What we got up to (in three minutes or less!)

From the moment we landed in China, the reality hit far quicker than I expected: I was actually there. I've never been anywhere so different from the UK and I absolutely loved it. After surviving a 13-hour flight, we kicked things off with two packed days in Shanghai.

A global powerhouse in economics and technology, Shanghai felt like stepping into the future. As busy and buzzing as London, but with its own distinct energy, it is a city full of life and has endless places to explore. On our first day, we crammed in a trip up the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, a ferry ride down the Huangpu River, shopping along the neon-lit Nanjing Road, and the city's famous light show. No time wasted.

Next, we travelled to Hangzhou, home to Zhejiang University of Technology (ZJUT). While smaller than Shanghai, Hangzhou is still much larger than Leeds and had just as much to offer. We visited temples, sat in on university lectures, toured local businesses, wandered through night markets and theme parks, and, of course, ate out a lot. Every single day was packed.

Picking a single favourite moment is nearly impossible, every day left me exhausted in the best way. If I had to mention something that took a bit of getting used to, it would be the attention we attracted. Being asked for photos by the local people or occasionally filmed without asking was a surreal experience. While it was mostly done politely and out of curiosity, it definitely gave me a small glimpse into what life might be like for someone famous. Let's just say, it made me appreciate the quiet moments even more!

One highlight that stands out was visiting a Buddhist temple in Hangzhou. Photography wasn't allowed inside, which made being fully present even more rewarding. The towering 20-foot statues and intricate architecture were breathtaking, and watching locals quietly practicing their faith was especially moving - made even more powerful by the contrast to the high-energy modern city we'd just left behind.

I also really enjoyed putting my limited Mandarin to the test. Even though I butchered plenty of it, the locals always appreciated the effort, and those little interactions made the experience more memorable.

Personal and professional discoveries

As a Journalism student, I'll admit I was initially unsure how much I'd take away from the academic sessions and company visits, where we covered topics like economy and trade which are outside my usual comfort zone. But to my surprise, the lectures were really engaging and clearly delivered. They gave me a fascinating glimpse into what it might be like to study economics at university level. The content was thorough, and I particularly enjoyed hearing perspectives on emerging technologies and international trade with the West especially through a distinctly Chinese lens.

One of the more thought-provoking parts of the trip was learning about China's media landscape. I discovered that all national media is state-owned, and while independent journalism is permitted, it must not challenge the government or the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). CCTV (Chinese Central Television), the country's largest broadcaster, was a frequent presence - from TVs in public spaces to office buildings we passed in Hangzhou.

As someone studying Journalism, this naturally made me reflect on media freedom and the influence it can have on public perception. Initially, I found myself quick to question the limitations, but the more I thought about it, the more I realised media ownership elsewhere isn't necessarily immune from bias either. In the UK, for example, around 90% of national newspaper circulation is controlled by just three companies, a reminder that media concentration is a global issue.

On a completely different note, one of the most impressive aspects of the trip was witnessing China's technological advancements. From electric vehicles dominating the roads to robots delivering food in hotels and restaurants, it felt like the future had already arrived. But perhaps what left the biggest impression was the kindness of the people. Whether it was giving directions or helping with translation apps, everyone we met was warm and welcoming. For a country that's not typically seen as a major tourist destination, I never once felt out of place.

Cultural workplace insights

One of the key differences I noticed about workplaces in China is that remote working is still quite uncommon even in roles where it could be possible. Since COVID, many employees in the UK have continued working from home, with businesses benefiting from reduced overheads like office space, electricity, and heating. In contrast, I saw huge office buildings in China filled with rows of employees, each working quietly at their own laptops. The atmosphere was often silent and focused. It's not that workforces elsewhere are less dedicated, but there was a noticeable sense of discipline and concentration among Chinese workers, something I found inspiring and hope to bring into my own approach to work.

How the Global Mobility trips can help your future career

This trip really opened my eyes to careers in economics and business - areas I didn't fully understand before. While I won't be switching courses with only one year left of my Journalism degree, it's given me a new appreciation for the depth of study and effort that goes into understanding markets and consumer behaviour. I think experiences like this are incredibly valuable for students. They offer the chance to gain new skills, fresh perspectives, and even potential work experience, all of which are essential for standing out as a graduate.

How the Global Mobility trips benefit all students, even with different academic goals

The summer school trip to China is an incredible opportunity particularly for economics and business students. Attending lectures at Zhejiang University of Technology allows students to deepen their understanding and expand on what they’ve learned in class. It's especially valuable for gaining a fresh perspective on global finance and international trade, in a country that has undergone rapid and remarkable economic transformation since the mid-20th century. The company visits were another highlight, offering a first-hand look at how businesses operate in China, as well as the chance to build connections and potentially explore future internship opportunities.

That said, the trip is by no means limited to business students. Beyond the academic element, there’s a strong focus on cultural exploration. You'll visit temples, markets, and key landmarks, and even get some free time to make your own plans (we were still up at 6am most days to make the most of it!). Getting into China does involve a bit of preparation, including visa applications and letters of invitation, but travelling as part of a university group helps streamline much of the bureaucracy.

China is a world apart from the UK in many ways, and the trip offers countless cultural insights that stay with you long after you return. It's a genuinely eye-opening experience that can shape how you think, work, and engage with the world.