On May 17, a delegation of 12 faculty members and students from Saint Martin’s University (SMU), one of NCIAE’s partner institutions in the United States, arrived in Langfang to begin a 10-day “Camp NCIAE” exchange program. Themed “Mutual Learning, Shared Youth,” the event featured five main components—student forums, Chinese language classes, intangible cultural heritage experiences, sports activities, and city tours—all designed to foster cross-cultural connections between young students from both universities.

Experiencing the Power of China’s Intelligent Manufacturing  

At Beijing Jingdiao Group, guided by a company representative, the Chinese and American students toured the group’s headquarters, product exhibition hall, and production workshops. They gained insight into the working principles of CNC machines and automated production lines, and observed precision component processing up close. In a programming classroom, students explored the entire creation process of the company’s signature souvenir—the “egg carving”—from initial design and programming to machine processing. This hands-on experience offered a vivid glimpse into modern CNC manufacturing and the dynamism of China’s industrial innovation.  

Claire, an SMU mechanical engineering student, remarked: “Here, I’ve truly witnessed China’s innovation and vitality in technology.”

Discovering the Charm of Traditional Chinese Culture  

At the Yitian Arts School in Langfang, the group immersed themselves in Peking Opera. Over nearly three hours, they successfully rehearsed a classic piece, The Glory of Martial Arts. Donning traditional costumes—some as generals with armor, others flowing with water sleeves or wielding spears—they performed with enthusiasm that won praise from the local teachers and students.  

Carissa, also a mechanical engineering major, shared: “I had never experienced Peking Opera before. This was a unique and fascinating art form. I loved it.”

The cultural immersion continued at key Langfang landmarks. At the “Unique Dream of Red Mansion”, a new cultural landmark, both groups experienced the richness of Chinese literature and unique Eastern aesthetics. At the Silk Road International Arts Center, they explored the living legacy of intangible cultural heritage. A Baduanjin (a traditional Chinese fitness routine) session introduced them to the benefits of this ancient practice. In Chinese language classes, they discovered the structural beauty of Chinese characters; in tea art workshops, they learned to appreciate, brew, and taste tea; and in calligraphy sessions, they experienced the harmony of ink and paper.

Bridging Cultures Through Youthful Connections  

The exchange was jointly organized by the International Cooperation and Exchange Center and the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, building on the foundation of the Mechanical Design, Manufacturing, and Automation program offered collaboratively by NCIAE and SMU. The focus was on deepening academic and cultural understanding between engineering students from both institutions.  

Sports brought the students even closer. Joint teams competed in table tennis and lion dancing, blending friendly rivalry with the joy of shared activity, creating lasting bonds.  

Kayla, a business student from SMU, said: “When I return home, I will definitely share my experiences here—everything I’ve seen and learned—with my family, my friends, and my classmates. I’ll encourage them to come to China and see the real China for themselves.”

A Lasting Partnership  

SMU has been a key partner for NCIAE since 2016, when the two institutions jointly launched the Mechanical Design, Manufacturing, and Automation program. The program began enrolling students in 2017 and has since graduated five cohorts, with over 50 faculty and student exchanges conducted.

During this visit, the SMU delegation also attended the graduation ceremony hosted by the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. Together, Chinese and American students presented a dynamic show that blended Eastern and Western traditions with contemporary elements.  

At the ceremony, Chen Gang, Deputy Party Secretary of NCIAE, welcomed the guests and emphasized the idea that “education knows no borders, and youth shoulders responsibility together.” He encouraged graduates to navigate the tides of the times and write their own inspiring life stories. Dr. Edward Birkey, Vice President of Saint Martin’s University, extended his congratulations to the Class of 2025. He described educational exchange as a bridge across cultural divides and a vital pathway for fostering mutual understanding between young people of both nations. He also expressed sincere gratitude to the NCIAE community for their warm hospitality and voiced optimism for the future of the partnership.

This Camp NCIAE initiative actively supports the “50,000 in Five Years” exchange program. For many of the American students, it was their first time in China. At the conclusion of the camp, they shared their reflections:  

“I’m so grateful for this rare opportunity to come to China.”  

“Through these days of interaction and discovery, I’ve not only tasted Chinese cuisine and experienced the culture, but also built deep friendships with Chinese students.”  

“We hope students from both universities can become ambassadors of cultural exchange between China and the United States. Thank you, China!”