2024 Summer - Study Tour Reflections at CUH, UK (Excerpt)
- Student Huang
Upon my first visit to Cambridge, I was immediately captivated by this quaint yet vibrant town.
With both excitement and some apprehension about the language barrier, I began my four-week journey.
However, my worries about the language quickly dissipated during the first class, thanks to Professor Clare's engaging lecture. I gradually became deeply interested in every upcoming lecture. Through the professors' lively presentations, we learned about the National Health Service (NHS) and explored the structure of Addenbrookes Hospital. International students shared insights into the life of a British student, and various doctors from different specialties introduced us to their professions. This gave me a deeper understanding of the UK healthcare system and made me reflect more deeply on what it takes to be an excellent medical student.
In addition to the professional courses, we also gave two presentations, which greatly helped improve my language organization skills.
Although I didn’t perform well in the second presentation due to inadequate preparation, I still made progress compared to the first one. I learned to look up and make eye contact with the audience and to confidently share my insights, which was a significant step forward.
Throughout the four-week course, our supervising professor, Professor Zhang, often encouraged us to think actively and speak up. I frequently felt a sense of admiration for the students who were quick to ask questions. It wasn’t just their language skills I admired, but their ability to immediately raise questions about newly acquired knowledge. After each lecture, I often felt a sense of fulfillment but struggled to come up with questions, thinking my doubts were trivial and insignificant. However, when other students asked similar “insignificant” questions, it often sparked profound reflections from the professor. While I gained a sense of fulfillment, they probably experienced a deeper sense of happiness. I hope to move in their direction in the future and become more inquisitive.
From the shimmering waters of the River Cam in Cambridge, the golden willows by its banks, and the roses on the walls, to the Trinity College Library filled with manuscripts from countless great minds, and the breathtaking King's College Chapel; to venturing beyond Cambridge, feeling the breeze by the Thames, standing in awe or melancholy in the British Museum; chasing the sunset to the White Cliffs, smelling the sea breeze and feeling the breath of the Cretaceous Ocean; wandering through the villages of the Cotswolds, quietly watching swans glide across the water and inhaling the scent of roses... All of these scenes, as beautiful as paintings, are etched deeply in my mind.
Beyond the natural beauty, British culture also stands in stark contrast to that of China. Walking down the streets, it’s common to see beggars, presenting a sharp contrast to the elegantly dressed English gentlemen and energetic students passing by. Interestingly, the beggars don’t often wear expressions of hardship or despair, but instead, they laugh and chat with passersby, creating a brief but beautiful intersection between two very different worlds. When a beggar asks for a cup of coffee at a café, the person approached often obliges and may even offer to add a piece of bread. These small acts of kindness made me feel the friendliness of the British people.
My fondest memories are of the sunsets I chased, the evening breezes I felt, the church bells I heard, and the warmth from strangers I experienced. As the moment of departure approached, my eagerness to return to my homeland reached its peak, while my reluctance to leave Cambridge and the UK also grew stronger. This study tour dispelled both the unfounded hatred toward Britain and the blind admiration for it. Britain is wonderful, but not without flaws—yet it undeniably possesses a charm that can make one fall in love with it, just like every other country. We all live on the same planet, and we should set aside prejudices and stereotypes, embracing openness and tolerance instead.
As the study tour came to an end, Dr. Zhang led us in a reading of Farewell to Cambridge. As the music played, I felt a lump in my throat, overwhelmed by a sense of nostalgia. "I leave quietly, just as I came quietly..." Farewell, Cambridge. Perhaps we will meet again, or perhaps this is goodbye forever. But no matter what, the knowledge, inspiration, and beautiful memories I gained from you will stay with me for life.
- Student Lin
As a medical student, before we can grow into mature and reliable doctors, we not only need to refine our clinical skills but also focus on developing our communication abilities with patients. Many teachers have emphasized during lectures that British doctors are "patient-centered." One lesson that left a particularly deep impression on me was the clinical communication skills class taught by Professor Sanchita Pal.
In the semester before coming to the UK, I had just studied pathology and developed a strong interest in the subject. This led me to start formulating a career plan: to become a pathologist. Professor Du shared his journey and work experience as a molecular tissue pathologist. During his introduction and analysis of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, I was once again deeply captivated by pathology. I love the process of preparing tissue slides, searching for pathological structures, and analyzing diseases.
