The 2026 cohort of University of Sussex Turing Programme students has arrived at Zhejiang Gongshang University (ZJSU) to begin a four-week summer school in China. The programme forms part of the universities' HALO Project, which has brought Sussex students to ZJSU each summer since 2023, strengthening academic collaboration and cultural exchange between the two institutions.
The opening ceremony was held at ZJSU's School of International Education, where Vice Dean Xu Zhenghan welcomed the visiting students and officially launched the programme.
Over the next four weeks, students will combine academic study with cultural immersion and field visits, gaining first-hand insight into contemporary China. The curriculum includes Chinese language classes, lectures on modern China, cross-border e-commerce, and macro-finance, alongside the "Sensing China" lecture series exploring topics such as Chinese food culture, tea culture, and the history and development of Hangzhou.
Beyond the classroom, students will take part in a range of cultural activities, including calligraphy, Chinese painting, Baduanjin, traditional games, and handicrafts. They will also visit the China National Tea Museum, the China National Silk Museum, Tailong Bank headquarters, and the historic district of Zhenhai, as well as explore some of Hangzhou's most famous landmarks, including West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Leifeng Pagoda.
By combining academic learning with practical experiences, the programme gives students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Chinese society while building lasting friendships with Chinese staff and students. It also reflects the shared commitment of the University of Sussex and Zhejiang Gongshang University to developing globally minded graduates through international education and exchange.
The summer school is supported by the UK's Turing Scheme, the UK government's international mobility programme launched in 2020. The scheme enables students to study and undertake placements abroad, helping them develop international experience, intercultural skills, and global perspectives. Through its participation in the Turing Scheme, the University of Sussex continues to expand opportunities for students to engage with different cultures and communities around the world.