Embracing Cultural Diversity on Campus: EdUHK Summer Short-term Programme 2025
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) successfully hosted a newly initiated four-week Summer Short-term Programme (the Programme) from 19 July to 16 August 2025. This pilot initiative was jointly organised by the Office of the Vice President (Academic) and the Global Affairs Office. The Programme was specially designed to enhance cultural diversity and promote integration between local and non-local students on campus.
A diverse cohort of 105 non-local students from 24 overseas partner institutions represented a rich tapestry of backgrounds from around the globe, including Mainland China, Macao, Taiwan, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. This diversity exemplifies EdUHK’s dedication to fostering global learning and intercultural dialogue.
Participants engaged in two credit-bearing courses: one focused on deepening their understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications, particularly in education, offered by the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology; and another course that immersed them in Hong Kong’s dynamic culture, offered by the Department of Literature and Cultural Studies.
Beyond academics, the Programme featured a variety of local excursions, museum visits, and cultural workshops provided by the Student Affairs Office, aimed at enriching students’ exposure to Hong Kong’s unique heritage and contemporary lifestyle in diverse and vibrant ways. Students toured iconic landmarks around the city and participated in hands-on activities, such as crafting traditional Chinese paper kites and designing minibus signs. These engagements allowed participants to develop a stronger appreciation for cultural diversity and build lasting friendships across borders.
Students shared their reflections on the Programme. Maram from Umm Al-Qura University said, “As a student from Saudi Arabia, I enjoyed the courses, cultural activities, and the warm friendships I built with fellow students. The supportive environment made learning both fun and inspiring.” Jiatong from Northeast Normal University remarked, “The month at EdUHK was incredibly rewarding. I gained a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s rich culture and appreciated the meticulous preparations made by EdUHK and the warm assistance from student volunteers.” Elvira from Moscow City University added, “This Programme has given me much more than I ever imagined. I learned about AI and Hong Kong’s history, which inspired me to develop my skills and explore new cultures.”
This unique blend of academic and cultural experiences fostered meaningful interactions and dialogues, enabling local and non-local students to forge connections that transcend borders and backgrounds. Building on the overwhelming positive feedback from participants, the Programme will be rebranded into “EdUHK Summer School 2026” and expanded to accommodate 200 students for the summer of 2026. This expansion reflects EdUHK’s ongoing commitment to strengthening global partnerships while advancing internationalisation and cultural integration.
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