In addition, we had a campus tour led by Professor Ouyang and visited the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, a cradle for Nobel Prize laureates. Through the explanations of Professors Chen and Yang, I was deeply moved by the dedication and passion of the researchers. Professor Ouyang jokingly referred to Professor Yang as having a "green finger," but we all understood that luck was only a small part of her success. Her achievements were largely due to her perseverance, dedication to research, and continuous learning over the years.
Aside from academic studies, many international students in the UK shared their experiences at the University of Cambridge. One quote from Dr. Wang Liyang left a profound impression on me. When asked if there were better choices, she said that no matter what, we need to look forward and do our best; dwelling on the past doesn’t hold much significance. In the past, I would constantly imagine and romanticize paths I hadn’t taken, but as I’ve grown, I’ve begun to understand the importance of “focusing on the present.” Dr. Wang's speech greatly inspired me in this regard.
My journey in the UK has also been incredibly rewarding. I’ve witnessed seagulls eyeing the fish and chips in Brighton, seen the vast grasslands and rolling hills of the White Cliffs; I’ve closed my eyes in reverence to the chimes of Big Ben, and crossed the Thames at sunset on a speedboat; I sat at the Prime Meridian reflecting on history, and explored the world at the British Museum. The grandparents in Ely always greeted us warmly and sincerely, while the security guard at Christ Church, much like the lovable Mr. Bean, made me laugh. Every bus driver in Cambridge was exceptionally kind, and the manager at the Italian restaurant patiently taught me the names of dishes one word at a time. I was deeply touched by the local customs and warmth of the UK.
On the night before my departure, I lay in bed unable to sleep after packing my luggage. Just like the night before I left for the UK, I felt a profound attachment to my current surroundings. I think it’s because I had spent too long in Cambridge—long enough to leave thousands of footsteps in this little town, long enough to have measured every inch from Addenbrooke’s Hospital to the city center several times. Therefore, Cambridge was no longer just a travel destination for me; I knew which corners to turn from the train station to the city center, I recognized the homeless man with a large stray golden retriever at the entrance of Sainsbury’s, and I knew that Jack’s next to the Eagle Pub had different flavors of gelato every day. I knew the directions leading to all four corners of Cambridge Market, that the River Cam at King’s College is higher than that at Trinity College, and that the grass in the AstraZeneca building feels warm when you lie down on it…
At the final summary meeting, Dr. Zhang led us in reciting Farewell to Cambridge, and I quietly felt a bittersweet emotion as the music played. I realized that every word from Mr. Xu Zhimo had not deceived me; he had already expressed my feelings at that moment.
I hope we can meet again next time. We will definitely meet again!
- Student Lin
Dear gental Cambridge,
I hope this letter finds you well.
Having crossed the ocean to witness your beauty, kindness, wisdom, and tranquility, I can no longer forget the profound elegance that has left a lasting impression on me. The immense capacity for tolerance in this place has moved me, immersed me, and a part of me will forever remain in Cambridge.
Everything I encountered was wonderful. The warm gentlemen and ladies, the ever-present smiles accompanied by "thank you" and "sorry," the diverse teachers who patiently answered our questions, and the streets that were leisurely and uncrowded... Along with the ever-changing weather, the gentle rain intertwined with long sunny days meant that when the sun did shine, the parks would be filled with people. Young and old, everyone would lazily lounge around; relaxed families would lay out picnic blankets, push small carts, or even sit directly on the grass to share a familiar afternoon tea, chatting about their latest joys and annoyances.
For the first time, I felt that life was fundamentally the same both at home and abroad. Ordinary people simply live their lives—planting, nurturing, and harvesting in pursuit of a better life. When meeting acquaintances, they engage in warm conversations; with strangers, they greet them with open arms. After work, they relax in their favorite spots and return the next day, brimming with vitality and energy. Children run freely under the sun, and the elderly, like the "old London" gentlemen, dress in full suits with polished shoes, neatly tied ties, and walk steadily, their graceful movements hinting at the youthful spirit they once possessed, easily navigating through the ordinary.
In the midst of the busy travel schedule, the 60 hours at the School of Clinical Medicine taught me that knowledge is the pillar of strength for a medical student throughout their career. Each teacher had a distinct teaching style and imparted different knowledge, but they all conveyed the same key point: medicine is not as obscure as one might imagine. Understanding and embracing it can lead to enjoyment, enabling us to alleviate the suffering of others, earn the recognition we seek, and gradually enhance our dignity.
