After a rigorous application process involving a motivational letter and my CV, I was honored to be selected by UPM (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid) and subsequently accepted into the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) summer program, with a full scholarship covering all fees and accommodation costs.
For one month, I immersed myself in a specialized course on Emerging Technologies in Electronics Engineering. This wasn’t just a classroom experience; it was a deep dive into the future of tech in one of the world’s most dynamic environments.
Leadership Against the Odds
Despite being the youngest participant in the program, I didn’t let the age gap hold me back. I was selected as the Team Leader for a 10-person group project, where we designed and developed a complex, automated irrigation system. Leading a diverse team in a high-pressure, international environment taught me more about project management and cross-cultural collaboration than any textbook ever could.
Chongqing: Stepping Into the Future
During one of the weekends I went to Chongqing with some new friends I had just met a week prior. Chongqing, often described as a «Cyberpunk City,» it truly felt like stepping into the future. The sheer scale, the multi-layered architecture, and the neon-lit infrastructure challenged my perceptions of urban engineering and what «modernity» really looks like.
Shanghai & The Power of Connection
I also traveled to Shanghai, where the global nature of my journey came full circle. I met up with a friend from my home university who was also attending a summer school in China. Exploring the streets of Shanghai together, from the historic Bund to the futuristic skyscrapers, was a reminder of how small the world becomes when you pursue international opportunities.
The Ultimate Takeaway: Lifelong Bonds
If there is one thing I took away from China, beyond the incredible landmarks and the «future-shock» of the cities, it is the people. I was amazed at how deep a bond can be built in just thirty days. Navigating the language barrier with locals and collaborating late into the night with my peers created friendships that I still maintain today.
Beijing wasn’t just a course on electronics; it was a course on connection, leadership, and the global future.
