This summer, GUCAS launched the most ambitious summer program in its history, inviting over 1000 university undergraduate students from all over China to attend one of 10 separate summer programs covering such areas as physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, IT, humanities, geology, resources and environment, and material science.
"Amazing! The program is great, a brilliant way of getting to know research activities at CAS during a short stay in Beijing. I am more determined to be a researcher in the future. I'd like to thank GUCAS for giving us the opportunity to see and think about our lives and careers", said Sun Yuling, an undergraduate student from Qingdao University, as a student representative at the closing ceremony of the Summer Program for Chemical Science and Engineering.
GCUAS simultaneously launched 10 summer schools for gifted university undergraduates in order to improve their interest in research, open their eyes to opportunities, and attract them to GUCAS after their graduation.
As the first graduate school in China, GUCAS was once the first choice for Chinese undergraduates to pursue their research interests in graduate school. However, over time many other universities encourage their finest students to remain at their alma maters. Therefore it's an ongoing challenge for GUCAS to enroll top students, as it has no undergraduate program feeding students into its graduate programs. The GUCAS summer programs are designed to directly enroll outstanding juniors at various universities and colleges.
GUCAS has been preparing the new summer programs long in advance. "We have worked on it since April", said Mrs. Wu Jing, an instructor with the College of Earth Sciences. "We have been to Wuhan, Chengdu and many other cities to advertise the program, and have publicized it as much as possible."
The initiation of the GUCAS summer programs was hailed by several thousand students from over 100 universities in China, with over 1000 fortunate students selected.
The students visited the advanced laboratories, learned about various state-level projects, and listened to renowned scientists. GUCAS funded their accommodations and provided a transportation subsidy.
In addition to lectures, Beijing tours and visits to institutes, the summer schools also held dinners during which potential supervisors were able to meet potential graduate candidates for face to face discussions.
The program schedule was tight. "Tiring but enjoyable", concluded Wu Xue, a student from Wuhan University. "Because of attending the summer program, I feel certain that my future is promising. "
