Global Gen Z Discovers the Soul of Shanghai through ‘Future Experience Officer’ Program

 

By He Yuhan, Qin Yaolu, Yu Liangyi

Translated by Guo Yishun

From skyscrapers to calligraphy, from street food to Confucian temples, 22 young people from around the world spent eight days diving deep into Shanghai’s heart. What they walked away with wasn’t just knowledge—but trust, friendship, and a newfound sense of belonging.

On the evening of April 11, the British Hall at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)’s Hongkou campus buzzed with youthful energy as the opening ceremony of the International Youth “Future Experience Officer” Program officially kicked off. Jointly organized by SISU’s School of Journalism and Communication and the UK Bureau of Nouvelles d’Europe, the initiative brought together 22 Generation Z participants from across the globe for an immersive eight-day exploration of Shanghai’s culture, history, and innovation.

“This program is designed to guide international youth through Shanghai’s unique blend of East and West,” said Professor Wu Ying, Dean of the SJC. “It’s about fostering global understanding through shared experience.”

Participants mingled over a courtyard dinner, then broke the ice through humorous introductions that set the tone for a week of laughter, discovery, and meaningful exchange. “Friendship, vision, and fun” were the program’s guiding themes, according to project director Professor Guo Ke, who underscored the power of people-to-people connections in today’s international climate.

Yu Liangyi, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Nouvelles d’Europe (UK), encouraged students to share their Shanghai stories back home and become storytellers of cultural connection.

Over the next week, the participants immersed themselves in every facet of Shanghai life. They marveled at the view from the 263-meter-high observation deck of the Oriental Pearl Tower and cruised the Huangpu River at night, with the illuminated skyline casting reflections of Shanghai’s ambition and global stature.

“I’d only visited Beijing and Shandong before—this is my first time in Shanghai,” said Thomas from the UK. “The night view is breathtaking. It truly lives up to its reputation as China’s economic hub.”

At the Porsche Experience Center, Gen Z thrill-seekers test-drove luxury sports cars and tried high-speed simulators, learning about cutting-edge automotive technologies that define Shanghai’s innovation.

In contrast, the group also dove deep into China’s rich cultural heritage. Under the guidance of local artisans, they practiced Tai Chi, painted with traditional brushes, and tried their hand at intricate paper-cutting. “I never imagined I could make something so beautiful,” said Maria from the U.S., admiring her finished window-paper artwork.

Each student received a handcrafted zodiac-themed paper cut, while a visit to Jiading’s 800-year-old Confucian Temple stirred thoughtful questions about Chinese philosophy and tradition. The Shanghai Museum East Branch further broadened their appreciation with ancient ceramics, calligraphy, and elegant brush paintings.

Beyond landmarks and museums, the youths discovered everyday Shanghai life. At the Jiaxing Road Subdistrict Community Center, they played ping pong with elderly residents and learned about the center’s multipurpose social services. A visit to the pet-friendly Qingyun Bookstore offered a glimpse of how the city designs family- and animal-friendly public spaces.

“The UK has similar centers, but Shanghai’s are more advanced, larger, and better integrated,” observed Elliot. “It’s amazing for residents here.”

A modest lunch at a community canteen provided further insight into the practical quality of urban life, leaving many impressed by the city’s efforts to make services affordable and accessible.

A highlight of the week was the media dialogue session hosted by Shanghai United Media Group, where international participants exchanged views with local journalists from SHINE, Sixth Tone, and China News Service. Alex, a foreign expert at Shanghai Daily, shared his viral story “From ‘Foreigner’ to ‘Shanghai Drifter’,” resonating deeply with the group.

SISU volunteers—many of them journalism students—served as cultural guides, interpreters, and embedded reporters, facilitating smooth travel while conducting one-on-one interviews for final reflections. These candid conversations unearthed personal insights and hopes for future collaboration.

“This wasn’t my first trip to China, but it was the first time I truly felt China,” said Amelia Slight from Oxford University. “Exploring the city with peers made me feel like I was part of it—not just a tourist.”

At the closing ceremony on April 18, students surprised their local volunteers with six handmade scrapbooks, filled with thank-you notes in beginner’s Chinese and heartfelt English messages. The words chosen to describe the week—爽 (“cool”), “enjoy,” and “friendship”—summed up a journey marked by mutual appreciation.

Professor Guo Ke closed the event by reflecting on the program’s deeper impact: “We’ve built triple-layered trust—cultural trust with our international youth, institutional trust with Nouvelles d’Europe, and generational trust with our volunteers. This is the hallmark of effective global communication.”