in smart logistics, artificial intelligence, and intelligent manufacturing. Through on-site tours, interactive experiences, and discussions, participants gained a more direct sense of the dynamic vitality of China’s scientific and technological innovation and the development of the digital economy.
During the visit to JD Logistics, participants learned about the operational mechanisms of China’s smart logistics system, as well as the widespread application of automated sorting, intelligent warehousing, and digital scheduling in modern supply chains. During the exchanges, students actively asked questions regarding warehouse categorisation and logistics delivery efficiency. Upon learning that some areas have achieved logistics efficiency allowing for 'orders placed in the morning to be delivered by the afternoon' or even 'orders placed at night to be delivered by the next morning', many American students expressed great surprise and were deeply impressed by the level of development of China’s digital economy and modern logistics system.
During the 'AI Innovation Practice Camp' held at Feishu (by ByteDance), Feishu officials shared insights on the application of artificial intelligence technology and future workstyles, focusing on how tools such as OpenClaw can enhance work efficiency and team collaboration. Students gained an intuitive understanding of the practical value of AI in content generation, information processing, and collaborative office work through live demonstrations and interactive experiences. The sharing session on 'humanity collectively moving towards the era of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)' also sparked extensive discussion among students, who later shared their reflections during the presentation sessions.
SUFE
At the Ecovacs Enterprise Exhibition Centre, a range of intelligent products were on display, from smart sweeping robots to multifunctional cleaning equipment, from home service robots to emotional companion robotic dogs. Among them, the live demonstration of the emotional companion robotic dog attracted many students to stop and experience it, becoming a 'highlight' of the visit. Students engaged in active discussions with company staff regarding product functions, application scenarios, and intelligent interaction technologies, showing strong interest in the development level of China’s intelligent manufacturing industry. Many students noted after the visit that China’s innovation capability in artificial intelligence and intelligent manufacturing is impressive, and their understanding of 'Made in China with Intelligence' has become more real and concrete.
Cultural Experiences: From Chinese Culture to Urban Life
At the College of International Cultural Exchange, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE), Chinese and American students jointly experienced a traditional Chinese Tai Chi course. Under the guidance of instructors, participants learned basic movements and bodily rhythms, experiencing through each gesture the balance, coordination, and inner strength embodied in traditional Chinese culture. Many students noted that Tai Chi was markedly different from other forms of physical activity they had encountered, as it emphasised both bodily control and inner calm and focus.
Youth Dialogue: Enhancing Understanding Through Exchange and Mutual Learning
During the programme, Chinese and American students engaged in multiple exchange activities centred on topics such as academic life, Chinese and American cultures, and social development. Through face-to-face communication and collaboration, they continuously deepened mutual understanding and built friendships.
In the exchange activities, students discussed in depth topics including campus life, cultural differences, youth development, and international exchange. Young people from diverse cultural backgrounds shared their perspectives on learning methods, social observations, and future plans. Through the exchange of views and the clash of ideas, they gained a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures. Meanwhile, SUFE students also provided feedback to their American peers on their final presentations in terms of language expression, logical structure, pronunciation, and fluency. The relaxed and lively discussion atmosphere also helped foster stronger bonds of friendship among the students.
Through multi-level and diverse forms of youth exchange activities, Chinese and American students gradually grew closer through cooperation and interaction. This made the visit programme go beyond classrooms and site visits, truly becoming a two-way journey of cross-cultural understanding and youth friendship.
Final Presentations: Deepening Understanding Through Reflection and Expression
At the end of the programme, students from the University of Pennsylvania gave final presentation showcases based on their observations during their visit to China. Drawing on their experiences from enterprise visits, cultural experiences, and youth exchanges, the students shared insights from various perspectives, including China’s technological innovation, the development of the digital economy, and youth culture and social life. The presentations were rich in content and diverse in viewpoints, demonstrating their more authentic and multi-dimensional understanding of contemporary China.
During the presentations, many students expressed deep impressions of China’s efficient and convenient urban life, rapidly developing artificial intelligence technology, and open and inclusive atmosphere for youth exchange, drawing from their own experiences. Some students also engaged in further discussions on topics such as Sino-American technological innovation, digital lifestyles, and infrastructure construction, creating a lively atmosphere of exchange on site.
At the closing ceremony, Rong Jun, Deputy Dean of the College of International Cultural Exchange at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, delivered a closing speech. He expressed the hope that the students would take what they had seen, heard, and felt during their time in China back to the United States, becoming young envoys who promote friendly exchanges between China and the United States. He encouraged them to continue paying attention to and understanding China in the future, and to actively advance exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and American youth.
Dr Tian Ye, a representative of the foreign teaching faculty, also shared his thoughts on the event. He noted that the exchange programme not only helped students gain an in-depth understanding of China's society and technological development, but also enabled them to form valuable friendships and acquire cross-cultural experiences through genuine interaction.
Subsequently, student representatives Ma Shuya and Wen Tong also shared their insights and reflections on participating in the programme.
Finally, teachers from both sides jointly presented completion certificates to all participants. The Chinese and American students took commemorative group photos together, bringing the exchange activity to a warm and fulfilling conclusion in a relaxed atmosphere.
In the future, the College of International Cultural Exchange at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics will continue to build platforms for international youth exchanges, promoting greater mutual learning and broadening the international horizons of young people from China and abroad, as well as enhancing their intercultural communication skills. It also looks forward to these young students taking what they have seen, heard, and felt during their time in China to the wider world, becoming youthful envoys for friendly exchanges between China and the United States, and contributing their youthful energy to fostering understanding, trust, and cooperation among different cultures.
