From June 8 to 12, a familiar cross-border presence graced the campus of SDMPU. 13 faculty members and students from Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Service, California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), traveled across oceans for a five-day in-depth academic and cultural exchange program.
As the fourth reciprocal visit between the two institutions, this exchange was successfully approved for 2026 Young Envoys Scholarship(YES), building on the practical experience of signature China-U.S. people-to-people exchange activities. It has enriched the university’s experience in undertaking national-level China-U.S. cultural and people-to-people exchange initiatives, and laid a solid foundation for further in-depth academic cooperation and expanded cultural exchanges between the two sides.
Inauguration of Joint Training Base Marks a New Chapter in Cooperation
During the visit, the two universities jointly unveiled the plaque for Shandong Medical and Pharmaceutical University – California State University, Los Angeles Joint Training Base, establishing a regular mechanism for joint student training and reciprocal visits. This milestone move further deepened the partnership, following the official establishment of friendly cooperative relations last year.
At Binzhou Affiliated Hospital of SDMPU, the CSULA Nursing Internship and Training Base was officially inaugurated, creating an institutionalized platform for U.S. students to complete internships and practical training in China. Meanwhile, the nursing schools of the two universities reached a consensus on the joint Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and signed a memorandum of understanding. This marked a substantial breakthrough in the joint cultivation of high-end nursing professionals.
Immersive Experience: From Classrooms to Clinical Practice, Academics to Culture
The five-day schedule was packed with diverse activities. The U.S. guests visited both Yantai and Binzhou campuses, engaging in extensive interactions with faculty and students from the First School of Clinical Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Nursing, and Teaching Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. A series of academic lectures and cultural experience events were held throughout the visit.
At School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the U.S. faculty and students were amazed by experiences including moxibustion, tuina massage and traditional Chinese medicine identification. Many took out their phones to record the unique techniques of acupuncture and cupping therapy, and some even tried them under the guidance of professional TCM practitioners, gaining first-hand experience of the wisdom of Oriental medicine. At the Life Science Museum, the life story of Professor Wang Huxiang deeply touched all visitors. They felt the profound patriotism and dedication of the university’s predecessors, who devoted themselves to medical education and served the people wholeheartedly. At Binzhou Affiliated Hospital of SDMPU, the group toured the International Medical Department, Rehabilitation Hall, Obstetric LDR Unit and Wound Repair Department. They observed the clinical application of regenerative medical technologies and took part in trauma rescue simulation drills, gaining fruitful insights. At Student Activity Center, the guests enjoyed dragon and lion dances, learned Tai Chi sword and played table tennis, experiencing the charm of traditional Chinese culture amid laughter and joy. At the First School of Clinical Medicine, they attended the graduation commemoration for 2021 MEBO International Class. They got a taste of the vibrant educational atmosphere of Chinese universities, and developed a deeper understanding and recognition of the traditional Chinese virtues of respecting teachers and valuing education, as well as solidarity and friendship.
Reflections from U.S. Students
Mario Peregrino: This program struck a perfect balance between rigorous academic exchanges and lively cultural interactions. We toured the university’s state-of-the-art medical simulation laboratories and joined nursing students here in trauma rescue simulations. Working together in fast-paced clinical scenarios, we broke down language barriers and shared our passion for the medical profession. Beyond the labs, we took part in various extracurricular activities — from exploring the picturesque coastal city of Yantai to friendly table tennis matches filled with joy. I fully immersed myself in China’s education system and traditional culture. This impressive experience will definitely broaden my global vision as a future nursing practitioner.
Alexandra Salcedo: My study visit to SDMPU has been inspiring and unforgettable. The university boasts a warm, welcoming environment with a strong academic atmosphere, which has boosted my personal growth and professional development. Through classroom learning, cultural activities and in-depth communications with professors and peers, I have gained a broader understanding of healthcare, scientific research and international cooperation. Learning traditional Chinese medicine and culture, while sharing perspectives from my own cultural background, stands out as one of the most memorable parts of this trip. The teachers here are knowledgeable, passionate and supportive, making this learning journey all the more rewarding. I also truly cherish the friendships I have built during the program.
Kenny Najarro: My time at SDMPU was both educational and personally rewarding. A highlight was the visit to the Life Science Museum, also an anatomy museum. Observing anatomical specimens up close helped me better comprehend the complexity of the human body and brought many nursing theories to life. As a postgraduate student majoring in family nursing at CSULA, this valuable opportunity bridged classroom knowledge with real cases and enhanced my grasp of human anatomy. Overall, I leave here with immense gratitude. This experience allowed me to learn from medical professionals from another country and explore new perspectives in medicine, fostering my growth both personally and professionally. On my journey to becoming a family nurse, this visit has strengthened my commitment to lifelong learning and patient-centered care.
Youth as a Bond, Friendship Endures
From successive reciprocal visits in past years to the launch of the YES Program and the inauguration of joint training bases today, the partnership between the two universities has evolved from initial acquaintance to profound mutual understanding. Young students from both sides have forged strong bonds of friendship through constant exchanges of ideas and cultures. This exchange has not only consolidated the foundation for long-term cooperation between the two universities in medical education and talent cultivation, but also built a warm bridge for people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States with young people as the link. Face-to-face interactions have brought the youth of the two countries closer, enhanced mutual understanding and trust, and injected vibrant youthful energy into bilateral cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Jie Xinhui, monitor of the 2024 MEBO International Class: I took part in both the study tour to Los Angeles with the MEBO Class earlier this semester and the reception for visiting faculty and students from CSULA. These two cross-border exchange experiences have greatly improved my cross-cultural communication skills and broadened my global vision. I realize that despite differences in languages and regions, the benevolent heart of medical practitioners and the pursuit of excellence transcend national borders. In the days ahead, I will solidify my professional knowledge and polish my medical skills. I will make the most of the international platform built by the university and MEBO Group, strive to become a medical student with a global vision and a strong sense of patriotism. I also wish the cooperation between our two universities everlasting prosperity.
Looking ahead, SDMPU will fully implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions on opening up education in the new era. Adhering to the direction of running the university through high-level opening-up, the university will continue to deepen cooperation with CSULA in faculty and student exchanges, scientific research collaboration and joint curriculum development. It will contribute to cultivating talents in the health sector with international vision, and look forward to more young people from China and the U.S. meeting, growing and moving forward hand in hand on this campus.
BY: WANG Yan
SOURCE: International Cooperation and Exchanges Office
