Driven by the tide of globalization, cross-cultural communication and practical skills have become essential qualities for contemporary students. The School of Foreign Languages at Northwestern Polytechnical University, in collaboration with FLTRP (UK), has designed and launched a program to enhance students’ comprehensive abilities in overseas internship practice and international communication in the UK. The goal of this project is to promote a deeper understanding of contemporary China among university students, broaden their global perspective, and improve their all-round international communication skills through internships and exchanges abroad, ultimately helping them become well-rounded international professionals with both expertise and foreign language proficiency. During this challenging and rewarding journey, our students ventured abroad and immersed themselves in the academic institutions, enterprises, and cultural landmarks of the UK. Not only did they improve their professional skills, but they also broadened their horizons and gained personal growth and friendship through cross-cultural exchanges.
Arriving at Oxford, Embarking on a New Journey of Knowledge
On January 14th, the students arrived at Oxford Brookes University, filled with longing and anticipation for the unknown. The teachers at Oxford Brookes warmly introduced the overall situation of the university and led the students on a stroll around the campus, allowing them to experience the unique academic atmosphere of the institution. Then, a lecture on "How Social Media Develops" began. During the lecture, the students kept pace with the times and explored in depth the development of social media. In the afternoon, the students visited the Weston Library in Oxford. The library director, a renowned Sinologist, personally gave a detailed explanation and led everyone to revisit history. It turns out that as early as the Ming Dynasty, at the time of the university's founding, Oxford had begun collecting Chinese books, marking a long history of Sino-British cultural exchange. Walking among the bookshelves and admiring precious ancient Chinese texts, the students seemed to be traveling through time, conversing with history, and deeply feeling the power of cultural inheritance.
Creative Writing, Unleashing Literary Potential
On January 15th, at Oxford Brookes University, a creative writing lecture opened a brand new door to literature for the students. The professor elaborated on the concept and key elements of creative writing, and through three engaging exercises — "Six-Word Story," "Composition Relay," and "Picture-Based Writing" — fully inspired the students' enthusiasm for creation. The classroom was lively, with frequent interactions; everyone shared their thoughts, used words to depict wonderful worlds, and unleashed their imaginations to the fullest. In the afternoon, the students visited the Confucius Institute at Oxford Brookes University. Here, the stories behind the Institute's office building were revealed one by one, and the person in charge introduced the Institute's unique work in Chinese language teaching, organizing Chinese festival celebrations, and conducting overseas Chinese proficiency tests. The subsequent social media video assignment presentations were particularly remarkable, with students taking turns to showcase their videos, sharing the creativity and thinking behind their creations, and explaining the Chinese cultural connotations embodied in the videos.
Enterprise Discussion: Insights into Industry Opportunities
On January 16th, students traveled to Manchester and held in-depth discussions with overseas enterprises such as HNA Group. Company representatives shared the opportunities and challenges they encountered during the process of expanding abroad, emphasized the importance of cultural understanding, and encouraged students not to be limited by their majors, but to actively participate on the international stage. They elaborated on the unique contributions of different disciplines in the workplace, providing valuable ideas for students' future career planning. In the afternoon, the students strolled through the campus of the University of Manchester, immersed in a strong academic atmosphere. At the university's physics laboratory, renowned professors introduced students to the cityscape of Manchester, the discovery process of graphene, and the laboratory’s research achievements. Students had close contact with cutting-edge scientific facilities, developed a deep respect for science, and quietly planted seeds of curiosity and exploration in their hearts.
Experience Football: Appreciate the Charm of Sports
On January 17th, students enjoyed a passionate journey into football culture—a visit to Manchester United’s home stadium. They gained an in-depth understanding of Manchester United’s glorious history and unique culture, and personally experienced the passion and vitality of British football. Standing in the grand stadium, students seemed to hear the cheers of fans, and the charm of football became deeply imprinted in their minds.
Diverse Lectures: Expanding the Boundaries of Knowledge
On January 18th, two wonderful lectures were delivered one after another. The linguistics lecture led students to explore the mysteries of language, delving into the structure and development of languages; the lecture on how to promote Chinese culture overseas provided practical methods and strategies, encouraging everyone to become ambassadors of Chinese culture. In the afternoon, the University of Manchester Museum became a new base for students to explore history and culture. The museum’s rich collections and unique exhibition layouts allowed students to travel freely through the long river of art and history, further deepening their understanding of the world's cultural diversity.
Campus Tour: Savoring Cultural Heritage
On January 19th, on the way to Birmingham, the students visited the University of Warwick. This modern and innovative institution, with its unique campus architecture and strong academic atmosphere, left a deep impression on everyone. In the afternoon, the students went to the Coventry Transport Museum, where a wide variety of vehicles were on display, from ancient carriages to modern automobiles. They not only learned about the development and changes in the transportation industry and the significant role of technological advancement in driving progress in this field, but also experienced the rich industrial culture of Britain.
Exploring Prestigious Universities: Drawing Business Wisdom
On January 20th, the University of Birmingham warmly welcomed the students. While strolling through the campus, everyone felt the unique charm of this century-old university and appreciated its long history and outstanding academic achievements. In the afternoon, the Cadbury Chocolate Factory provided the students with a memorable business journey. Here, they listened to lectures about product marketing and market research, learned about the development of Cadbury chocolate and its successful marketing strategies. During the visit to the production line, the sweet aroma of chocolate filled the air. The students not only witnessed the chocolate-making process but also gained valuable experience in business operations and brand promotion.
Cultural and Museum Tour: Dialoguing with Ancient Civilizations
On January 21st, the British Museum was bustling with visitors as the students headed to the Egyptian and Roman galleries. The wealth of cultural relics there bears the memory of ancient civilizations. In the museum, the students seemed to travel through time, engaging in a conversation with the ancient Egyptian and Roman civilizations across millennia. The students, filled with a sense of achievement and reluctance to leave, headed to London Heathrow Airport to embark on their journey back home. Although the trip to the UK had come to an end, this experience was like a brilliant star, illuminating the way forward for the students’ future endeavors.
Conclusion
This UK internship and practical training program was not only a journey of knowledge acquisition but also one of cultural exchange. The students enhanced their professional skills through academic lectures, gained insights into industry trends during company discussions, and experienced the charm of cultural diversity through various activities. The pursuit of knowledge should never stop, and the mission of cross-cultural communication remains significant. It is hoped that the students can turn the gains from this trip into motivation for progress, continue to maintain a spirit of exploration in future studies and life, and strive to improve their ability to communicate internationally, so that Chinese culture can shine more brightly on the world stage.
