10 Years of Internships at HUST

One of the Top 10 universities in China, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) has been offering internships through Careers Service's Internship Office for the past 10 years. 

About the partnership

The Internship Office highlights the importance of the partnership: 

It has been a truly remarkable journey partnering with HUST over the last decade. Their commitment to providing Oxford students with exceptional internship opportunities in cutting edge climate science technologies, along with immersive research and cultural experiences has been wonderful. The students have thoroughly enjoyed undertaking the internships on the HUST Wuhan campus and we are grateful to work with such an interesting and interested institution. This partnership has also been instrumental in helping the University of Oxford’s Internship Programme maintain a presence in China. We look forward to building the partnership further in the future.

A represenative from HUST shares their view on this longstanding partnership and how Oxford University students supported the Huazhong University of Science and Technology throughout the years. 

The HUST-OXFORD Summer Internship Programme is an important student programme developed by Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) and the Internship Office at the University of Oxford. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the programme, its success is due to the close collaboration between the two institutions.

HUST and students from the University of Oxford share an interest in the field of climate science and engineering science, and both recognize the role of technological innovation and transformation in bringing about social and environmental change. HUST has been concentrating its resources on sustainable exchanges and collaboration with Oxford’s Internship Office by delivering personnel training, scientific research and cultural exchanges aiming to benefit human society’s development.

Over the past 10 years, almost 80 Oxford students have participated in the programme delivered by HUST. With the joint support from HUST’s faculties, senior professors and students, the project has received unanimous praise from everyone involved, and has gradually become a communication channel between the two universities. Oxford students have brought their insights and enthusiasm to both Chinese students and the HUST research teams. In particular, the exchange between the students has injected vitality into the partnership.

China and the UK have experienced a long history of cooperation and both countries have enjoyed educational exchanges and research cooperation which have actively contributed to students’ educational development and the social progress of both countries. The HUST-Oxford Summer Internship Programme has promoted inclusiveness, mutual learning and connectivity between Eastern and Western Civilizations.

Longer term, there is an aim to deepen the collaboration between HUST and the University of Oxford by offering more research internships focusing on sustainable development and some new opportunities in other disciplines. It is important to both institutions that we continue collaborating.

Interns' stories

Former interns shared their experience on their internships with HUST.

Yiming Yang, MEng Engineering Science at St.Anne's College

This internship has given me deeper insight into graduate studies or a career in scientific research. It has taught me how research is systematically conducted, and relevant technical skills such as where to find useful resources and how to conduct certain laboratory operations. I have also gained improvement on various soft skills such as communication and working in a team.

Wanghua Feng, MPhys Physics at Exeter College

The internship at HUST had a lasting impression on me. It helped me develop my personal and professional skills, as well as my cultural awareness, and global perspective. It also changed and confirmed my career ambitions. It made me rethink the potential and impact of nuclear energy in sustainable development, and the future of humanity. I am more interested now in pursuing a career in the energy industry. It also made me more open-minded and curious about other cultures, and environments, as I saw the value and diversity of them. I am very grateful for the opportunity to do this internship at HUST. It was an unforgettable experience that had a profound impact on my life.

Yujie Wang, MPhy Physics at Lady Margaret Hall

My internship was a highly enriching experience, mixing academic pursuit with a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. The early mornings spent in the lab, engaging in collaborative research and conducting intricate experiments, illuminated the captivating world of scientific exploration. Beyond the boundaries of academia, the weekly cultural activities broadened my perspective and nurtured a global mindset. As I move forward, the lasting impressions of this internship will serve as a compass, guiding me with clarity and purpose on my path to making meaningful contributions to the scientific community.

Monte Tan Jia-Ying, MChem Chemistry at St.Anne's College

I describe the experience as being very enjoyable. The cultural classes are a good way to reconnect with my roots (being ethnically Chinese), I am also able to see how professionals evaluate the environmental impacts of energy generation, following each step throughout the production cycle. It enriched my appreciation for the environment, as well as broadened my view on what is considered a water footprint. This experience allowed me to understand better the process of research and writing reports for research projects, enticing me further to my ambition of being a researcher in the future.  

To recognise the exceptional quality of their summer internships offered through our Summer Internship Programme and responsiveness of their team, they have recently received the Gold Standard Award from our Internship Office. 

About the Summer Internship Programme

Organisations interested in hosting Oxford University students during the 2024 summer vacation can submit project proposals between now and January-April 2024. 

The 2024 Summer Internship Programme will open for applications for Oxford University students on Monday 15 January 2024 on CareerConnect.