From 9 to 18 June, the "Doing Business in China" summer school, organised by Nottingham University Business School China, attracted nearly 30 international students from institutions such as the University of Nottingham (UK), Technical University of Munich, Hamburg School of Business Administration, University of Eastern Finland-Joensuu, and Bangkok University. Over ten days, through corporate visits, cultural activities, and urban-rural explorations, they immersed themselves in China's commercial ecosystem and its humanistic warmth.

"We hope this programme allows international students to experience the real China firsthand, particularly the current state of its industries," said Dr Yi Wang, the summer school's project lead and Director of Educational Partnership at the Business School. "Most importantly, we want students to deeply engage with China's authentic business environment and share these insights back at their home institutions and countries." Centred on the concept of "immersive learning", the summer school transcended traditional classroom boundaries, extending its educational scope directly to the frontlines of Chinese business operations.

During corporate visits, students explored three benchmark enterprises, witnessing the multifaceted dimensions of China's commercial landscape: Ningbo Exciton Technology Co., Ltd., a "hidden champion" in optical films; The German toy brand Hape exemplified symbiotic success between foreign enterprises and China; Loctek—from a small Ningbo factory to a Nasdaq-listed company.

Beyond corporate engagements, students ventured into rural China, observing vibrant practices of rural revitalisation. At Qiuga Market, the modern transformation of a traditional farmers' market captivated their attention. In tapestry Common Prosperity Workshop and Jiangbei Wulian Village, they witnessed firsthand how rural women revitalised idle labour and encountered living examples of rural entrepreneurship.

Desara Rustemi from the Technical University of Munich remarked, "The mix of academic sessions, group work, and cultural activities offered a well-rounded perspective on how business is done in China today. I especially appreciated the chance to take part in local activities, which gave me a deeper understanding of the culture and everyday life."

Many students arrived with narratives shaped by Western media. Luke Labuschagne, an Economics student at the University of Nottingham (UK), shared, "Before coming to China, I imagined a relatively closed economy. From day one, by interacting with the Chinese students and people we met on excursions, I met a curious population, eager to learn from us and our experiences. I found China had many similarities to the UK. There were similar brands, the public transport was also very good, and the culture was awe inspiring.”

This shift in perception was by design: the programme paired each international student group with a Chinese counterpart, fostering cross-cultural dialogue through a "1+1" model. As Dr Yi Ruan, the module convener, noted, "By the end, what students valued most were the friendships formed across borders—these genuine human connections proved more impactful than any theoretical teaching."

Notably, the summer school also featured rich intangible cultural heritage activities. Students tried their hand at crochet, bamboo weaving, crafting Ningbo's specialty rice cake dumplings, and experiencing traditional crafts like mother-of-pearl inlay and "brocade-and-rubbings" fan art. These activities not only showcased the charm of Chinese traditions but also demonstrated how these heritage skills are being revitalised in modern commercial contexts.

Recruitment for the summer school was handled by the University of Nottingham Ningbo China's Global Engagement Office, with programme design and delivery led by the Business School. By blending corporate visits, rural studies, cultural immersion, and classroom learning, the summer school offered international students a multidimensional understanding of China. As Luke reflected, "As an Economics student, I hope to take home my fresh perspective on this vast nation as one that is eager to innovate, connect." This encapsulates the core value of the "Doing Business in China" summer school: dismantling stereotypes, forging authentic connections, and empowering international students to become both witnesses and ambassadors of China's narrative.