However, the most profound memories are not from the classrooms but from the friends and teachers I met along the way. The journey was long, but I was filled with the warmth of those who were both mentors and friends. They were kind, exuding thoughtfulness and tolerance, their restrained enthusiasm reflecting everything on this distant island—slow yet steady, gentle yet passionate, quietly enveloping the cold gaps in my heart. Every word became a source of joy, and every moment captured a perfect memory. I dare say that without these brave souls, I wouldn’t be the resilient person I am today.
I also believe I will return to this healing place in my life once more.
There are some things I cannot say, some words left unspoken, and some thoughts that quietly rot in my heart; perhaps that is enough.
Wait for me, my dream. Thank you, my dream.
Yours sincerely,
Noxiris
- Student Xiang
In Cambridge, by the River Cam, accompanied by friends, I immersed myself in British medicine.
During the sweltering summer in China, we jumped into the Atlantic and onto this island in Western Europe, experiencing the charm of British life, drifting in a sea of culture while our sails of Chinese medical education docked at CUH. We felt the differences between our two countries' education systems, marveled at the advancements in medicine, and cherished the connections made during this journey.
One day, I will return to see it all again.
I will visit the British Museum, where under the spotlight lie not just rare treasures, but also the scars of a rich civilization. I will explore the National Gallery, where clear skies promise an artist's rendezvous, while rain brings forth their masterpieces. I will go to Westminster Abbey and, alongside the crows nearby, feel the heartbeat of Britain once more. I will revisit the London Eye, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge, and gaze upon the River Thames, which carries the weight of history. It nurtures timeless thoughts and inspirations, still flowing continuously, witnessing the vicissitudes of history and the evolution of eras. I will look upon the white cliffs of Dover at the southeastern edge of England, standing bare against the deep sea, witnessing the legendary tales of blood and fire, symbolizing Britain's "home." Just like in the movie Dunkirk, where one character asks, “Is it Dover?” and the answer is “No, it's Dorset. But it's home.”
In the midst of the European Cup, I saw the bustling pubs, the punctual buses, the weaving bicycles, the quality courses, the intense presentations, the lawns of King’s College, Van Gogh’s sunflowers, the Poet’s Corner at Westminster, the swans in Hyde Park, the lighthouse in Folkestone, Newton’s apple tree, the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, and finally, Farewell to Cambridge—all of these experiences encapsulated this summer.
Writing this reflection feels like I have relived the summer in England once more. In this moment, joy and memories seem to take on tangible forms.
- Student Fang
“Gently I leave, just as I came.” Since returning from Cambridge, every time I read Farewell to Cambridge, it stirs up countless thoughts in me. The experiences of living in the UK have broadened my horizons and provided me with insights and reflections that will benefit me for a lifetime.
During my time in Cambridge, the most significant improvement I made was in my English learning ability. One of the most commonly mentioned methods for learning English is to immerse oneself in an all-English environment. After a month of study abroad, I must admit that this method is entirely correct. Before going abroad, I was very worried about keeping up with the pace of the classes, as I had never taken a course taught entirely in English before. I feared I would come away empty-handed. However, after a period of study, I found that I could understand most of the content. I believe this was not only due to my own efforts but also thanks to the teachers’ dedication. Each instructor would check with us to ensure the pace was not too fast, ensuring that we could understand. Some teachers would even provide Chinese annotations on the PowerPoint slides to aid our comprehension. During post-class discussions, some teachers would kindly summarize students' questions and provide detailed answers. As long as I kept pace with the teachers during class, linking the PowerPoint and key vocabulary, I could grasp most of the lecture's content. This study abroad experience has significantly improved my English proficiency.
If I had to name the most shocking aspect of this journey, it would certainly be the differences between Chinese and British cultures and living environments. I found the UK to be a country that values "courtesy." Every morning, I would receive a greeting from the hotel reception, and everyone on the streets would greet me warmly. Cars in residential areas never honk, and every bus passenger thanks the driver upon disembarking. I really enjoyed this friendly atmosphere, so I actively tried to integrate by spreading goodwill to everyone. When most people in a country are considerate of others, newcomers to this environment are unconsciously influenced, creating a positive cycle. Besides friendliness, the UK felt incredibly pleasant. The happiness of the people living in Cambridge was evident at first glance. Their lives are vibrant and colorful; no matter which path I strolled down, I would always see someone carefully tending to flowers in their gardens. Parks and benches were filled with people enjoying the scenery, having lunch, or immersed in their books. In China, I rarely see anyone sitting on the street for an entire afternoon just to quietly read or admire the view; everyone is busy with work or studies, with little time to unwind. Hard work is indeed a commendable quality, but if we could learn to slow down and enjoy life, we might discover even more beauty.
