China is a country where history and modernity intertwine seamlessly, and there is no better way to experience it than through an academic and cultural exchange. I had the privilege of joining the University Immersion Program (UIP) at Sichuan University in Chengdu—a two-week summer program designed for international faculties and students to immerse themselves in both Chinese academia and culture.

The University Immersion Program, initiated in 2012, is a unique annual program that gathers international professors and students to share knowledge and culture. It offers courses taught by professors from world-class universities, covering diverse fields such as natural sciences, medicine, arts, law, business, and literature. Beyond academics, UIP emphasizes experience and connection. Students and professors explore China’s past, present, and future through cultural activities, field trips, and meaningful exchanges. By 2024, over 1,400 experts from more than 30 countries have participated, offering over 1,600 English-taught courses. For students like me, UIP is a rare opportunity not just to learn but to connect with people from around the globe.


The program officially began on June 29, 2025. Students from different countries gathered at the James Joyce Hotel in Chengdu to prepare for the opening day. There were six students from Thailand, six students and two teachers from Laos, and I was the only participant from Indonesia. On the day of the opening ceremony, a teacher from Sichuan University came to our hotel to lead us to Wangjiang Campus, one of the university’s main campuses. To get there, we used Chengdu’s efficient metro system, a popular mode of transportation in China. I quickly learned that locals prefer the subway, buses, walking, or electric bicycles over taxis because of traffic complexity and high taxi fares. With metro tickets costing only 5–6 RMB (around Rp 13,000–14,000) even for long distances, it’s both affordable and convenient. After exiting the metro station near the campus, we walked to the ceremony venue. Wangjiang Campus is large and beautiful, with green spaces and traditional Chinese-style buildings blending with modern facilities.

Our schedule at Sichuan University felt similar to regular classes back home, with two 10-minute breaks during each session. My chosen major was literature and journalism, so I attended lectures on modern Chinese literature and psychology, taught by international professors. Most lessons were conducted in English, making them easy to follow while also giving us a chance to discuss assignments with peers from other countries. What impressed me most was the scale of Sichuan University’s campus. Unlike smaller universities where everything is centralized, here the cafeteria, library, and faculty buildings are spread across a vast area. It takes time to walk between buildings, which explains why students prefer bicycles to get around. Despite the challenge, it was exciting to navigate such a lively campus environment.

One of the highlights of UIP is the cultural learning experience. We explored Chengdu’s unique traditions and attractions, from learning about Chinese musical instruments to visiting the world-famous Panda Research Base. Each trip was both educational and memorable, offering insights into local culture and daily life. Chengdu is known for its relaxed lifestyle and rich cultural heritage. Experiencing this firsthand, whether through tasting local dishes, exploring historic streets, or participating in hands-on cultural activities, gave me a deeper understanding of what makes this city so special.