To further international exchanges and increase cooperation with prestigious universities, and to provide a better platform for students' growth, with the support of SZU's Department of International Exchange and Cooperation, SZU and SAFTI join hands to create for the undergraduatesatSAFTI a tailor-made scholarship program for overseas study tours.

In the autumn of October, 25 SAFTI students embarked on the "UK Oxbridge Study Tour" supported by the overseas scholarship program. The 9-day study tour was successfully concluded on October 8. This academic and cultural exchange brought rich academic experience and deep cultural understanding to the students. This was not only an academic voyage, but also a journey of exploration to the world and the unknown. From the anticipation and excitement at the beginning to the rewarding experience at the end, let's look back on those unforgettable moments of knowledge, discovery and growth together!

Thematic lectures at Cambridge: Explore the globalization practice of financial technology

The University of Cambridge is a confederation of Colleges, Schools, Faculties and Departments, which consists of 31 Colleges, over 150 Departments and other affiliated institutions. Ranked 5th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of Cambridge is renowned for its research excellence and innovation.

During this visit, Dr.Charles Roddie, Governing Body Fellow and Director of Studies in Economics at Sidney Sussex College of the University of Cambridge, Prof. Bryan Zhang, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, and Anton Dek, Research Affiliate at the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, presented four engaging thematic lectures for the students, including "Financial Economics", "Digital Assets, Enterprise Blockchain and Asset Tagging", "Digital Asset Data", and "Digital Assets and ESG: The Geographic Footprint and Environmental Impact of Digital Assets".

The lectures were delivered in a way that was clear and easy to understand, allowing the students to get a glimpse of the latest developments in the field of finance and digital assets. They saw the unlimited potential of digital assets in the business world and learned how to apply their knowledge in business practice.

At the end of the lectures, students worked as a team and cooperated with each other to review what they had learned in depth in the form of final group report, and received multi-dimensional and detailed comments and advice from the professors. During the study tour at Cambridge, our students not only harvested knowledge and received certificates, but also achieved personal growth and development.

Our study tour program also invited a computer science PhD student at Cambridge University to share his academic journey, application experience, and study abroad life. Everyone was immersed in this international academic exchange environment, interacting with the Cambridge teachers and students and enjoying the rewarding experience.

An extensive campus experience: Discover the charm of Cambridge, a world-renowned university with rich history

After class, students strolled through the streets and colleges baptized by a thousand years of history, learning as they walked, broadening their horizons, discovering new knowledge, and pursuing wisdom. As if at this moment, they were able to be engaged in a dialog across time and space with the wise scholars of Oxbridge, and feel the power of academic inheritance and innovation.

At the University of Oxford, students felt as if they were in the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter movie series. The unique Gothic style architecture, the solemn bells of Tom Tower and the anecdotes about the alternative name of Hertford Bridge next to the Bodleian Library all contributed to the strong academic atmosphere and cultural heritage.

Walking into the King's College of Cambridge, students were amazed by the magnificent façade and the exquisite stained-glass windows of the Chapel, which witnessed the university's hundreds of years of glorious history and cultural inheritance. Here, you can hear the echoes of history and feel the rich cultural ambience, which inspires a feeling of admiration.

Accompanied by professionaldocents, our students traveled through different colleges at Oxford and Cambridge to get to learn about the historical background, educational philosophy and development course of the colleges. During the visit, landmarks such as the Corpus Clock, the Apple Tree, the Mathematical Bridge, the Xu Zhimo Memorial Garden, and the sunset glow shed on the soft waves of River Cam left a deep impression on the students.

Cultural journey at museums: A taste of history & heritagein Britain

Oxford and Cambridge, two of the world's leading academic institutions, are not only renowned for their excellence in academic research and educational quality, but also globally recognized for the wealth of their museums.

During the study tour, the students got to visit the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology in Oxford, and the world-renowned British Museum in London, experiencing for themselves the profound humanistic heritage and scientific significance embedded in the museums.

Situated in the heart of Cambridge, the Fitzwilliam Museum is both a temple of art and an archaeological museum, bearing witness to centuries of histories of art, culture and philanthropy. Docent Berth took the students on an in-depth tour of the valuable pieces in collection, including the oil painting of "Tarquin and Lucretia" by Titian. These collections are like tiny slices in the long river of history, making their admirers appreciate even more theimportant moments[2]in the history of mankind.

The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Oxford is not only the first public university museum in Britain, but also the largest university museum with the richest collection in the world. Its curatorial approach is unique in that it is not chronological, but rather centered around a theme. The students were introduced to special exhibitions around the themes of "Intersecting Cultures", "The Ancient World", "Asia at the Crossroads", "East Meets West", "Money and Art", etc., experiencing the collision and fusion of Chinese and Western cultures.

In London, the British Museum represents a gateway to the depths of history. The moment we stepped into it, we encountered the mummies of ancient Egypt, the sculptures of ancient Greece and the treasures of Chinese civilization, indulging ourselves in the splendor and vicissitudes of human civilization.

The trip to the City of London, or the Financial Hub, gave the students an insight into the rise and evolution of maritime trade in Europe, the origins of modern insurance and the daily life of a London banker.

Must-visit cultural experiences: Witness the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures

During the study tour, the students were also engaged in a variety of British cultural experiences. They rafted along the River Cam, learned salsa dancing for social events among British students, attended the formal dinner at the University of Cambridge, enjoyed the classic British afternoon tea, tried foods from around the world, communicated with every native Briton they came into contact with, and went sightseeing on the ThamesRivercruise. All of these experiences provided precious opportunities for the students to improve their cross-cultural communication skills and build understanding and respect for the cultural differences between China and the West in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Looking back on this Oxbridge study tour, the students were rewarded with valuable experiences and knowledge, broader horizons, like-minded new friends, and more commitment to academic excellence.

Looking ahead, we hope that students will step into their academic path with more enthusiasm and determination. At the same time, we expect more students to join the international exchange programs to create more vibrant experiences to life.