Awelcome ceremony forZISU’sfirst International Summer School was held at Tongwen Hallon July 8. Zhang Huanzhou, President of the university, attendedthe eventand delivered a speech.Vice PresidentChai Gaiying was also present. Nearly 300 internationalstudentsfrom over 20 countries, including the United States, Spain, Russia, Brazil, and Vietnam, gatheredon campusto embark on thisexcitingcultural journey.
Zhang shared her understanding of "exploration, dialogue and transformation"based on ZISU’s development.She said thatthe Summer Schoolisnot only avividpractice for ZISU to respond to the "Belt and Road" Initiative and promote civilizational exchanges,but also a key measure tostrengthenthe university’s internationalization efforts.Withnearly 20 foreign language programs and more than 150 international partner institutions, ZISU is building a bridge for dialogue among diverse civilizations. "Through co-teaching modelsand cultural experiences, we willenrichcross-cultural understandingof international youth."She expectedthat participants would witness the multi-dimensional development of China on the land of Zhejiang, apioneerof reform and opening-up.
At the ceremony, the Summer School logo was officially unveiled. Featuring two intersecting lines that symbolize exploration, exchange, and transformation, the design embodies the school’s role as a platform where teachers and students explore the unknownworld,understandcultural and ideologicaldifferences, and driveforwardinnovation and progress. Itusesthe primary colors of national flags of the inaugural participating institutions, with arrows representing young people from diverse cultural backgrounds gathering at ZISU to embraceinfinitedevelopmental possibilities. "The design is brilliant-much like us gathered here, finding cultural common ground,"saidMaria Luisa, the lead teacher of the Spanish delegation.
Maria Clara, a Brazilian student, was overjoyed to receive her appointment as an International Summer School Program Ambassador from ZISU Vice President Chai Gaiying. Having missed the chance to join the first delegationofthe University of Brasília last year, she expressed delight at making up for that regret this year and pledged to encourage more Brazilians to participate. She believes the program will not only deepen her own understanding of China but also help friends from other countries learn more about Brazil.
Speaking on behalf oftheinternational students, Anna Efremenkova from Moscow State Linguistic University noted,“ZISU’sconsideratearrangements have made me feel truly welcome.”She highlighted her participation in the introductory course“Digital Zhejiang”, adding,“Discussions with ZISU classmates in class gave me a fresh perspective on China’s technological advancements.”Zhao Yiran, a ZISUsophomoremajoring in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, shared her insights on cross-cultural understandingbydrawing from her experience in Belarus.
It is reported that this International Summer School will serve as a versatile platform to facilitate broader exchanges. Beyond supporting faculty and students in participating in overseas exchange programs, it will host over 10 student delegations from partner institutions and Chinese language teaching organizations-including Missouri Southern State University and Western Michigan University (USA), the University of Seville and the University of Rovira i Virgili (Spain), Moscow State Linguistic University (Russia), the University of Brasília (Brazil), and Vietnam’s Foreign Trade University. Additionally, ZISU has invited 20 renowned domestic and international professors to deliver online and offline courses on topics such as "Regional and Urban Development Strategy Research," "Consumer Behavior," and "Sino-U.S. Educational Comparisons," offering cutting-edge academic insights to both Chinese and international faculty and students.
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