For finance undergraduate from China, Li, the University of Cambridge International Summer Programme was more than a summer course, it was a window into a future she hopes to build in the UK.
“As a sophomore, I’m planning to pursue my master’s degree in the UK,” she said. “I wanted to experience the teaching style and atmosphere here firsthand, and Cambridge felt like the perfect place to start.”
Her decision to attend was driven by curiosity and ambition, but the reality far surpassed her expectations. “What surprised me most was the incredible passion for learning among students of all ages,” she said. “There’s a Chinese saying, ‘活到老，学到老’, which means live and learn, and that spirit is truly alive here.”
The diversity of the classroom left a lasting impression. “Our group included students, professionals, and retirees from all over the world. It was such a rare and beautiful opportunity to learn alongside people from different generations and backgrounds.”
The academic sessions were equally impactful. “The teaching style was unlike anything I’d experienced before,” she said. “Rather than just receiving information, we were encouraged to engage, debate, and share ideas. The instructors were incredibly professional and used real-world examples to make complex topics accessible and relevant.”
Personally, the programme helped her grow in ways she hadn’t anticipated. “Being surrounded by such thoughtful and open-minded people gave me the confidence to speak up and share my views. It also inspired me to explore new paths for my future and solidified my goal of returning to the UK for postgraduate study.”
Although this was her first time attending the Summer Programme, she’s already thinking about coming back. “This summer was unforgettable, I’d love to return and keep learning in this amazing environment.”
Her advice to future students? “Choose a longer session if you can, time flies here! Be adventurous with your course choices, and don’t be shy. The friendships you make are just as valuable as the academic experience.”
If she had to sum it all up in one sentence: “It was a transformative summer that expanded my world, gave me a global network of friends, and solidified my passion for lifelong learning. The best 20th birthday gift I could have asked for.”
Step into the international classroom. Discover the official University of Cambridge International Summer Programme from Professional and Continuing Education.