In July 2018, Providence Academy was officially established in the commune at the foot of the Great Wall, aiming to appeal to international students to return to China, cultivate a new generation of international student leaders, and help international students understand current affairs in China. In June 2019, Providence Academy and Hundred Schools Federation held the first Chinese International Students Forum. On July 25th, 2023, 14 guest tutors and 200 chairmen and young leaders of the Chinese Federation of Colleges and Universities from around the world reunited in the commune at the foot of the Great Wall, and the third phase of Providence Academy started once again.
In the third phase of Providence College, many guest instructors brought wonderful Providence courses to the students. Mr. Gu Shu, President of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, made an in-depth analysis of today's global financial environment and ICBC's achievements and contributions to promoting financial development on the domestic and international stages in recent years. Mr. Feng Lun, an old friend of Providence and the chairman of Yufeng Capital, brought a rich and vivid leadership course ot the students this time. He mentioned that on the road of returning to China to start a business, an excellent leader should stand in a novel perspective to "give advice, handle affairs, and pay the bill." Only by not being afraid of failure and exploring bravely, can one sees a different landscape.
"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Dr. Cheng Davis, the founder of the World Education Forum, also advocated the new generation of young leaders studying abroad to guard against arrogance and impetuousity and be down-to-earth in the open class of the academy. When you see problems, complain less, think and act more. Mr. He Junli, Executive Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bright Scholar and an alumnus of the University of Chicago, introduced Bright Scholar's industrial layout in the education industry to the students, and encouraged the students to return to China to contribute to various industries with the idea of "making society better because of our existence". Other guest tutors like Ms. Yu Xiuong, Executive Secretary-General of Jack Ma Foundation, Ms. He Mei, Chairman of Wailian Overseas Group, and so on, had also shared their experinces and insights with the students.
On the second day of the event, the trainees visited a number of well-known Chinese companies in Beijing to learn about the delvelopment history and future directions of companies in different fields in China. Together with Chinese companies, Providence Academy also appeals for more Chinese students to return to the motherland to participate in the next stage of development of their country.
At the headquarters of New Oriental in Beijing, the students had a conversation with Yu Minhong, the founder and chairman of New Oriental and the founder of Hongtai Fund. Teacher Yu personally described his previous struggle and entrepreneurial experience. He encouraged overseas Chinese students to "be caring intellectuals", not only to learn something, but also to use what they have learned. Whether you are applying knowledge on education or other industries, you sould be full of feelings and enthusiasm in order to develop and innovate in the field.
In the third phase of activities of Providence Academy, the management team also summarized the development process of the college and the distribution of alumni associations in the past year, and at the same time recommending reading plans for Chinese international students, encouraging students to deepen their understanding of various industries and themselves through books.
During the debate competition organized by Providence Academy, the students compared the pioneers of human exploration of alien civilizations with the first generation of Chinese overseas students who went overseas, and compared the mission of Chinese overseas students with "our journey is the sea of stars", which brought the atmosphere of the event to a climax. In addtion to that, in the commune park at the foot of the Great Wall, the students visited Pan Shiyi's portait photography exhibition for Jack Ma, Robin Li, Lei Jun and many other entrepreneurs to experience the spirit and inheritance of Chinese entrepreneurs.
Finally, we also want to once again send our most sincere thanks to the six partners of Providence Academy in 2019: Phoenix.com, China Summer School Alliance, Wailian Overseas, EZ Travel, Eway Group and Liepin Overseas. Thanks to their selfless dedication and joint efforts, making everything about Providence a reality.
