From Dundee, Scotland to Chengdu: A Life-Changing Summer School Adventure

As a mature student, applying for the SWUFE experience wasn't an easy decision, but with my daughter's permission (she wanted to come along in my suitcase!), I went ahead and applied. To my delight, my application was successful. I left Scotland with an open mind, and I can now confirm that it was the most inspiring trip of my life.

I arrived eager to make the most of the opportunity, and it was a very busy two weeks. Most days were filled with lectures, including some from visiting professors, where we learned about the local economy, higher education, and my personal favourite, Taiji. We also participated in a tea-drinking ceremony, paper cutting, calligraphy, tai chi, and a Hanfu festival.

Our SWUFE student ambassadors were incredibly welcoming and made the experience truly special. Their friendship was a highlight and without them, the trip wouldn't have been half as enriching. They took us on excursions to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and the Sichuan Opera. Both were unique experiences, and yes, I did get to see a panda!

Chengdu is a vast metropolis, something I only fully appreciated upon arrival, especially when visiting the New Century Global Centre, the largest building in the world. One evening, we even visited the waterpark, which was breathtaking—an experience you must see to believe! On our free day, we organized a trip to see the Giant Buddha and visit a tea plantation, where we picked tea leaves and watched them being processed. We shared the tea with the whole class on our final morning of Summer School.

This trip offered so many enriching experiences that if you're considering applying, I urge you to go for it. As I enter my final year of the BSc Business Management course, this trip has profoundly influenced me, even prompting a change in the direction of my upcoming dissertation topic. This experience will stay with me, not just throughout my time at the University of Dundee, but for life.

My time in China has underscored how much we have in common with the most populous country in the world, despite the differences between Eastern and Western cultures. In my study of Business, I've always been curious about how it impacts individuals, and this trip was as much about people as it was about academics. The friendships and experiences shared made this Summer School unforgettable, and I extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making it possible.