U.S. students visit Zhejiang University

A cohort of 22 students from 18 top universities across the United States, including Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of California, Los Angeles, visited Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University.

AI Ni, Deputy Director of the Office of Global Engagement at Zhejiang University, extended her warm welcome to the delegation. She introduced various aspects of the university, including its educational history, research, and global partnerships. She also highlighted a suite of short-term exchange programs for international students, such as the SDG Global Summer School and the Global Research Immersion Program for Young Scientists in China’s Yangtze River Delta Region. CAI Zusen, Director of the Admissions Office at International College, showcased unique master’s programs taught in English in fields like Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Global Leadership, Chinese Studies, and Industrial Design Engineering. He also talked about campus facilities and student clubs, inviting more American students to participate in exchange and learning programs.

Students from Zhejiang University’s School of International Studies, College of Media and International Studies, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, and College of Life Sciences engaged in group discussions with American students on topics of mutual interest. These lively and dynamic discussions aimed to enhance mutual understanding and consensus. On the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in learning, the participants agreed that AI tools have remarkably enhanced learning efficiency, particularly in programming languages, by providing real-time feedback and assistance. However, they also expressed concerns that excessive reliance on AI tools could diminish literacy skills and creativity, emphasizing the importance of responsible use.

Regarding their experiences in international exchanges, the American students praised China’s efficient mobile payment systems and convenient online service platforms. They expressed keen interest in China’s unique historical and cultural heritage and looked forward to visiting more cities and experiencing the daily lives of ordinary people to gain a more insightful understanding of China. Meanwhile, Zhejiang University students learned valuable practical tips on studying and living in the United States.

During their visit, the delegation toured the Koala Studio — a student engineering innovation practice platform at the School of Mechanical Engineering — and the “Asian Civilizations on the Silk Road” exhibition at the Art and Archeology Museum, learning about the university’s distinctive practices in endorsing student innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchanges.

On the morning of July 4, the delegation visited the headquarters of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. They toured the International Healthcare Center, the Outpatient Smart Pharmacy, the Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Ward, the Translation Corridor, and the Clinical Skill Center, thus gaining first-hand insights into the hospital’s achievements in digital reform and digital medicine.