The program began with an inspiring opening ceremony, where speakers emphasised the value of multicultural collaboration. Academic lectures were insightful, covering various topics and real-world uses of AI from autonomous driving to robotic vision. Cultural classes were also engaging, my favourite being the fan-making workshop, thanks to our incredibly encouraging and funny teacher He Li guiding us through the history of Chinese fans and how to make our own.
Living on campus was an adventure. The university's sprawling grounds, with a mix of modern facilities and green spaces, created the perfect environment for both study and exploration. My dormitory became a hub of cultural exchange, where my international roommates and I shared stories and plenty of laughter. I particularly loved the free outdoor sports facilities, the volleyball courts became my go-to place for evening games, where I was always met with smiles and encouragement from both local and international students. The canteen became my happy place, serving delicious local dishes at student-friendly prices causing my braised-beef noodle soup addiction. Getting around campus was also a joy, using mopeds to conveniently turn a 20 minute walk in the hot sun into a 5 minute ride.
Beyond campus, I took every opportunity to explore the surrounding city. Weekend trips to local markets, historical sites like the Yellow Crane Tower, and popular restaurants with new friends became precious memories.
The most valuable part of the experience was the people. My classmates came from fifteen different countries, where the melting pot of different cultures each day naturally expanded my world view and cultural knowledge. The faculty went above and beyond to support us, both academically and personally, particularly one of the group volunteers Wang who really helped a group of us with moving in on the first night.
