On 18 August, the AFS STEM International Academic Camp in Ningbo China successfully concluded. A total of over 60 high school students from 15 countries and regions, including China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Egypt, and Belgium, embarked on a 7-day cross-cultural journey.
Welcoming Activities
The AFS STEM International Academic Camp in Ningbo kicked off at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. This academy is the first offline international high school student exchange activity to be held in recent times in Ningbo. As the first university to host the AFS STEM International Academic Camp, UNNC organised various welcoming activities for the participants, including a welcome ceremony, campus tours, and a welcome dinner.
Explore the vast collection of ancient books
Students joined together to explore the vast collection of ancient books at Tianyi Pavilion, indulging in the aroma of centuries-old literature. They also visited the elegant and richly endowed Ningbo Museum, appreciating the "port culture" and retracing the origins of the "great river civilization." Attending a lecture on Ningbo's history and culture by local scholar Mr. Shuiyin, the students lifted the veil of Ningbo's past. Additionally, they had the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque scenery of Xikou Fenghua, with its winding waters and beautiful landscapes, experiencing the fragrant countryside and participating in activities such as making green rice balls and bamboo notebook crafts.
Visiting institutions
Students visited several institutions including Meishan Port, Lynk & Co, and Ningbo Administrative Service Center, where they personally experienced the continuous vitality brought forth by "one-stop" government services, "smart" city governance with integrated digital infrastructure, and their contributions to refined urban management, making cities more liveable and enhancing the well-being of residents, thereby promoting the construction of a modern coastal metropolis.
Various workshops
Various workshops with a focus on STEM and Digital Ningbo were organised, providing both domestic and international students the opportunity to visit and experience UNNC's model-making studios and flight simulation laboratories, engage in aircraft piloting, and create 3D printed models. Moreover, under the guidance of their accompanying teachers, the students completed collaborative STEM projects in groups, culminating in project presentations and sharing of their achievements.
Frisbee activities
Against the backdrop of the upcoming Asian Games, the students immersed themselves in the athletic atmosphere through frisbee activities, gaining first-hand experience of the Asian Games spirit and indulging in the immersive atmosphere of British university life, enhancing their teamwork skills and strengthening the bond between each other.
Closing ceremony speeches
Jinhui Chen, Deputy Director General of Ningbo Education Bureau
During the closing ceremony, Jinhui Chen, the Deputy Director General of Ningbo Education Bureau, delivered a speech and highly praised the exchange activities. He stated, "The international education level of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China is at the forefront of the province. On behalf of the Ningbo Education Bureau, I express heartfelt gratitude to the China Education International Exchange Association and the University of Nottingham Ningbo China for their strong support and meticulous organisation of this event."
Fu Bo, Deputy Secretary General of AFS China and CEAIE
Fu Bo, the Deputy Secretary General of AFS China and CEAIE, also delivered a speech expressing hope that Chinese and foreign students would maintain long-lasting friendships and learn from each other.
Subsequently, the AFS China and CEAIE presented certificates of appreciation to the Ningbo Education Bureau and UNNC, expressing gratitude to the team leaders and all the staff members.
The presentation of graduation certificates marked the conclusion of the students' seven-day learning and exchange journey, during which they gained academic insights, cultural exchange experiences, and established deep friendships. They have left a remarkable mark on UNNC.
We gathered in Ningbo, poured our youth into UNNC, and bid farewell with warm embraces. Thank you and see you again！