Bridging Cultures and Shaping Futures

This summer marks the first quarter of a successful new study abroad partnership between the Global Study Program and Shandong Agriculture University. The Chinese university sent 13 graduate students to the three-month credit-bearing program at UC Davis to study food science and microbiology, among other courses, to increase their agricultural expertise and help promote agricultural development in the province of Shandong. Funding for the program was secured during a visit to UC Davis by Shandong Agriculture University delegates in April 2024. UC Davis will welcome another group of students in winter 2025. 

This innovative partnership gives high-achieving Shandong Ag graduate students the opportunity to live the UC Davis life, with world-class academics in a peaceful college campus. They walk away with an increased understanding of their area of study, new academic and professional skills, improved English language competencies, broadened perspectives, greater self-confidence and lifelong friendships. Their journey showcases the strength of international partnerships and the importance of global education in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. 

Before returning to China, a few of the students sat down with us to share their thoughts on what it was like to study at UC Davis. Here's a look at their inspiring stories and the lasting impact of their time in California. 

Fengyi Qu (曲峰毅) – Agronomy Grad Student 

Fengyi thoroughly enjoyed the vibrant academic environment at UC Davis. "The classroom atmosphere was fantastic, and the professors were not only knowledgeable but also very approachable," he shared. One of his favorite experiences was the lively discussions in his food science class, where he learned about the evolution of food and dispelled misconceptions about dietary habits. 

Outside of class, Fengyi embraced the friendly and supportive environment at UC Davis, often collaborating with classmates during study sessions at the library. "We studied for our finals together on the second floor of the library—it was a great way to prepare and bond with my peers." 

Fengyi’s experience broadened his critical thinking skills, and he now looks forward to applying these new insights to his research back at Shandong Agriculture University. “The Global Study Program will inspire my thinking in experiments, as well as my methods and design for conducting them.” 

Junyan Chen (陈俊芫) – Agriculture Ph.D. Student 

Research Focus: Genetics of corn, wheat and soybeans 

Junyan enjoyed the dynamic learning environment at UC Davis and the interactive lectures where students asked questions freely. "The professors here really encouraged us to engage, and I found that to be an incredible part of the learning experience," she said. 

Junyan benefited from the opportunity to immerse herself in the English language both through lectures in the classroom and her personal study time. “Learning the specialized biological terms in English has greatly improved my ability to read academic papers in English. It will help me with writing papers and reading academic literature,” she said. “Additionally, many of the materials and equipment used in my Ph.D. experiments have English technical terms, so this experience has been very valuable in improving my understanding and application of them.” 

Junyan also appreciated the fun, welcoming atmosphere at UC Davis and often took part in activities on and off campus, such as visiting the Davis Farmer’s Market, joining along in bowling and billiards, and exploring American grocery stores. “I love Davis. It’s warm, clean and comfortable,” she said. “The Global Study Program has had a significant impact on both my personal and academic growth.”

Shuqi Guo (郭淑琪) – First-Year Agriculture Grad Student 

Research Focus: Regulating wheat flowering 

Shuqi found her time at UC Davis to be transformative, particularly in terms of self-confidence and academic growth. "I can clearly feel a change in myself—I used to be shy and lack confidence, but now I am more courageous and independent,” she said. “I try different methods to solve problems and, when faced with challenges in life or research, I’m more comfortable discussing them with friends and professors." 

Shuqi excelled in the structured and rigorous academic environment at UC Davis, receiving an A+ for her final grade in Introduction to Microbiology. Beyond academics, Shuqi enjoyed visiting nearby attractions like Napa, Sacramento and San Francisco. Her newfound confidence and broadened perspectives have pushed her to learn more, and she’s even considering pursuing a Ph.D. or postdoctoral position at UC Davis. “This program has inspired me to aim higher and consider further academic opportunities.” 

Xinzhan Zhao (赵新展) – Second-Year Agriculture Grad Student 

Research Focus: Disease resistance in wheat, specifically related to rust disease 

Xinzhan’s time at UC Davis was filled with moments of discovery and connection. “The program enriched my understanding of global perspectives through its diverse and open environment,” she said, adding that she loved spending time gathering with everyone at the International Center. 

Xinzhan also appreciated the academic structure at UC Davis, where she said she was able to improve her English vocabulary and increase her understanding of specific academic concepts in detail. “UC Davis is at the forefront of academic research, and the courses I took in microbiology and food science felt different from what I had learned before, incorporating more up-to-date research advancements,” said Xinzhan. She enjoyed the interactive teaching style at UC Davis, with professors encouraging students to ask questions and participate in discussions. “The program has changed my way of thinking, especially in terms of being more proactive,” said Xinzhan. “I plan to ask more questions and actively communicate with my professors about the progress of my experiments at Shandong Agriculture University.” 

She also embraced new learning technologies like Canvas and ChatGPT to help with her studies, making her academic journey more efficient and enjoyable. “I would definitely recommend this program! It’s a great opportunity to broaden your horizons and experience different cultures.” 

Junhao Jiang (蒋俊豪) – Agronomy Grad Student 

Research Focus: Wheat and corn genetics 

For Junhao, one of the most valuable aspects of his UC Davis experience was the enriching cultural exchanges. "Living with an American family was amazing—they made the best beef burgers, and it really helped me improve my English," he said. The immersive nature of the homestay gave him a deeper understanding of American culture and allowed him to practice his English in real-life situations. 

Academically, he found the microbiology course particularly useful for his research on agricultural pests and diseases. "I attended six classes a week, and we had over a dozen quizzes—it was intense, but it really pushed me to improve," he noted. 

Junhao also loved the freedom that the UC Davis campus offered, often biking through the quiet streets or exploring nearby attractions like San Francisco and Sacramento on the weekends. “What I liked most about my time here was the beautiful environment in Davis. It’s a small, peaceful and harmonious town that felt perfect for studying and relaxing.” His favorite memory was orientation day. “It was unforgettable—everything felt so new and exciting, and it left a lasting impression on me." 

Upon his return to Shandong, he is looking forward to using his improved English skills in his academics. “The program has been very helpful for reading academic papers in English, which will benefit my studies at Shandong Agriculture University,” he shared. “My grammar has also improved, making it easier for me to understand and write research papers more effectively.” 

As these students return to China, they bring with them a wealth of knowledge, memories and the inspiration to continue their academic pursuits.