On July 13, 2024, "Doing Business in China," a two-week international summer program hosted by Xiamen University School of Management and UCMSR, concluded successfully. Bai Yuntao, Vice Dean of the School of Management, presided over the closing ceremony.

The ceremony began with video highlights of the summer program, showcasing the students' wonderful journey and fruitful experiences. In his speech, Bai Yuntao emphasized that China and its business landscape are significant topics, and this summer program has made a solid step toward exploring them. He encouraged the students to continue observing China’s economic trends based on their experiences in Xiamen and to broaden their international perspectives. "Young students, the future is bright," he urged, encouraging students to cherish the friendships made during the program, stay in touch, support one another, and grow together. At the end of the ceremony, Bai Yuntao presented completion certificates to the students and extended his sincere congratulations and best wishes.

Zheng Bijiao, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Management College, and Pan Weilian, a foreign teacher, attended the closing ceremony.

Zheng Bijiao, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Management, and William Brown, a foreign teacher, also attended the closing ceremony.

This international summer program marks the first large-scale international youth exchange activity held by the college after the pandemic, making it a pioneering event. The program focused on international college students, with the theme of "Doing Business in China," providing a unique platform for learning and communication among young people from around the world. The event successfully attracted students from 22 renowned universities, including Oxford University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Nanyang Technological University and Hong Kong University. With strong curiosity and anticipation for China, students traveled thousands of miles to Xiamen, a key window for China’s reform and opening up and an important starting point of the Maritime Silk Road.

Xiamen University served as the first and most central stop on the students' exploration journey in Xiamen. Known as the "Southern Strength" institution, the international students were deeply impressed by its iconic Jiageng architectural style, the serene Lotus Lake, the green Siyuan Valley, and the beautiful Baicheng beach.

However, the most rewarding experience for the students was the exceptional team of professors at Xiamen University. Eight academic lectures focused on the theme of business, covering important topics such as China's Economic Development Process, Big Data, Innovation, Sustainable Energy Practices in China, and Accounting in China.

Outside the classroom, students visited four renowned enterprises, including Anta, ABB, Xiangyu, and Municipal Environmental Energy. At Anta, they witnessed the remarkable achievements of Chinese sports brands, gaining new insights into "Made in China." As a significant multinational enterprise in China, ABB showcased the outcomes of international cooperation and technological innovation. The visit to Xiangyu offered students insights into China's advanced logistics and supply chain management, intelligent storage facilities, and global business networks, highlighting China's pivotal role in international trade and logistics. The visit to Municipal Environmental Energy provided international students with an understanding of China's sustainable development concepts and practices, demonstrating the country’s commitment to green development.

The summer program also included trips to the UNESCO-designated "World Cultural and Natural Heritage" sites in Fujian's Wuyi Mountain and the ancient city of Quanzhou.

Camper Feedback

The summer program received overwhelmingly positive feedback from campers. Here are a few excerpts:

From Edwin Gatward, a student at Oriel College, Niuzin University, UK:

"Thank you, SMXMU, for being such a wonderful host and sharing your culture with us. It has been a true pleasure! I can't wait to return to China when I have the opportunity!"

From Hunter Foehner, a student from the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA:

"This trip was AMAZING!! I am forever grateful for the opportunity to attend. Please continue your efforts to bridge the gap between China and the USA. We need it now more than ever!"

From Ameline Bertout, a student at California State University, Long Beach:

"Hello! This is a great opportunity for me to experience China. This program has completely changed my perspective on the country. I loved my time in Xiamen with wonderful people, beautiful places, and a pleasant environment. Thank you for having me—time flew by! It was the best experience I ever had!"

Summer Program Video Highlights