A personal journal
Engineering project management
My Turing Scheme Experience in China
In June 2026, I had the opportunity to travel from Bournemouth to Guangzhou with the support of the Turing Scheme and take part in an international academic and cultural programme at Guangzhou College of Commerce. This experience allowed me to discover a new country, develop new skills and become more confident in an international environment.
By Sara Sadegh – MSc Engineering Project Management, Bournemouth University
My name is Sara Sadegh from Mauritania, and I am studying MSc Engineering Project Management at Bournemouth University. I chose BU because of its practical approach, international environment and focus on professional development.
I wanted to take part in this experience to discover a new culture, meet new people, improve my employability and develop both personally and professionally.
I discovered the Guangzhou programme through Bournemouth University. The opportunity immediately interested me because it combined academic learning, company visits, cultural activities and international exposure.
Before travelling, I completed the Turing Scheme documents, visa application and travel arrangements. The process required organisation and attention to detail, but I received support from Bournemouth University and Dr Danni Liang, the programme organiser.
I travelled to Guangzhou with a group of 14 students from Bournemouth University. We came from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds, which made the journey more enjoyable and gave us the chance to start getting to know one another before arriving in China.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the programme organisers and taken to our hotel, where we had time to rest and prepare for the activities scheduled for the following day.
Arriving in Guangzhou was both exciting and challenging. The city was larger, busier and hotter than I expected. The heat and humidity were very different from Bournemouth, and it took me some time to adjust.
I was also surprised by the importance of mobile applications such as WeChat, Alipay and Didi in everyday life. Transport, payments and communication were highly digital, which made Guangzhou feel very modern and innovative.
On our first day, we attended a welcome ceremony on the Guangzhou College of Commerce campus, where we had the opportunity to meet the Vice President of GCC. We were also introduced to several student volunteers who kindly supported and accompanied us throughout the programme. Their warm welcome, availability and willingness to help made it much easier for us to settle in and feel comfortable in a new environment.
Later that day, we were invited to a welcome dinner, which gave us the chance to spend more time with the organisers, volunteers and other students in a relaxed atmosphere. I was truly grateful for the kindness and hospitality shown to us from the very beginning, as it made the start of the experience feel both special and reassuring.
The programme at Guangzhou College of Commerce included classes on business, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, marketing, negotiation and business case analysis. These sessions helped me understand how digital technology and innovation are transforming modern organisations.
we also visited an international nanotechnology innovation research institute. This experience introduced me to scientific research, advanced technology and the role of innovation in economic and industrial development.
The visit helped me understand the importance of collaboration between universities, research institutions and businesses.
One of the highlights of the programme was the visit to CVTE. This visit gave me the opportunity to learn more about technology, innovation, digital solutions and international business. Seeing how a large technology company operates helped me connect academic concepts such as innovation, project management and strategy with real business practices.
We also had the opportunity to visit several companies and explore Guangzhou Knowledge City, where we learned more about innovation, technology and business development in the region. These visits helped us better understand how companies operate in China and how academic knowledge can be connected to real professional environments.
In addition to the business-related activities, we took part in several cultural workshops. We attended a Chinese calligraphy class, where we learned about the importance of precision, patience and tradition in Chinese writing. We also participated in a traditional ink-dyeing workshop, during which we created designs on fabric using ink. This activity was both creative and enjoyable, and it gave us another opportunity to discover Chinese artistic traditions in a practical way.
We also had the opportunity to discover the cultural and historical side of Guangzhou. We visited museums, traditional neighbourhoods and several important cultural sites, which helped us learn more about the city’s history and heritage. Walking through the old district allowed us to see a different side of Guangzhou, with traditional architecture, local streets and a more historic atmosphere.
We also visited beautiful temples and enjoyed the peaceful landscapes surrounding these places. These cultural visits were very enriching because they allowed us to better understand Chinese traditions, beliefs and ways of life. They also gave us the chance to appreciate the contrast between the modern and innovative side of Guangzhou and its strong cultural heritage.
We also had the opportunity to explore different parts of Guangzhou and discover both its modern and traditional sides. We visited museums, historic neighbourhoods and cultural sites, which helped us learn more about the city’s history, traditions and local way of life.
Walking through the old district allowed us to admire traditional architecture, lively streets and beautiful temples surrounded by peaceful scenery. These visits showed us a different side of Guangzhou and highlighted the contrast between its modern development and its rich cultural heritage.
We also had the chance to try a wide variety of delicious Chinese food throughout the trip. Sharing meals together was an important part of the experience, as it allowed us to discover new flavours, learn more about local food culture and enjoy time with the other students.
Exploring the city was one of the most enjoyable parts of the programme, as it allowed us to experience Guangzhou beyond the classroom and better understand the environment in which we were studying.
This experience had a strong impact on me personally and professionally. I became more confident in adapting to unfamiliar environments and communicating with people from different cultures.
I also improved my teamwork, presentation, organisation and intercultural communication skills. The programme helped me connect academic knowledge with practical business situations.
My greatest achievement was completing the programme successfully while adapting to a completely different environment.
Another important part of the programme was the group business case project. I worked with other students to analyse a company strategy and contribute to a final presentation.
This activity strengthened my research, teamwork, communication and presentation skills. It also improved my confidence in speaking in front of an audience and working with people from different backgrounds.
My advice to students considering an international experience is to prepare carefully, stay open-minded and fully participate in every activity.
Do not be afraid of challenges. Ask questions, communicate with others and remain flexible. An overseas experience can feel intimidating at first, but it can become one of the most rewarding parts of university life.
Thank you to Bournemouth University, the Turing Scheme and Guangzhou College of Commerce for making this experience possible.