At HUST, I joined a summer school focused on AI and Robotics, which offered much more than I initially thought. While we covered some fascinating topics, what surprised me most was how much more there was beyond the classroom.
Life at HUST is vastly different from my routines back in Birmingham. When I arrived, I thought a fully English course meant there would be many English speakers, but since the campus serves over 100,000 people, that wasn’t quite the case. Through trial and error, hand gestures, and a lot of translation, I began to find my rhythm and even enjoy the challenge.
I’ve always appreciated efficiency, and the canteens here are exceptional. Affordable and full of delicious options, they’ve saved so much time and energy. It’s more than just convenience though. Sitting together to eat and chat has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my day.
The open access sports courts have also been a major highlight. Being able to pop down for a volleyball match or shoot some hoops has kept me active and made it easier to bond with others. It was through sport that I felt most welcomed by the Chinese students. Language didn’t matter on the court.
Alongside our academic learning, we had cultural classes that added so much to the experience. I especially enjoyed trying calligraphy and fan painting. These sessions gave us a chance to engage with Chinese culture in a hands-on and relaxed way.
This summer school gave me more than knowledge. It gave me community, perspective, and a deeper appreciation for daily life in a new culture.
