In August 2025, FLTRP (UK), in collaboration with Shanxi University, successfully concluded the “2025 Summer University Student Global Practice Program—Global Competence Enhancement Project in the UK”. Teachers and students from Shanxi University traveled across the sea to the United Kingdom for an immersive learning and cultural experience. Centered around topics such as global competence, intercultural communication, and artificial intelligence, they embarked on a wonderful journey that combined academic exploration with cultural engagement.

1. Academic Lectures: Dialogues with World-renowned Scholars

During the study tour, students visited world-class universities such as the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester, the University of Liverpool, and Lancaster University, where they listened to cutting-edge academic perspectives and engaged in face-to-face communication with renowned professors. The academic lectures covered a variety of topics, not only broadening the students’ intellectual horizons, but also inspiring their interdisciplinary thinking.

Lecture: British Language and Culture

Professor Alex Baratta from the University of Manchester introduced topics such as British English pronunciation and intonation, vocabulary evolution, British historical context, and social changes, providing students with a window for a deeper understanding of the symbiotic relationship between language and culture and helping them better adapt to cross-cultural environments.

Lecture: How the World Became Rich

Professor Nuno Palma from the University of Manchester provides a grand historical overview of global economic development. Starting with the early forms of interregional trade networks in ancient times, he connects key milestones such as the productivity leap of the Industrial Revolution and the reconstruction of the world economic order by the two World Wars. He systematically analyzes the iterative logic and underlying factors of economic systems in different eras.

Lecture: Chinese-English Translation and the International Communication of China’s Image

Professor Wang Binhua from the University of Leeds elaborated in detail on intercultural communication thinking in international communication and translation activities, analyzing how to shape a trustworthy and friendly image of China through accurate translation and expression.

Lecture: From AI to Generative AI

Dr. Shengzhong Mao from the Department of Computer Science at the University of Manchester gave a comprehensive introduction to artificial intelligence technology and its applications, helping students gain an in-depth understanding of large language models, including ChatGPT.

Lecture: The UK Higher Education System and Academic Characteristics

Professor Zheng Jiwei from Lancaster University began by discussing the university’s founding history and disciplinary development, comparing the organizational features and academic characteristics of British universities. He led students to gain a deep understanding of the high-quality educational training system in the UK, and provided a detailed introduction to the postgraduate application procedures and admission criteria of several prestigious universities. The lecture aimed to broaden students’ global perspectives, helping them better respond to future international challenges and opportunities.

Lecture: Enhancing Learning Skills in Multicultural Environments

Dr. Alix Hibble from the University of Oxford used vivid examples and interactive sessions to guide students in mastering effective learning methods, improving their self-directed learning abilities, and introduced strategies for effective time management and balancing academics with personal life in multicultural settings.

Lecture: Design Thinking

Dr. Paco Mejias Villatoro from the University of Liverpool introduced to students how the design courses at the University of Liverpool stay aligned with industry trends, with a strong emphasis on fostering students’ critical thinking and digital literacy. He also guided them to deeply consider how to achieve an organic integration and harmonious coexistence between technology and the humanities.

2. Corporate Visits: Building International Workplace Competitiveness

During the study tour in the UK, students stepped out of the classroom and visited internationally renowned companies. At Manchester United, they gained insight into the operational philosophy of a century-old sports brand. At the Rolls-Royce showroom, they experienced the pinnacle of British aerospace engineering firsthand. In discussions with representatives of Chinese enterprises, they learned about the wisdom and determination of Chinese businesses going global.

Visit to Manchester United

When the study group set foot in Old Trafford Stadium, they were immersed in a century-long epic of business management. In the exhibition hall, students experienced the core spirit of Manchester United—"never give up." The corporate culture seminar revealed how this team transforms athletic passion into a global brand. With its philosophy of "football as faith," Manchester United exemplifies the globalization paradigm of sports IP. Most memorable was the team collaboration challenge, where students learned the importance of coordination and trust through a cup stacking game.

Visit to Rolls-Royce, the UK’s Largest Aircraft Engine Manufacturer

Upon entering the Rolls-Royce showroom, students saw an aircraft engine cut open and displayed like a piece of industrial art—a mechanical symphony composed of tens of thousands of precision parts, with every polished groove on the titanium alloy blades telling a story of humanity's ambition to conquer the skies. From the material revolution enabling a single turbine blade to endure thousands of degrees Celsius, to the reliability that ensures decades of service life, students saw not just technical specifications but also a century-long obsessive pursuit of perfection by artisans. Without doubt, this visit was a professional awakening about "the dedication to perfecting a single endeavor over decades."

3. British Cultural Experience

Strolling through the streets of London, touching the brick walls of ancient castles, exploring the secluded corners of Oxford colleges, and discovering the charm of the historic city of York, the intertwining of the classical and the modern in Britain means that every step is taken on the folds of history and the present. Through exploration and experience, teachers and students not only enhanced their perception and understanding of diverse cultures, but also came to know the local customs and practices more deeply through communication and interaction with local people.

This study tour to the UK not only broadened the students' academic and international horizons but also significantly improved their cross-cultural communication skills, teamwork spirit, and global competence. As they perceived the world, students further strengthened their cultural confidence and enhanced their sense of mission and ability to tell China's story. The successful implementation of this program has injected new vitality into Shanxi University's ongoing efforts to promote international talent development. Registration for the “2026 Winter Global Practice Group”, launched by FLTRP (UK), is now in full swing! We look forward to working with more outstanding students from universities to cross borders, explore the world in depth, and tell China's story vividly on the international stage!