Zhi-Xing China: the 3rd LEAP Global Summer Program officially opened on July 14. Twenty-three students from the United States, Italy, Germany, and Hungary, together with 10 students from Zhejiang University (ZJU), participated in the LEAP Global Summer Program at the International Campus, ZJU. Professor ZHOU Jianghong, Vice President of ZJU, made an address at the opening ceremony. Professor WANG Yufen, Executive Vice Dean of the International College of ZJU, Professor BEN Shenglin, Dean of Zhejiang University International Business School (ZIBS), Professor QU Haidong, Vice Dean of International Campus, and Dr. AI Ni, Deputy Director of the Office of Global Engagement of ZJU attended the ceremony. This year’s LEAP Global Summer Program is themed “Chinese Culture in Global Perspective: Heritage, Innovation, and Dissemination”.
Professor ZHOU Jianghong extended warm congratulations on the opening of the LEAP Global Summer Program. He pointed out that young people, as the vanguard of the times and the architects of the future, carry a profound responsibility on their shoulders. He expressed his hope that students from different countries and diverse cultural backgrounds would embrace this 17-day journey of cross-cultural exchange and academic exploration with an open mindset, driven by a thirst for knowledge, respect for cultures, and aspirations for the future. He encouraged them to learn and grow together with Zhejiang University’s youth, jointly exploring ways to contribute to cultural exchanges, mutual learning, and world peace and development.
QU Haidong, Vice Dean of the International Campus, announced the official launch of this year's LEAP Global Summer School and presented the flag to student representatives.
LIU Yanjun, an undergraduate student from Zhejiang University's School of Foreign Languages, and Isabella Zumbolo, an undergraduate student from Vassar College in the United States, delivered speeches as representatives of Chinese and international students respectively. They expressed their expectations for the summer school's courses and activities, and also looked forward to gaining valuable cross-cultural experiences and friendships during this program.
Professor BEN Shenglin delivered a keynote speech titled “China & The World – Major Trends & Opportunities for Private-owned Enterprises, FinTech Centers, Financial Sector, and High Education”. He pointed out that China's private enterprises and higher education institutions are developing at an unprecedented pace, presenting both opportunities and challenges, as China is reshaping its relationship with the world in a new way.
Representatives from the relevant departments of the International Campus, faculty and staff, as well as students, also attended the opening ceremony. Professor Li Xuping, Deputy Director of the Center of Chinese Studies at ZJU moderated the opening ceremony and introduced the course schedule.
LEAP Global Summer Program, first launched by ZIBS in 2023, aims to boost cultural exchanges among the youth worldwide and build the “Study in China” brand through language learning, cultural exchange, academic exploration, and practical experience. This program was selected as recommended programs of “Young Envoys Scholarship” of Ministry of Education of R.R.C. in 2024; and “Zhi-Xing China” program of Ministry of Education of R.R.C. in 2025.
Article and Photography: WANG Haoqi
Editing: WU Xinyi
Editing in charge: LI Yinan
Reviewer: YANG Yi
Final Review: QU Haidong