Although I lived in the UK, I could still see the influence of China. When I bought a crepe from a food stall next to the University of Oxford library, the vendor greeted me in Chinese, saying “thank you” and “hello.” He told me he loves China and welcomes Chinese tourists to Oxford. When I was studying the menu outside a Chinese restaurant in Cambridge, a young man walked out and excitedly told us how delicious Chinese food is. These signs indicate that our country is truly becoming stronger and that our culture is being accepted and appreciated by more people from other countries. Furthermore, I noticed many Chinese tourists in the UK, showing that the economic conditions for Chinese people are improving and that China is becoming an increasingly open country.
“Reading thousands of books and traveling thousands of miles,” many things can only break through conventional thinking and broaden horizons when seen firsthand. This study tour has indeed enriched me greatly and provided me with numerous benefits.
- Student Xiang
“I would rather gaze upon a brand new Ice Age than witness these familiar scenes endlessly repeat.” — Jeanette Winterson
Returning from Cambridge, every time I read Farewell to Cambridge, it evokes a flood of thoughts. My experiences in the UK have broadened my horizons and provided me with insights and reflections that will benefit me throughout my life.
During my time in Cambridge, I quickly fell in love with this world-renowned university and this charming little town. The pleasant climate, parks, and green spaces were everywhere, where students—young and old—laughed and ran freely on the grassy fields. People from different countries, with varying accents, heights, and builds, were able to be themselves without being judged. It was a diverse and inclusive atmosphere.
The teacher I interacted with the most during this time was Professor Ouyang, one of the program leaders. Feeling a bit lost upon arriving in the UK, I sought her advice about places to practice dance. To my surprise, she turned out to be a dance enthusiast herself! When she asked if I wanted to try ballet, I hesitated, fearing that as a complete beginner I wouldn’t keep up with the intermediate class. However, she encouraged me to take the leap and assured me that no one would laugh at me if I didn’t perform well. What amazed me even more was that she gave me options: I could choose to sit on the sidelines and watch or not attend at all if I was worried. Her words and approach were like a gentle breeze, giving me the courage to pursue my long-held dream of ballet. Unexpectedly, she selected three new ballet outfits from her collection for me to choose from and even brought a skirt and ballet shoes to lend me on the day of class.
The ballet instructor at Cambridge was approachable and professional. Despite the challenges in class, I experienced unparalleled joy. She also organized a fitness dance performance for the Cambridge Chinese community, inviting several students with dance backgrounds, including myself, to participate. She took charge of everything—choreographing movements, organizing rehearsals, arranging costumes, and coordinating the two teams—leading us to successfully complete the performance at the international music festival.
As the course leader, she attended every class, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Her attentiveness, thoughtfulness, rigor, and kindness consistently shone through as she considered others’ needs. She helped fulfill my ballet dream, filling my life in Cambridge with happiness. I am sincerely grateful to the dear Professor Ouyang for her support, encouragement, companionship, and careful guidance over the past month. She felt like a second mother to me in a foreign land, making Cambridge feel warm and welcoming, like home. No one achieves success casually, and it is the combination of her wonderful qualities and generous spirit that enables her to accomplish what most people cannot.
I didn’t bring anything from China, so I folded a piece of paper I had from the Oxford University Museum into an envelope and wrote down what I wanted to say. I hope I won’t be forgotten by my teachers or by Cambridge. When I handed the letter to her, she seriously took out a note pad from Abbott Molecular and handed it to me with both hands, saying to keep in touch.
I replied, “I will return; you must wait for me.”
She smiled and responded, “I will always be here waiting for you. I’m not going anywhere.”
This journey solidified my determination to return to the University of Cambridge. I am grateful to course leader Professor Zhang for arranging an excellent curriculum that allowed us to learn about the UK's healthcare system, the work of general practitioners and specialists, the journeys of researchers, the roles of pharmacists, public health managers, and even the lives of medical students at Cambridge. It helped me understand the differences between China and the UK, broaden my horizons, and gain new perspectives. I hope to return to this free and inclusive place, where I can boldly pursue my passions, stand on the shoulders of giants in this culturally rich land, work alongside outstanding individuals, and bring good systems and practices back to China to elevate the development of healthcare, contributing to the progress of China, the UK, and the world.
As the poet Xu Zhimo, who once studied at Cambridge, said: “To love your love, to worship your worship, is human nature, not a sin; it is courage, not cowardice!”
---The story will continue---
*This is the English translation. In case of any discrepancies, the Chinese version shall prevail.
