During my studies at Tsinghua University, I have always aspired to broaden my horizons by studying abroad. Fortunately, Tsinghua offers strong support in this regard, and the CAMPUS Asia program stands out as a highly valuable international exchange platform. This program not only helps students with most financial burdens but also provides rich opportunities for academic learning and cultural experiences. I chose to participate at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), a world-renowned leading institution in science and technology. The excellent research environment and advanced laboratory facilities at KAIST made this experience both rare and invaluable for me.

The program lasted one month, during which I joined the “Waste-Innovating Technologies for Humanity Lab” under Professor Myung’s guidance, focusing on research related to biodegradation. Beyond hands-on laboratory work, the program also included several meet-and-greet sessions, lunch meetings, Korean language classes, and cultural activities. Through conducting experiments on biodegradable materials, mastering their preparation, performance testing, and key parameter controls, I enhanced my research skills and deepened my understanding of environmental materials science by continuously optimizing experimental design and analyzing results.

Outside of research, my favorite part was the Korean cultural experience trip to Jeonju. Wearing traditional hanbok and walking through the ancient streets immersed me in Korea’s rich historical and cultural atmosphere. The most memorable moment was personally carving a seal with my Korean name, which gave me a profound appreciation for the subtlety and beauty of traditional culture. These cultural experiences not only enriched my international perspective but also sparked a strong interest in cross-cultural communication.

This was my first time living and studying entirely outside a Chinese-speaking environment. The greatest gain was overcoming my fears and anxieties regarding foreign cultures and languages. I realized that Korea is a safe, convenient, and foreigner-friendly country, with excellent infrastructure and clear English signage that make daily life very accessible. Moreover, I was delighted to meet friends from Singapore, Japan, and other countries, as well as the program coordinators Yuna, buddy Yujin, Doojin, and my lab colleagues. Everyone was warm and welcoming, providing me with a strong sense of community and support beyond academic exchanges.

This valuable experience greatly broadened my international outlook. Whereas I once hesitated about living and working abroad, I now feel confident and eager to actively adapt to different cultural environments. Whether pursuing further studies or starting my career, I intend to proactively seek international opportunities and engage in cross-cultural academic and professional collaborations. This will not only enhance my competitiveness but also help me develop a global mindset and network, laying a solid foundation for my future research and career development.

In summary, the KAIST summer research program not only improved my professional knowledge and research capabilities but also expanded my global perspective and boosted my confidence and adaptability. I firmly believe that this experience will be a valuable asset in my academic and professional journey, empowering me to thrive in an increasingly globalized world.