The value of international exchange goes far beyond a journey abroad. It is an experience of learning, growing, and discovering oneself through encounters with different cultures.
Through its partnership with Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW), Shanghai Zhongqiao Polytechnic University continues to expand its international exchange programs, providing students with diverse opportunities for overseas study and global learning.
Where can a classroom take place?
The answer may extend far beyond the campus.
A semester exchange program or a European study tour can become a key to opening the world. With curiosity and a passion for exploration, Zhongqiao students step into global classrooms, gain knowledge through international experiences, discover cultural differences through city exploration, and broaden their perspectives through intercultural communication.
What they gain is far more than memories. They develop the confidence to embrace the unknown and the ability to engage with the world.
One Semester Exchange: Discovering New Possibilities on a German Campus
At DHBW, students embark on an immersive cross-cultural learning experience. Here, classrooms connect professional knowledge with practical application, while the campus brings together students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Through academic courses, group projects, campus activities, and local exploration, Zhongqiao students gradually adapt to the learning environment of a German university. They experience different educational approaches through communication and collaboration, discovering new possibilities for personal growth.
During a local cultural experience, students engaged with community residents and explored traditional cuisine and rural lifestyles. From textbooks to real-world experiences, from academic learning to everyday life, students witnessed how knowledge connects with the wider world.
The true value of an exchange experience is also reflected in the meaningful connections formed between people. Students from different countries come together through shared learning experiences, exchanging ideas in classrooms and sharing cultures in campus life.
A greeting, a conversation, or a shared journey can gradually transform an unfamiliar city into a place of connection. In a foreign country, students gain not only intercultural communication skills, but also understanding, friendship, and connections that transcend borders.
Leaving behind a familiar environment and beginning an overseas learning journey is also a challenge of personal growth. From adapting to a new lifestyle and communicating in another language, to independently exploring a new city and building a life of their own, students discover that meaningful growth often happens beyond their comfort zones.
A 12-Day Summer Study Tour: Exploring the World Through European Experiences
If a semester exchange offers an immersive overseas learning experience, a summer study tour provides an intensive and inspiring journey of global exploration.
From June 29 to July 10, Zhongqiao students joined young participants from Hong Kong, Pakistan, Italy, Malaysia, and other regions in Lörrach, Germany, for a summer study program hosted by DHBW.
At the DHBW campus, students participated in intercultural workshops, thematic courses, and design thinking activities. Through interactive learning and collaboration, they explored communication styles across cultures and experienced the open and practice-oriented educational philosophy of German universities through courses such as European economics lectures and innovation practice sessions.
The study tour extended learning beyond the classroom into cities and industry settings. Students visited historical and cultural landmarks in Germany, explored natural and cultural destinations including the Black Forest and Lake Titisee, and experienced the diverse cultural landscapes of Germany, Switzerland, and France.
They also visited enterprises and design organizations to gain insights into the innovation concepts behind “German Manufacturing” and understand how industry needs connect with talent development. Through real-world experiences, students expanded their professional perspectives and gained a deeper understanding of global practices.
Every Journey Begins a New Chapter of Growth
From academic exchanges at DHBW to encounters with diverse European cultures; from professional discussions to friendships with young people from around the world, Zhongqiao students continue to broaden their horizons and enhance their capabilities through international experiences.
Through its expanding global partnership network, Shanghai Zhongqiao Vocational and Technical University continues to build diverse platforms for overseas learning and cultural exchange. The university has developed various international programs, including semester exchanges, short-term study tours, and international courses.
With partnerships and exchange opportunities across Europe, Asia, North America, and other regions, Zhongqiao provides students with more opportunities to step onto the global stage, understand the world, and discover new possibilities for their future.
