From October 27 to November 28, 2025, the Ocean and Climate international Short-Term Program hosted by the School of Atmospheric Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), was successfully held on Zhuhai Campus. Seventeen international students from Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and other countries have enjoyed a 4-week immersive learning and cultural exchange experience. Funded by the China Scholarship Council and based on universities' cooperation memorandums, the program built an interdisciplinary platform for talent cultivation and educational exchange in international marine-related fields. They not only gained professional knowledge but also forged profound friendships with teachers and students in China.
At the opening ceremony on October 31, Professor Weidong Yu, Vice Dean of the School, delivered a welcome speech, introducing SYSU's research basis and strength in atmospheric sciences, marine sciences, earth sciences, and other fields，which excited the students greatly.
The curriculum focuses on professional core and practical application, covering key modules such as the Asian monsoon, sea-atmosphere coupling mode, extreme weather and climate disasters, urban meteorology, carbon cycle, marine ecological protection, and marine history and culture. Drawing on senior professors from the School of Atmospheric Sciences, School of Marine Sciences, School of Geography and Planning, and Department of History, the program integrates theoretical lectures, case analyses, laboratory visits, and cutting-edge seminars to foster interdisciplinary knowledge integration, balance academic depth with practical value, and help students build a systematic professional knowledge system.
To help international students quickly settle down on Zhuhai Campus, the School of Atmospheric Sciences set up a student volunteer team, offering comprehensive professional support for administrative tasks and campus navigation.
Meanwhile, the program organized a series of cultural activities for students to explore Chinese culture and Zhuhai's unique charm after class:
Visiting Tangjia Ancient Town and SYSU South Campus to gain deeper understanding about the Lingnan's cultural heritage and the university's history;
Making dumplings, joining badminton games, and costume & food exchange events to strengthen friendships and promote international communication;
Visiting the Zhuhai Marine Culture Science Popularization Center, Qi'ao Island Mangrove Forest, the "ZHONG SHAN DA XUE" research vessel, and the Space Telescope Exhibition Hall to get an up-close look at ecological protection efforts and cutting-edge scientific research.
By blending cultural activities with professional practice, cross-cultural exchanges moved beyond the classroom—sparking inspiring ideas and fostering deep friendships in a relaxed atmosphere.
Yu noted that this short-term program is a key step for the School to boost international exchange and cooperation in the new era. Its success has, on one hand, given Southeast Asian students access to a high-quality platform for cutting-edge knowledge and practices in atmospheric sciences—supporting the development of a marine talent pipeline in the "Belt and Road" region. On the other hand, it has deepened international collaboration through joint talent training, promoted China-ASEAN cooperation in marine climate governance, and injected youthful energy into global marine ecological protection and climate sustainability.
Though the four-week learning and exchange program has ended, the journey of friendship and cooperation between Chinese and international students has just begun. Moving forward, our school will continue to deepen international educational exchanges, build more high-level global platforms, and make greater contributions to fostering talent, driving academic innovation, and facilitating cultural integration in relevant fields worldwide.
Source: School of Atmospheric Sciences
