In January 2025, FLTRP (UK), in collaboration with universities in Shaanxi, successfully held the "2025 Winter Vacation UK Study Tour for University Students: Global Internship Practice and International Communication Competence Enhancement Program in the UK". More than 20 students from institutions such as Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, and Shaanxi Normal University traveled to the UK, where they deeply experienced the diversity of British culture, immersed themselves in the charm of world-renowned universities, broadened their international perspectives, gained a deeper understanding of contemporary China, and improved their comprehensive international communication abilities, laying a solid foundation for becoming interdisciplinary international talents with both professional expertise and foreign language proficiency.
Academic Lectures: Professional Guidance, Enhancing Abilities
Lecture: Improving English Creative Writing Skills
Dr. Sarah, Senior Lecturer from Oxford Brookes University, delivered an inspiring lecture on “Improving English Creative Writing Skills.” Drawing on her rich academic experience, Dr. Sarah explained the basic techniques of English creative writing in a clear and accessible way. She also emphasized the importance of imagination, guiding students to open up their creative thinking.
Lecture: Cutting-edge Industrial Technology in Manchester
Students had the opportunity to attend a lecture on “Cutting-edge Industrial Technology in Manchester” given by Dr. Xia Guoxing from the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Manchester. Dr. Xia not only led students to explore the long-standing industrial and technological history of the city of Manchester, but also shared the University of Manchester’s remarkable Nobel Prize achievements, as well as the latest research developments and future trends in the field of physics.
Lecture: Improving English Public Speaking Skills
Dr. Alex from the University of Manchester gave an excellent lecture on “Improving English Public Speaking Skills.” Using his own experiences of studying abroad as examples, Dr. Alex introduced various cultural customs and ways of thinking in an approachable manner, helping students broaden their international perspectives. He also encouraged them to actively express their own views and ideas during group interaction tasks.
Lecture: How to Tell Chinese and English Stories Well
Professor Yu Feixia, British Co-Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Central Lancashire, delivered a distinctive lecture—How to Tell Chinese Stories Well. Professor Yu integrated many traditional Chinese cultural elements, such as teapots and qigong, to demonstrate to students how to use British ways of thinking to tell stories between China and the UK in a vivid, effective, and easy-to-understand manner.
Group Practice: Hands-on Training, Strengthening Abilities
International Communication Short Video Practice
Dr. Miriam, Senior Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University, delivered a lecture on "How to Effectively Operate Social Media," helping students learn cutting-edge knowledge about multimedia operations and media communication. Experienced in short video production, Teacher Katie also explained the key points of the group short video shooting practice tasks to the students.
Students determined the themes of their short video practice tasks according to their groups, and conducted group division of labor introductions, topic presentations, and video displays in class.
During the group presentation session, Malcolm, a journalism expert from Oxford Brookes University, provided professional comments and fair scores for the students’ works. Through his professional guidance, students not only learned about the strengths and weaknesses of their works, but also learned how to better combine journalism theory with practice to enhance their comprehensive skills in international communication.
Oxford Bodleian Library Practice
Students had the privilege of visiting the renowned Bodleian Library at Oxford University. With a long history and rich collection, this library is a treasure trove for academic research. Curator Sunuo, in charge of East Asian collections, personally welcomed the students. He not only told the story of how the library, since its establishment in 1602, has become a palace of learning that houses countless precious documents and manuscripts, but also specially displayed ancient Chinese books treasured in the exhibition hall.
In-depth Experience of Chinese Spring Festival Celebration
This year marked the first "Intangible Cultural Heritage China Year." The students were very fortunate to personally experience the Chinese Spring Festival celebration meticulously organized locally by the Confucius Institute at Oxford Brookes University, immersively learning how to communicate Chinese culture in English. By interacting with local residents and primary and secondary school students, the students enhanced their cultural confidence, which is of great significance for their future introduction and promotion of Chinese culture on the international stage.
Corporate Site Visits: Gaining Insights into Management and Building Professional Experience
Hainan Airlines UK Office
In Manchester, Mr. Dong Xupeng from the Hainan Airlines UK Office delivered a lecture on "The Internationalization of Chinese Enterprises" for the students. The lecture was held at a unique café on the University of Manchester campus, creating a relaxed and lively atmosphere. Mr. Dong shared successful cases of Hainan Airlines in the UK market as well as strategies for coping with the complex and ever-changing international market. He also encouraged the students to broaden their horizons, study diligently, and strive to become versatile talents with an international perspective.
Manchester United
The students had an in-depth visit to Manchester United Football Club, where they learned about the club’s long history, remarkable achievements, business operation models, and corporate management experience. This field study broadened their perspectives and laid a solid foundation for future participation in international exchanges.
Cadbury Chocolate Factory
In Birmingham, the students visited the century-old Cadbury Chocolate Factory. In a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, they experienced the chocolate-making process and learned about the company’s international management practices and experience in exploring global markets.
Cultural Exploration: Visiting Landmarks and Experiencing British Charm
The British Museum
In London, students visited cultural landmarks such as Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, experiencing the richness of British culture. They explored the British Museum, gaining a deeper understanding of world history and the profound diversity of global cultures.
Coventry Transport Museum
In Coventry, students also visited the local transport museum, gaining direct insight into how technological advancements drive transformations in the field of transportation, and experiencing the deep-rooted history of British industrial culture.
By strolling through cities such as Oxford, Manchester, and London, students immersed themselves in the unique atmosphere of Britain, broadening their horizons and enhancing their intercultural communication skills.
Thus, the “2025 Winter Vacation UK Study Tour for University Students: Global Internship Practice and International Communication Competence Enhancement Program in the UK” concluded successfully. The program not only provided students with a platform to expand their global perspective and improve their comprehensive skills, but also laid a solid foundation for their future career development. We look forward to joining hands with more outstanding students to explore the world, tell China’s story well on the global stage, and make our voices heard worldwide.
