Over 100 students from East China Normal University (ECNU) embarked on a global journey of exploration and practical experience during the winter vacation, ranging from the Palais des Nations at the United Nations (UN) to cutting-edge academic innovation hubs. Engaging in international organization internships and overseas community service, they traveled to Geneva, Paris, Vienna, Oxford, Los Angeles, Singapore, and the UN Headquarters in New York. There, they participated in global governance, explored technological frontiers, experienced global collaboration and cross-cultural exchange, measured the world with their footsteps, and embodied the spirit of youth through action.
In Geneva, Switzerland, students visited the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and engaged in dialogues with institutions including the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Through UN official lectures, simulated diplomatic consultations, and initiative drafting, they delved into discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This immersive practice enabled them to understand the complexity and sophistication of multilateral diplomacy, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge of global governance and real-world application.
"The moment I stepped into Geneva, I understood why this city serves as the hub of international organizations," exclaimed Zhang Xiyun, a 2025 graduate student from the School of Foreign Languages. "Staff from over 20 countries, with diverse languages and mindsets, gather here yet cooperate seamlessly toward shared goals. This vividly demonstrates the UN's concept of 'diversity in coexistence' in practice."
Yan Yiwen, a 2023 undergraduate from the School of Politics and International Relations, gained profound insights during a Model UN conference: "Moving from textual discussions to on-site observations, I realized that international relations are not merely a game of national interests but an effort by different civilizations to seek consensus amid divergences."
In Paris, France, students visited the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), conducting in-depth learning and exchanges on global education, culture, and economic development trends. They interacted with officials and experts, broadening their international horizons. In Vienna, Austria, they visited the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), attending expert lectures on frontier topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and industrial development, as well as nuclear energy governance. From classrooms to conference venues, from project design to cultural excursions, students experienced history through travel and acquired knowledge through communication.
Wu Zexuan, a 2025 undergraduate from the School of Information Science and Technology, clearly envisioned a path integrating the institutional vision of international organizations, corporate innovation experience, and university research thinking. "I aim to combine the vision of global governance, corporate innovation, and research thinking to dedicate myself to sustainable development," he stated.
Qin Guo'er, a 2025 undergraduate from the School of Economics and Management, noted: "Through systematic learning about organizations, I have expanded my understanding of global governance. Role-playing has helped me grasp multilateral decision-making more intuitively." Zhang Zishuo, a 2025 undergraduate from the School of Statistics, shared: "In expert lectures, I recognized that AI is a vital tool for promoting inclusive industrial development." Ge Wenyan, a 2024 undergraduate from the School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, reflected: "Seeing artworks donated by various countries at the UN Headquarters, I experienced the perfect integration of art and the world."
As the warmth of education crosses borders and academic power connects young people, ECNU's "Light-Chasing Program" winter vacation special practice group successfully completed a 7-day study tour in Singapore, igniting a two-way journey of knowledge and emotion.
Xu Yu, a 2022 undergraduate from the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, entered an AI class at the National University of Singapore as a humanities student. "Technological changes have made the value of humanities disciplines even clearer. A global vision is an expression rooted in one's own foundation," she said. Jing Qixin, a 2022 undergraduate from the School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, integrated environmental engineering systems thinking with AI teaching tools and won the Best Group award in a Capstone presentation. "The path of environmental science + AI + education communication—this is indeed feasible," he marveled.
Across mountains and seas, several other ECNU students embarked on international volunteer internships. They lived with American host families, forging warm friendships through cross-cultural interactions. Through volunteer service, they gained a profound understanding of responsibility, dedication.
Author: Xu Xincheng
Copy editor: Philip Nash
