By Danielle Duan and Eaindray Aung
During the inter-semester break, an international group of AIT students participated in a prestigious two-week Global Summer School offered by Tsinghua University at its vibrant campus in Shenzhen, China.
Standing out from 2,000 applicants across the world, 6 AIT students with different backgrounds were successfully admitted to the Institute of Future Human Habitats (iFHH), Institute of Ocean Engineering (iOE), Institute of Environment and Ecology (iEE) and the Institute of Data and Information (iDI) of the host university Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS). Participants attended lectures delivered by acclaimed Tsinghua faculty.
The academic and cultural program expanded students’ global competence through international exchange, cross-cultural collaboration and fostered their innovation and entrepreneurship skills. It welcomed a total of 110 participants from 63 universities across 34 countries.
After a 10-day learning and customized experiential program, Natural Resources Management Master’s student Eaindray Aung won the “Most Engaged Participants” Award. “I felt grateful and honored as one of the two Myanmar students to study together with talented peer participants from prestigious international backgrounds,” Eaindray said.
The 2024 SIGS Global Summer School from June 24 to July 5, 2024 was jointly hosted by the SIGS Office of Global Affairs and its Admissions Office. The Emerging Markets International Cooperation, Office of International and Public Affairs, AIT, facilitated the students’ participation.
Eaindray Aung, known as “Eain Kalay” from Myanmar and is currently enrolled in Natural Resources Management Program, at the AIT School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD). She shares her experiences during the Shenzhen Summer Exchange Program at the Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS) located in Shenzhen, China.
By Eaindray Aung
In early February 2024, I received an email from my school “SERD” with the subject “ Call for Application: Tsinghua SIGS Global Summer School 2024” about the Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS) Global Summer School (GSS) 2024 held in Shenzhen, China. Then, after I read about the eligibility and the program description, I decided to apply, drawn by the opportunity to choose from various institutes that aligned with my interests and academic background. I began gathering all the necessary documents, including some from AIT and some personal ones, and submitted my application for the Institute of Environment and Ecology (iEE) program.
Approximately two months later, in the first week of April, I received an acceptance email. My joy was immense, marking the beginning of my journey to China which was the first international exchange program in my life!
Preparing for my visa application was a new experience for me but, fortunately, the process took only a week to complete, and by the last week of April I had my visa in hand. I am immensely grateful to the Office of International and Public Affairs and to my advisors, professors, ADB-JSP and scholarship providers for their support, especially since I needed financial assistance for this exchange program. The entire process, while neither easy nor overly difficult, was a valuable learning experience, teaching me a lot about perseverance and preparation.
On the morning of June 24, 2024, I arrived at the International Building of SIGS, where we would stay for the duration of the program. Despite language barriers, Google Translate proved to be an invaluable tool to reach the school from Shenzhen’s airport. Experienced and talented volunteers from the program arranged our rooms and provided us with tags and all the necessary items for our stay. Their warm welcome made me feel at home right away.
The program officially started on June 25, featuring two main activity categories: one organized by the GSS team and the other by the institute. The orientation program was both informative and comprehensive, allowing us to meet people from diverse backgrounds and forge international friendships. We also enjoyed a hands-on clay activity led by an art teacher, where we each created a unique panda sculpture. The day ended with a fun dinner at the canteen, making Day 1 as a time full of excitement.
The Summer School from iEE began with a warm welcome at the Energy and Environment Building. As I registered and received my schedule, I felt a sense of anticipation. The welcome speech and introduction to iEE and our presentation tasks set the stage for the week. The morning’s ice breaker games helped us connect with fellow participants, breaking down barriers and creating a friendly atmosphere. In the afternoon, we visited a laboratory where we observed cutting-edge research and innovative experiments. This visit underscored the importance of hands-on learning and provided a preview of the week ahead. It was fascinating to see advanced equipment and methodologies being used to tackle environmental challenges, sparking my eagerness to delve deeper into the topics we would explore.
