On May 23rd, Yenching scholars met with students from SUSTech: a public university which aims to be a top-tier international university that excels with outstanding research and innovative teaching. Hosted by President Chen Shiyi, the group engaged in an in-depth discussion of campus culture internationalization of higher education institutions. 

The internationalization of campus culture proposed that a nation’s future depends on the ability to develop a citizenry that is globally competent. The mission is to provide every student at universities various opportunities for them to develop global citizenship and understanding across countries and cultures. As internationalization accelerates on China campuses, administrators rely on student affairs and student services personnel to do more—not only to serve more international students, but to help all students develop global and intercultural competencies.

Chen Shiyi, President of SUSTech, gave a brief overview of Shenzhen and SUSTech, including the  development of Shenzhen as an innovation city and SUSTech’s three pillars t: Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In the blueprint of Prof. Chen Shiyi, Shenzhen is the Silicon Valley in China, which means SUSTech is the Chinese Stanford University. He believes SUSTech will become the best Chinese university and a world-class one in 10 years’ time.

In return, the Yenching Scholars introduced Yenching Academy to SUSTech students. The group reinforced the importance of volunteering experience in understanding the  internationalization of campus. 

Yenching Scholars shared their view of the internationalization of campus from domestic and international angles after having all-round understanding of SUSTech, including the educational mode and Center for Language Education. SUSTech students talked about their learning, research, volunteer experience and reflected upon the internationalization of campus culture. Another SUSTech student shared his experience in international-exchange programs and voiced his opinions on how this exchange programs can provide students with opportunities and challenges to increase their knowledge, experience and competence in international academic environment.

Following the meeting, Yenching scholars engaged in conversation with SUSTech students on the experience of studying and living in SUSTech and Yenching Academy, and how to contribute to the overall internationalization of campus culture.