Beyond Borders: CFI Students Explore Science, Culture, and Adventure in Beijing

A Summer Camp Like No Other

This summer, CFI students traveled halfway around the world for an experience that blended science, culture, and unforgettable adventure. Our International Summer Camp at Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT) offered a rare chance for students to live on a Chinese university campus, learn from expert professors, and explore some of China’s most famous landmarks.

From the moment we arrived, the week was packed with excitement. Students enjoyed campus tours, calligraphy workshops, lab experiments, martial arts training, historic landmarks, and even late-night games of Spoons in the dorms.

First Impressions and Cultural Connections

Our first days at BUCT set the stage for a journey of exploration and friendship. Students were welcomed with an orientation and a campus history tour that revealed the university’s role in creating China’s first color film and most popular household lotion.

Cultural classes soon followed, from learning the traditions of major Chinese festivals to hands-on calligraphy sessions. Meals became mini adventures, with students pointing, gesturing, and laughing their way through ordering in the bustling canteen. By night, the campus came alive with basketball games, bike rides, and movie marathons.

Hands-On Science in World-Class Labs

The academic side of camp was just as thrilling as the cultural exploration. Students learned about molecular modeling from Dr. Hui Li, toured China’s largest teaching chemistry laboratories, and later stepped inside BUCT’s high-tech Virtual Reality Studio to see how artificial intelligence is transforming education.

The highlight came when students donned lab coats and safety goggles for a full day of chemistry experiments. They worked on projects ranging from preparing transparent soap to determining vitamin C content in tablets, then presented their findings to peers and faculty in an impressive display of scientific skill.

Exploring Beijing’s Icons

No trip to Beijing is complete without seeing its most famous landmarks. Students explored the sprawling courtyards and ornate gates of the Forbidden City, shopped and sampled snacks in the city’s vibrant markets, and faced the challenge of climbing the Great Wall of China. Whether riding the cable car or taking every step from the base, the view from the top and the cheers of encouragement made it all worth it.

We also visited the Summer Palace, where winding gardens, lakeside paths, and a boating adventure brought history to life. Olympic Park, with its underground shopping center, offered a refreshing break from the summer heat.

Friendship, Fun, and Unforgettable Moments

One of the most memorable parts of camp was connecting with BUCT students. Cross-cultural games of Mafia in both English and Chinese broke language barriers and sparked new friendships. A LEGO team challenge encouraged creativity and collaboration, while martial arts classes became both a skill-building activity and a central part of our closing ceremony.

There were also the little moments that made the trip special, such as trying the spiciest food on campus, running through a mountain rainstorm during gongfu practice, and laughing about the “worst dessert ever” at a Michelin-recommended restaurant.

A Lasting Impact

By the end of our time at BUCT, students had gained more than souvenirs and snapshots. They built friendships across cultures, learned advanced scientific concepts, challenged themselves physically, and stepped far outside their comfort zones.

We returned home with a deeper appreciation for the world, a stronger sense of independence, and stories that will be told for years to come.

Here’s to more adventures that inspire curiosity, courage, and connection.