At Shanghai Jiao Tong University, students are gaining firsthand experience through internships with the United Nations—bringing Chinese insight to the international stage. 

For many countries, China’s development model has become a source of learning and inspiration. Wei Wu, a 26-year-old PhD student from the School of Marxism, has been interning at the UN University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies in Belgium for two months. She has observed that in her team's meetings, China's practical experiences are referred to frequently—even in projects unrelated to China.

"Every time I hear others acknowledge China's accomplishments, I feel a deep sense of pride," she said. "In moments like those, simply being present as someone from China feels meaningful."

From Theory to Practice

Wu's research has long centered on China's contributions to global governance, but it wasn't until her internship at the UN that she truly realized how these theoretical ideas could translate into real-world solutions.

"At school, I constantly felt that what I was writing was abstract and disconnected from reality,” she explained. “But here, the problems we address are concrete, specific, and real. Everything we do here is solution-oriented, which has allowed me to understand the practical applications of my research." 

Chaoyue Zhang, a 25-year-old graduate specializing in journalism and communication, is also applying his skills in real-world scenarios.

Since early February, Zhang has been interning at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ecuador. His primary role is to document the organization's community activities through photos and videos, giving him a close-up view into how the UNHCR trains refugees to help them integrate into society and become self-reliant.

The experience reminded Zhang of China's poverty alleviation programs in his hometown of Qingyang (in Henan province), where the residents were taught practical skills such as sewing, livestock care, and baking, all tools to build sustainable livelihoods.

Reflecting on the contrast, Zhang noted, "The UNHCR relies on companies for investment or assistance, but in China, no one is left behind. I can see the advantages of China's system in a way I hadn't before."

Jiaqi Feng, 22, an undergraduate from the School of Foreign Languages, has also been working to support the underprivileged. Since October, she has been interning with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization in Accra, Ghana.

Feng works with the gender and communications team, organizing workshops and training programs for local women entrepreneurs. These programs empower women to launch or grow their businesses, access financial support, expand their distribution networks, and overcome gender barriers.

This work reflects Feng's passion for making a positive impact on marginalized communities.

"What attracts me most to international organizations is knowing that I'm not working for self-interest, but for a greater purpose—to help others improve their lives," she said.