GSE Travel Study in Xi’an: A Grasp through Time and Innovation

　　17 postgraduate students and 3 faculty members from Peking University’s Graduate School of Education visited the ancient city of Xi’an, in China’s central Shaanxi province for a 3-day study trip this past week. The main purpose of this trip was to aid the increase of cultural knowledge for both domestic and international students to observe not only the linkages, but also the transition between historical and postmodern China. As future leaders in the educational and international educational field, the understanding of cultural roots in all aspects of society is imperative to contributing to a sustainable future ecosystem in China and beyond.

　　

　　Arriving Xi’an, the initial destination was the Geely New Energy Automobile Company. Students observed the meticulous process of (EV) car assembly from start to finish. The production lines of the facility buzzed with rhythmic motion of robots and innovative machinery. From experiencing cross-country rail travel on the gaotie at top speeds of 350 km/hour – the fastest in the world, to the highly automated and roboticized vehicle manufacturing plant of GEELY, students were impressed by technological advancement.

GSE at GEELY Manufacturing Plant

　　Day 2 served as a juxtaposition whereby students visited various famous historical monuments such as Xi’an’s City Walls and the Terracotta Army Museum. The trip continued with a visit to Xi'an Jiaotong University, where faculty and students engaged with international students from the School of Foreign Studies and the School of International Education in a cultural exchange of sorts.

GSE at Xi’an Jiao Tong University Intl. Student Exchange

　　Attending the Silk Road Young Scholars Forum on Transportation Infrastructure hosted by Chang’an University – an insightful opportunity especially for the advancement of Belt and Road initiatives in a city deeply rooted in the ancient Silk Road trade, offered an opportunity to forge new connections with fellow scholars. Professor Zhuang Deshui, Deputy Party Secretary of Graduate School of Education, was invited to give a warmly opening speech in the forum. Following the presentations by excellent young scholars, Dickson, PhD candidate in GSE, shared his ideas on infrastructure and cultural exchanges within China-Africa Education Development Cooperation.

 

　　Student Experience

　　

　　Jezamine:

　　I have recently had the honor of participating in Peking University’s International Student Division study trip to Yunnan, and now Peking University’s Graduate School of Education study trip to Xi’an, both of which has given me new and valuable insights into China’s history, culture, and development which aids my understanding of modern society’s growth and its implications. Domestic and international students are often granted different opportunities, so this study trip served as a reminder of the equalizing efforts our faculty is committed to practicing, encouraging both domestic Chinese-taught and international English-taught students to intermingle, increasing our own cultural understanding of the world through camaraderie.  Thank you to our faculty and students from GSE who made this possible and hope to see you all at the following one!

　　

　　Monchanok:

　　My thoughts on interdisciplinary in this context are heritage and future innovation that are bonded by education under a mutual Belt and Road “roadmap”. As educational institutions work as pathways, graduates are delivered year upon year into society, learning to appreciate firm roots while always gazing forward to meet global benchmarks. I view education as the “infrastructure” for humans and only with proper upbringing can people function well. Lastly, I must extend my gratitude to PKU’s Graduate School of Education and CSP for this fruitful opportunity which made me value even more the significance of my research that hopefully shall help contribute to educating future generations.

　　

　　Enala:
Xi’an Jiao Tong University revealed a deep-seated spirit of relocation, unity, and a reverence for history. And at the eighth wonder of the world, I bore witness to the remarkable craftsmanship of men and women renowned for sculpting the Terra Cotta warriors—a testament to intellectual prowess and artistic finesse of the bygone eras.

　　

　　Segun:

　　Our study trip reached its zenith at Chang’an University, where we attended the Silk Road Forum for Distinguished Young Scholars in the area of Transportation Infrastructure. International scholars from various Chinese universities presented their research on innovations concerning the development of physical and human capital infrastructure along Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. I extend my gratitude to GSE for organizing this trip and fostering an environment where such cross-cultural learning can thrive. The travel study provided invaluable perspectives on the interplay between historical legacies and contemporary advancements, and I anticipate the continued exploration of knowledge and cultural exchange during my doctoral studies in China.