At Griffith University, the students engaged in various hands-on science activities and workshops. They identified drugs and reagents in forensic experiments, and tested the accuracy of catapults in a physics group competition. In a chemistry lab, they tested the UV (ultraviolet) protection of various sunscreens, and learned the basics of blood analysis by identifying the blood types of suspects.

The students also attended a science programme at Griffith University alongside local Australian high school students. Activities ranged from building molecular models and extracting strawberry DNA, to making polyurethane hand casts, learning safe welding techniques, and using JavaScript for programming and data visualisation.

Tommy

YWIES Beijing Yizhuang, Grade 9

At Griffith University, I experienced many different disciplines, and this will help me as I choose my subjects in the future. For example, I really enjoyed testing models I designed in the wind tunnel.

In addition, the students visited Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where they fed kangaroos by hand and got close to koalas. At Sea World, they were allowed to enter the jellyfish research laboratory, which is closed to the public, and heard marine biologists explain dolphin behaviour.

Leaving behind urban hustle and bustle, the students ventured into Girraween National Park for a challenging camping experience in the wilderness. Without the comfort of hotels, they relied on tents and sleeping mats that they set up themselves. The students hiked The Pyramid, a steep mountain in the park, practised orienteering and navigation skills, and collected geological and ecological data along the way.

Andrew

YCIS Shanghai Puxi, Year 9

During our camping in the wild, we not only learned how to set up the tents by ourselves, but also developed self-reliance in an environment far removed from urban conveniences.

Dora

YWIES Beijing Yizhuang, Grade 10

I feel we really got to know each other during the camping. Although it was super cold, we enjoyed sitting together around the campfire and having fun. I feel I’ve become more independent and no longer need to rely on my family as much as I used to.

Grace

YWIES Shanghai Lingang, Grade 8

We had so much fun warming ourselves by the fire before dawn, and gazing at the sky to see if there were still any stars.

Eira

YWIES Guangzhou, Grade 7

The Pyramid is very steep. We had to use both your hands and feet. I was a bit scared at first, but I didn't want to give up. When I finally reached the top, I saw breathtaking scenery: blue skies, white clouds, and layers of mountains and trees. It was amazing.

At Queensland University of Technology (QUT), students participated in a practical workshop co-hosted by the university’s design faculty and BMW. They experienced the complete innovation process, from brainstorming to refining the technical solutions. The students also experienced VR (virtual reality), watched autonomous robot demonstrations, and assembled environmental sensors, linking creativity directly to data collection.

Dora

YWIES Beijing Yizhuang, Grade 10

The entrepreneurship project was great for exercising our brains. In one activity, we wrote down current social issues we could think of. The situations that my classmates came up with were fascinating, and there were many ideas I had never even considered.

In Cairns, the students explored core areas of the Great Barrier Reef on a five-day marine science field trip. On Fitzroy Island and Green Island, they took glass-bottom boat tours to observe colourful coral reefs. Guided by marine biologists, they went snorkelling to experience the underwater ecosystem firsthand, deeply feeling the urgency of marine conservation.

Eira

YWIES Guangzhou, Grade 7

This was my first time seeing sea turtles and corals up close. The corals were so vibrant and colourful; it was a completely novel and fascinating experience.

Dora

YWIES Beijing Yizhuang, Grade 10

I’m not a very strong swimmer, but my teachers and friends helped me. I learned how to snorkel and became much braver.

Sarah

YWIES Shanghai Lingang, Grade 7

I saw a coral reef and fish living in the ocean, I also learned how to extract DNA in a biology class. I combined these two experiences to create a new environmental protection tool. It is like a small portable device that can collect seawater underwater during snorkelling. It automatically extracts marine creature DNA from the water and records the species living in this area of the ocean.

May

YWIES Beijing Yizhuang, Grade 8

We not only had the opportunity to learn about geology but also to contribute to geological research and environmental protection by collecting environmental data.

For the final stop of their journey, the students visited Sydney. They participated in a maritime museum archaeology workshop at Macquarie University and an animal conservation workshop at Taronga Zoo. At the Sydney Opera House, they watched the classic musical The Lion King, immersing themselves in the spectacular audiovisual feast and experiencing the magic of Western stagecraft.

Grace

YWIES Shanghai Lingang Grade 8

The musical was absolutely amazing. Many of its songs had no instrumental accompaniment; they were sung entirely a cappella, which gave a real feeling of the wild savannah.

San San

YCIS Beijing, Year 12

“Whether it was the emotional bond between humans and animals in the story, or the story itself, it deeply moved me. It taught me that what we have missed or lost can ultimately be transformed into the inner strength that propels us forward.