In April, Hangzhou is filled with the fragrance of spring. From April 14 to 26, the Hangzhou International Campus of Beihang University welcomed a visiting group of 27 French high school students. They had in-depth exchanges with teachers and students of the Hangzhou International Innovation Institute of Beihang University (H3I) to jointly write a wonderful chapter of harmony in diversity.
What is the YES program?
In 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed to “double the number of young European people for exchange activities in China over the next three years” during his visit to Europe. To further expand exchanges between Chinese and European people, especially the younger generation, the Young Envoys Scholarship (YES) program was launched. In response to President Xi Jinping's proposal, Zhongfa Aviation Institute of Beihang University (ZFAI)has signed exchange agreements with Chaptal High School, Mercy High School, Lycée Joffre, and Jean Perrin High School in France. In September 2024, 36 undergraduate students from ZFAI went to France for exchange activities. This year, 27 French students arrived in Hangzhou as the first participants of the YES program at H3I, realizing a two-way exchange.
YES program launched
On April 26, the launch ceremony of the 2025 YES program was held at the Conference Center of the Hangzhou International Campus of Beihang University. Attendees included Pan Changqing, Director of the Exchange and Cooperation Division of the Hangzhou Municipal Education Bureau, Dong Zhuoning, Director of H3I, Yuan Weike, an official of the Department of Education of Zhejiang Province, Qiu Guoqiang, Deputy Director of the Yuhang District Government Office and Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office, and Frédéric GENTY, the French Dean of ZFAI. Zhang Wei, Vice Director of H3I, presided over the ceremony.
During his speech, Dong Zhuoning warmly welcomed all the young French visitors who had come from afar. He pointed out that youth exchange has always been the cornerstone of friendly relations between nations. He hoped that young people from China and France could become envoys of cultural exchange and contribute to the bridge of friendship between the two countries.
△ Dong Zhuoning delivered a speech
Gaëlle Ringot, the teacher representative of the French delegation, expressed her sincere gratitude for the invitation from H3I and conveyed her keen expectations for deepening cooperation between the two sides in the future.
△ Gaëlle Ringot delivered a speech
Representatives of Chinese and French students took turns to share their thoughts. Chinese students reflected on their tour to France, and quoted the Chinese saying “A bosom friend afar brings a distant land near” to describe the friendship among young people. Drawing on their experiences in China, French students glimpsed the harmony and differences between the two cultures through local cuisines, demonstrating a positive attitude of mutual respect and mutual learning among young people from different cultural backgrounds.
△ A student from ZFAI delivered a speech
△ A student from Lycée Joffre delivered a speech
Subsequently, in the presence of Pan Changqing and Dong Zhuoning, Yuan Weike, Qiu Guoqiang, Frédéric GENTY, and Zhang Wei jointly presented flags to the teacher representatives of the delegation. The two flags, carrying hope and friendship, will be taken back to France, sowing the seeds of regular and periodic exchanges in the future.
Distinctive courses and wonderful activities
H3I meticulously crafted distinctive courses and activities for visiting French students during their two-week tour.
△ In the classroom of H3I, students explored the Math and Physics foundation courses through intellectual discussions
△ In the laboratory, students experienced the charm of cutting-edge technology and unleashed their boundless creativity
△ During the cuisine experience activity, students made and savored dumplings in the cafeteria, appreciating the rich and profound Chinese food culture
△ In the extensive communication with Chinese teachers and students, French students shared their everyday moments, academic insights, and life aspirations
△ During the friendly basketball game, young Chinese and French players sweated it out, demonstrating teamwork and sportsmanship and enhancing their mutual friendship
△ Students visited the Exhibition on Achievements in China-France Cooperation in Education over the Past 100 Years
Understanding Zhejiang, experiencing China
In addition to their campus activities, French students strolled in the beautiful city of Hangzhou, immersing themselves in traditional Chinese culture and appreciating the stunning natural scenery.
△ During the “Meng Shan Jing” tea ceremony experience activity in Jingshan Tea Culture Park, French students personally savored the delicacy and charm of traditional Chinese tea art
△ At the cultural experience workshop of the Party and Mass Center in Pingyao Town, French students got hands-on with ancient techniques such as lacquer fan making, rubbing, and paper umbrella making
△ During their visit to Pingyao Middle School, French students shared and discussed their insights on drone design, programming, and application with their Chinese counterparts
△ Young people strolled together in natural scenic spots, marveling at the magnificence and wonder of nature
The rich exchange activities these days are rewarding. Let’s listen to the thoughts of Chinese and French students.
Wang Yifan
It is precisely such cross-border exchange activity that allows us to explore the world with our feet and feel the warmth of culture with our hearts. As the ancient Chinese saying goes, “Those who share the same aspirations do not consider mountains and seas as distant”. I believe that through our joint efforts, this cross-border friendship will last forever.
Li Minghua
I am honored to participate in this exchange activity with young French students. Through this period of interaction, I deeply appreciate the charm of cultural exchange, especially our friendly basketball game, which brings us many good memories!
As the famous French writer Marcel Proust said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” H3I will stay committed to the philosophy of “high standard, innovative mechanism, and international cooperation”. On the one hand, it will continue to expand its exchange programs with overseas schools, and enrich the connotation of cooperation and the forms and contents of exchanges, thereby providing more opportunities for young Chinese and foreign people to broaden their international horizons. On the other hand, through more diverse forms such as summer schools, scientific research cooperation, and cultural practices, H3I will turn exchanges from “plans” to “norms” and transform partnerships from “programs” to “bonds”, thereby further promoting cultural exchange between young people in China and other counterparts.
We hope that all young students keep an open mind, bravely pursue their dreams, and constantly explore the unknown world. Let’s move forward hand in hand and create a beautiful future for both China and France in the name of youth. YES! TO THE FUTURE!
Approved by Dong Zhuoning, Zhang Wei, Xu Ran
Edited by Yuan Xiaohui
