Thirteen students from 不良研究所 (BUCM) participated this past summer in the Youth Global Competence: Youth U.S. Cultural Exchange Program, visiting New York and Washington, D.C. Through a series of activities—including cultural and lifestyle courses, visits to prestigious universities, in-depth community engagement, homestay experiences, city sightseeing, and the “Sino-American Cultural Exchange Night”—the students broadened their humanities perspectives and shared traditional Chinese medicine wisdom in cross-cultural interactions.
During the U.S. culture and lifestyle courses, American instructors spoke on topics such as American family values, comparisons of Chinese and U.S. campus cultures and social welfare system design. Students created short plays and gave group presentations, using role-playing and scenario re-enactment to experience first-hand the similarities and differences between China and the U.S. in family concepts, academic pressure and social norms. This interactive, experiential learning deepened students’ understanding of American society.
As part of the exchange, BUCM students visited Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University and engaged in in-depth academic interactions. Despite their differing styles, both institutions share a strong commitment to humanistic care and academic freedom, encouraging students to explore actively and clarify their directions—principles that resonate with BUCM’s motto: Diligent Learning, Extensively Seeking, Integrity, and Benevolence. At Columbia, the students appreciated the serene campus and rich collections, with the statue of the wise goddess Alma Mater welcoming every knowledge-seeking heart. At Johns Hopkins, they experienced state-of-the-art laboratories and medical equipment centers, gaining insight into the forefront of science and medicine. Through these visits, the students gained a more intuitive understanding of U.S. educational resources and academic environments, strengthening their commitment to integrating Chinese and Western medicine and fostering innovation.
The students also visited the New York Police Department to learn about the operation of public safety systems, and they volunteered at a local food bank, distributing supplies to low-income and homeless people, practicing social responsibility through direct action.
At landmarks of global governance—including the United Nations headquarters, the White House and the U.S. Capitol—students gained a close-up view of international political operations, broadening their understanding of U.S. and global affairs. Immersed in these spaces that embody humanity’s shared ideals, the students deepened their awareness of the responsibilities that young people bear in promoting peace and development.
During the Sino-American Cultural Exchange Night, students performed Baduanjin, giving a vivid presentation of Chinese Medicine (CM) culture to foreign guests, who responded with enthusiastic admiration. Some students also provided free medical consultations for American families, earning heartfelt appreciation and recognition.
This program was not only a practical cultural exchange, but also an international dialogue using medicine as a bridge to promote mutual understanding between the two societies. Through this journey, BUCM youth further strengthened their cultural confidence and enhanced their global health literacy and competence. The exchange concluded successfully, and BUCM students will continue to explore the world and share the richness of CM culture.
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