The second day featured an insightful lecture on environmental genomics by Professor Yang Yunfeng. His talk on monitoring greenhouse gas emissions using air pollution sensors in space was both enlightening and thought-provoking. The complexity and significance of environmental genomics were made clear, inspiring us to see how technology could address pressing global issues. The day continued with a lecture by Professor Matteo Convertino on EcoStress, exploring the intricate interactions within ecosystems. His presentation highlighted the delicate balance within natural systems and the impacts of human activity. I engaged with questions, connecting them with my background knowledge and interest in environmental issues. In the afternoon, we visited the Futian Mangrove Ecological Park. This visit was a highlight, allowing us to witness the beauty and importance of mangrove ecosystems firsthand. The education center provided additional insights into the park’s conservation efforts and the role of mangroves in combating climate change. Walking through the park, I was struck by the resilience and adaptability of these ecosystems and their crucial role in maintaining environmental health.
The third day took us to the Shenzhen Water Group Xili Renewable Water Plant. The visit included a tour of the plant and a hands-on water sampling activity. This practical experience emphasized the significance of water sustainability and the innovative techniques used to ensure water quality. Seeing the processes involved in water treatment and reclamation was eye-opening, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices. It made me think about my country (Myanmar), realizing the need to manage wastewater before discharging it into rivers. After lunch, we returned to the university for an extensive session on testing and analyzing reclaimed water samples.
On the fourth day, we visited the Shenzhen Energy and Environmental Protection Co., Ltd. The company tour provided insights into their cutting-edge technologies and efforts in effective waste management from industrial and household for environmental protection. It was inspiring to see a company so dedicated to sustainability and innovation. The afternoon was dedicated to learning about membrane technology and fabricating water filtration membranes. This hands-on activity was both challenging and rewarding, highlighting the complexities and innovations in water purification. It was a tangible reminder of how scientific advancements can directly impact and improve environmental outcomes.
The final day was dedicated to preparing and presenting our projects under the theme of “Carbon Neutrality.” The morning was a flurry of activity as we finalized our presentations, ensuring they were polished and impactful. The afternoon’s presentations were a testament to the hard work and creativity of all participants. Each presentation reflected the diverse perspectives and insights we had gained throughout the week. The scoring discussion and iEE award ceremony were moments of recognition and celebration, capping off a week of intense learning and collaboration. The closing ceremony and group photo marked the end of an incredible journey. Reflecting on the week, I realized how much I had learned and how many connections I had made. The knowledge gained and friendships formed are invaluable, broadening my understanding of environmental and ecological issues and inspiring me to pursue further studies and careers in this field.
During the weekends, we visited museums, beaches, and innovative companies like a smart home company and BGI Genomics. These visits provided additional experiences and exposure for our future career pathways. One memorable evening was filled with the enjoyment of a Chinese Opera night, showcasing the rich culture of China.
As the 10-day program came to a close, we reflected on what we had learned, who we had met, and what we had contributed. This critical reflection was meaningful and rewarding. I was honored to receive the award for “The Most Engaged Participant,” a recognition given to one participant from each institute based on our engagement and this achievement served as a motivation for future participants.
Participating in the 2024 iEE Global Summer School was a life-changing experience. It provided me with a deeper understanding of environmental and ecological issues and inspired me to pursue further studies and careers in this field. I strongly encourage my fellow students to seize such opportunities. The chance to learn from experts, engage in hands-on activities, and connect with like-minded individuals is unparalleled. My heartfelt gratitude goes to the organizers, lecturers, and fellow participants for making this experience so enriching. The iEE Global Summer School has left a lasting impression on me, and I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I’ve gained in my future endeavors. This journey has not only enhanced my academic and professional aspirations but also enriched my personal growth, leaving me with memories and lessons that will last a lifetime.
Danielle Duan is Head, Emerging Markets and International Cooperation, Office of International and Public Affairs and Eaindray Aung is a Master’s student in the Natural Resources Management Program, at the AIT School of Environment, Resources and Development, AIT.
(Photos credit: Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS) and AIT Students)
