The graduation ceremony of the 2024 Discover China Summer Program, hosted by Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) and organized by the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, took place at the university on July 21.

The event brought together 80 participants from 30 countries, including Australia, the Republic of the Congo, Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Turkmenistan and the United States.

Zhao Gang, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, delivers an address at the graduation ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

The Discover China Summer Program serves as a vital window for understanding China and as an essential bridge for enhancing friendships, said Zhao Gang, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, in his address. 

Zhao emphasized that the experience gained through this program not only improves personal competitiveness and adaptability to a globalized work environment, but also prepares students to engage in international affairs and global governance. 

Quoting the proverb "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together," he highlighted the value of cooperation and expressed hope that the participants will enhance cultural exchanges and promote understanding and friendship among different countries and ethnic groups. 

Student representatives share their experiences at the graduation ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Participants expressed their appreciation to BFSU for hosting the program, saying that the university has built a global community that values learning, cultural exchanges and mutual respect. They spoke of how the program had broadened their horizons and deepened their understanding of China's prosperous economy, advanced technology and rich culture. The program was described as a journey of self-discovery and meaningful friendship, offering lessons beyond textbooks and helping them to form lasting bonds. 

Officials present award certificates to outstanding students and issue graduation certificates to program participants. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Participants and volunteers of the 2024 BFSU Discover China Summer Program sing in both Chinese and English at the graduation ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Participants in the 2024 BFSU Discover China Summer Program write their feelings on message boards. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

The Discover China Summer Program, which ran from July 7 to 21, provided thematic courses on China's economy, education, technology, art, traditional Chinese medicine and the country's role in global governance and international cooperation, enabling students to learn about China's development concepts and achievements in various fields.

They conducted field trips to the press conference hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Chinese AI firm iFlytek and the Li Auto Beijing Manufacturing Base, gaining insights into China's innovation and role in developing regional cooperation, artificial intelligence and new energy vehicles. 

The program also included visits to the China Foundation for Rural Development, the Beijing Changier Education Foundation and the Beijing Volunteer Service Guidance Center, where students explored China's efforts and achievements in rural revitalization, health education and volunteer services. Additionally, trips to cultural landmarks such as the National Museum of China and the Palace Museum gave them a better idea of the nation's profound historical and cultural heritage and the history of Sino-foreign exchanges. 

Participants enjoyed visits to the Beijing Olympic Museum, the National Stadium, the Water Cube and the National Ski Jumping Centre, also known as "Snow Ruyi". They also learnt about Beijing’s unique status as a dual Olympic city, while adopting the Olympic motto of “Faster, Higher, Stronger-Together” as their own, and extended their best wishes for the Paris Olympics. 

The program, with diverse courses and activities, helped participants understand contemporary China from multiple perspectives and enhanced their knowledge of Chinese society, culture and development. As a platform for cross-cultural exchanges, it fostered bonds and understanding among young people from various countries.