What we do?

From Chinese financial markets and artificial intelligence applied to fintech, to innovation and design, international marketing, and ancient Chinese thinking, this academic experience allowed students to broaden their horizons, strengthen their global vision and enrich their professional profiles. 

Five students from the Universidad del Pacifico traveled to Shanghai from June 30 to July 25 to participate in two renowned international summer programs: the Fudan International Summer Session and the Shanghai Summer School (BRICS Program). Both programs, organized by Fudan University, one of the most prestigious institutions in Asia, brought together young people from all over the world in lectures, workshops and intercultural activities addressing key topics for business, innovation and development in a global context. 

The participating students were: 

• María Alejandra Valdez Arango – International Business
• Víctor Alonso Villar Medina – International Business
• Mariana Pozo Alarcón – Economics
• Anapaula Rebisso – Business Engineering
• Fabrizio Poves – Business Engineering

Motivation and key support

The decision to apply to these programs stemmed from a common interest: enriching their academic training in a multicultural environment and engaging directly with the Asian reality. For some, the goal was to deepen thor knowledge into areas such as innovation, international business, or economics from a global perspective; for others, it was an opportunity to develop soft skills and expand their network contacts. 

Before the trip, expectations focused on facing an academically demanding challenge, learning firsthand about China’s progress in strategic areas such as technology, finance and innovation, and comparing these lessons with the Latin American context. As Victor Alonso noted: “I knew I would learn a lot academically, but what excited me most was sharing with young people from all over the world and understanding how they think and work.”

In this process, the Center for China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CECHAP) and the School of Engineering played an important role. Some students received guidance on logistical, academic and cultural aspects, from the application to the pre-trip preparation. Maria Alejandra Valdez Arango emphasized: “CECHAP’s support was key; they guided us step by step and gave us the confidence to take on a demanding international challenge.”

A summer of learning and cultural diversity

At Fudan, students took courses and workshops on Economics, International Business, contemporary Chinese society, Innovation and Design, among others. These spaces not only provided knowledge but also challenged them to better understand Asian’s dynamics in a globalized world. 

Many agreed that the most demanding courses were those that pushed them to critically analyze the relationship between China and the West, comparing theories with current cases in debates requiring an international academic level. 

Beyond classroom learning, students highlighted the development of transversal skills such as critical thinking and intercultural analysis, essential for their future careers. Mariana Pozo commented: “The classes not only gave us academic knowledge, but also a new way of questioning and understanding reality from different perspectives.”

Living with young people from different countries further enriched the experience. Interaction in classes, projects and cultural activities encouraged the exchange of ideas and the creation of international networks. In Victor Alonso’s words: “Sharing with students of different nationalities helped us open our minds and value diversity as part of learning. 

Innovation and design in a global environment

In the case of the School of Engineering, the program was an opportunity to delve into methodologies that fostered creativity and critical thinking in an environment combining theory and practice. This allowed them to analyze how solutions are generated in highly competitive contexts such as the Asian market. Anapaula Rebisso summarized it this way: “In China, innovation is not seen merely as an option, but as a driving force of development that runs through education, business and everyday life.”

One of the main takeaways was recognizing the differences between approaches to innovation in China and Peru. While in the Peruvian context the adaptation of existing models is often prioritized, in China they observed a greater emphasis on experimentation and the accelerated development of new technologies. Fabrizio Poves pointed out: “The design and creative thinking tools we acquired in our degree gave us the foundation to understand and contribute to the program’s dynamics.”

Finally, both agreed that the experience transformed their vision of the future. As Anapaula Rebisso said: “This experience motivates me to keep thinking about projects that go beyond the local level and can have a global impact.”

UP’s preparation for international challenges

The students agreed that the training received at Universidad del Pacifico was fundamental to successfully participating in the summer program. The academic rigor and demanding nature of their courses gave them the confidence needed to face an international environment. 

Each degree also provided specific tools: from the strategic vision of international business and the analytical capacity of Economics, to the creative and practical focus of Innovation and Design Engineering.

Mariana Pozo highlighted: “The qualitative foundation and the way we are taught to analyze problems at UP helped me quickly adapt to the program’s dynamics.” Meanwhile, Anapaula Rebisso added: “The projects we worked on in class were a perfect training to perform in multicultural teams and propose viable solutions.”

Lessons learned and a global vision

The Fudan experience left lessons that went beyond academics. Beyond the new methodologies and tools acquired, students highlighted the opportunity for personal growth by facing a multicultural and collaborative environment.  

Fabrizio Poves reflected: “Living outside your country’s context forces you to think globally, to question your own ways of doing things, and to learn from other models.” For her part, Maria Alejandra Valdez commented: “Each activity taught me to be more flexible and to value different ways of solving problems, something that will serve me throughout my professional life.”

Finally, they encouraged other students to take advantage of these international opportunities. Mariana Pozo concluded: “I would tell you to go for it, because every international experience is a challenge that transforms you and opens your mind to realities you cannot perceive from home.”

An international and transformative training 

The students’ participation in these programs reaffirm Universidad del Pacifico’s commitment to an education that is not only academically solid, but also international and transformative. Experiences like these strengthen employability, global vision, and innovation capacity, consolidating UP graduates’ leadership in various fields.