Bucknell Global Summer – China
Summer 2027 Program
Applications are now open
Application deadline: December 1, 2026.
Explore the program
AN IMMERSIVE THREE-WEEK COURSE
Bucknell Global Summer
China 2026 Program
Exploring China’s political economy through science, technology, education, culture and place.
3
weeks in China
14
Bucknell students
4
major destinations
1
HFUT partnership
UNIV 200: The Political Economy of China: Science, Technology and Education
China’s development,
studied up close
The Bucknell Global Summer – China 2026 Program is a three-week intensive course on the political economy of China today, with particular emphasis on scientific development and education.
Through seminars, collaborative learning and site visits, students examined the forces behind China’s rapid progress in science and technology, the challenges of sustaining growth and the global implications of technological change—including the evolving context of U.S.–China competition.
Faculty co-leaders
Professor Shu-Ming (Carl) Lin · Economics
Professor Zhiqun Zhu · Political Science and International Relations
SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY
China’s EV: Innovation in practice
Visits connected course themes with real-world technological change. At NIO and other learning sites, students gained first-hand perspectives on electric vehicles, smart systems, new energy and China’s industrial transformation.
Electric vehicles · New energy · Smart systems
LEARNING THROUGH PLACE
A journey across four
settings
01
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
Shanghai
The program opened with an introduction to China’s global commercial role, including a conversation at the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.
02
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY
Hefei
At Hefei University of Technology, students studied alongside local peers, explored regional development and joined workshops in language, arts and everyday culture.
03
LANDSCAPE AND HERITAGE
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Field experiences connected tea production, village life and environmental context with visits to Hongcun and the dramatic landscapes of Mount Huangshan.
04
HISTORY AND INNOVATION
Beijing
In Beijing, visits to the Forbidden City and other historic sites were paired with professional conversations, including a visit to Boeing’s Beijing office.
CULTURE THROUGH PARTICIPATION
Learning with
head, hand, and heart
Chinese language games, calligraphy, knot-making, kung fu and tea culture turned observation into participation. Students learned from HFUT teachers, volunteers and peers—building confidence, curiosity and lasting friendships.
UNIVERSITY EXCHANGE
Conversations that
cross cultures
Small-group collaboration brought Bucknell and HFUT students together to compare experiences, test assumptions and explore how education shapes social and economic life.
“Despite the language barrier, the staff were always patient, accommodating and eager to help—and the local community was very friendly.”
STUDENT REFLECTIONS
What students
carried home
“The knowledge and memories I gained during Bucknell in China summer program are unparalleled, and they will continue to foster my academic and professional growth for years to come.”
— Student 1
“My experience was incredibly rewarding, I enjoyed the cultural activities and excursions to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and the ancient towns, and because our group was small, I was able to form meaningful connections with everyone and make friendships that I believe will last well beyond the program.”
— Student 2
“Bucknell in China at HFUT was a life changing study abroad program for me. I was able to experience to true essence of Hefei through the warm welcome of HFUT faculty and student volunteers. I made so many new friends in Hefei and had so many first hand experience with traditional Chinese culture that I would not have otherwise. Industry excursions arranged for us allowed me to better understand the growing automobile industry in China. Overall, I am uttermost thankful for everyone who made this experience memorable.”
— Student 3
PROGRAM MOMENTS
Inquiry, friendship, and
discovery
BUCKNELL IN CHINA SUMMER 2026 PROGRAM
Economy & Technology
Human connection
