Eighty-three undergraduate students from Duke University arrived at Duke Kunshan University on May 6 to begin the 2025 University Immersion Bootcamp for Duke Undergraduates to China, a 10-day academic and cultural exchange across three cities.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from John Quelch, executive vice chancellor and American president of Duke Kunshan, who emphasized the role of education in addressing shared global challenges.
“We envision this program not merely as a cultural immersion, but as a springboard for innovation and collective action,” Quelch said. “I hope you will generate new ideas, spark new inspiration and become builders of a better world.”
Quelch highlighted DKU’s ongoing mission to promote cross-border understanding and encouraged students to engage with key themes of the program: urban green spaces and environmental resilience, and public health and sustainable urban living.
Chancellor Yaolin Liu also addressed the students, welcoming them on behalf of the university and underscoring the importance of youth-driven cultural exchange.
“These memories will serve as a bridge between our two cultures, fostering greater understanding and friendship in the years to come,” Liu said.
Following the ceremony, students participated in a program orientation covering campus life, athletic programs, safety procedures, healthcare, and practical guidance on communication, transportation and payments in China, presented by DKU’s student experience, athletics, operations, health services and international relations teams.
The orientation concluded with two keynote lectures. Chuanhui Gu, associate professor of environmental science, spoke on “Opportunities and challenges for China’s sustainable development from the perspective of environmental science.” Fujie Xu, professor of global health and co-director of the global health program, gave a lecture titled “Health innovation in China and its potential value for global health.”
Students then participated in team-building and recreational sports activities on campus.
Over the next nine days, students will continue their journey through Kunshan, Nanjing and Beijing. The program includes field visits, expert discussions and academic exchanges with faculty and students at Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Peking University and Tsinghua University.
First launched in 2024, the bootcamp is part of DKU’s ongoing initiative to deepen Sino-American educational exchange and provide students with immersive, on-the-ground experiences in China.
