By Changyang Liu, ISB Government Affairs, with editing by Nick Yates, ISB Communications
Published on Friday, August 16, 2024
Challenging and joyful learning continued over the vacation at the International School of Beijing (ISB), where 11 students have just completed a liberal arts summer program affiliated to the Ivy League’s Columbia University.
Columbia University Symposium Club offered a dynamic blend of Columbia core courses, cultural immersion, and creative project design, providing participating students with an immersive and intellectually stimulating experience over 10 days.
The free-of-charge program attracted significant interest, receiving more than 50 applications from students in Beijing and further afield. Three of the successful applicants came from ISB. The group also included students from schools in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and the United States.
They delved into world classics such as Agamemnon, Siddhartha Gautama, and Mencius and were encouraged to reflect on their identities in contemporary society while interacting with esteemed educators for valuable academic insights.
The group visited Beijing's Temple of Heaven
The ISB Government Affairs Office introduced the program leaders and students to Chinese culture through activities that showcased China’s rich traditions and customs. A Government Affairs Student Ambassador also familiarized participants with the ISB campus, providing them with a deeper understanding of the leading education that’s on offer here and the Dragon Spirit in the ISB community.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with one student remarking, “The program provided a brand-new way of studying and learning, which makes me think deeply about myself in this world.” Both students and program leaders expressed gratitude for an unforgettable and inspiring summer experience.
The collaboration underscores the role of global educational partnerships in fostering the next generation of leaders and promoting a spirit of inquiry and discovery.