From February 1 to February 14, 2026, eight students from our school traveled to the United Kingdom to participate in the 2026 Engineering Thinking and System Design + Energy and Environment winter exchange program at the University of Cambridge. During the two-week program, they immersed themselves in the academic atmosphere and engineering education philosophy of one of the world’s top universities.
Designed and taught by professors from the University of Cambridge Faculty of Engineering and related disciplines, the program centered on System Thinking and Project-Based Learning (PBL), covering cutting-edge topics including engineering system design, energy, and the environment. Combining lectures, case studies, and class discussions, the courses guided students to analyze real world challenges from an engineering perspective and develop innovative solutions within a systematic design framework.
Opening Ceremony
At the opening ceremony, instructors introduced the program objectives and learning framework, encouraging students to maintain an open mind and understand practical issues through an engineering lens. In subsequent sessions, students studied engineering thinking methodologies, system design logic, and energy and environment topics, deepening their understanding through case analysis and interactive discussion.
Project-Based Learning: From Problem Definition to Final Presentation
Professors introduced foundational methods of engineering system design and demonstrated real world applications of engineering thinking in urban transportation, energy systems, and sustainable development. The open and inspiring classroom environment helped students grasp the logic of complex systems, while strengthening critical thinking and problem decomposition skills.
Under faculty guidance, students worked in research groups. Each team selected topics aligned with their academic backgrounds and interests, completing a full research cycle:Theoretical study → Case analysis → Group discussion → Solution design → Final presentation
Two projects on smart cities and green energy were successfully delivered:
·AI-Powered Urban Traffic Optimization System Design
·Hygroscopic Hydrogel-Based Self-Pumping Transpiration Cooling System
During project presentations, each group introduced their background, design logic, technical approach, and future application scenarios. Instructors provided feedback on engineering reasoning, system structure, and practical feasibility, helping students refine their proposals. The process enhanced academic presentation skills and reinforced the principle that engineering problems require systematic solutions.
Closing Ceremony
At the closing ceremony, all students completed the coursework and project requirements and received official certificates, marking a successful conclusion to their academic journey at Cambridge.
Cultural Immersion: Experiencing British Collegiate Traditions
Beyond academic studies, students fully engaged with Cambridge’s urban and collegiate culture. They went punting on the River Cam, enjoying views of historic college buildings and the city’s distinctive scholarly atmosphere.
In the Cambridge Treasure Hunt, teams explored streets and lanes, learning about local history and collegiate traditions through interactive tasks. On the London Cultural Day, they visited major British historical landmarks to experience UK history and urban culture.
Students also participated in the formal, time honored Formal Hall dinner. In the ancient college halls, they experienced Cambridge’s distinctive academic culture and the spirit of collegiate community.
Conclusion
This two-week exchange was both an interdisciplinary academic practice and a meaningful journey of cultural exchange and personal growth. Students significantly improved their engineering thinking, systematic analysis, teamwork, and cross cultural communication skills, while broadening their global vision and gaining valuable experience for future academic and professional development.
Moving forward, the school will continue to promote high-level international exchange programs, build diverse global learning platforms, and cultivate a new generation of talented individuals with global vision and innovative capabilities.
Reviewed by: Cheng Xinbing, Zhao Ke
