Ximena Antonella Gálvez Ghiggo and Gonzalo Fabián Aarón Pingo Gaitán, students from the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), participated in the Shanghai Summer School 2026: International Chinese Language Education for Global South Countries (3S) from August 11 to September 4, 2026. The in-person program was organized by Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) in China and funded by the Shanghai Municipal Government.
Their participation took place within the framework of the academic cooperation between PUCP and SISU. This partnership promotes student exchange and collaboration between both institutions, as well as the learning and dissemination of the Chinese language through the Confucius Institute at PUCP, which has been active at the university since 2009.
During the program, Ximena and Gonzalo strengthened their Mandarin Chinese skills through classes and practical activities. They also had the opportunity to explore different parts of Shanghai and share experiences with students from around the world.
The program provided an opportunity to engage with new cultures, broaden their international perspectives, and build connections with people from different nationalities.
For Ximena, the experience went beyond language learning and was shaped by intercultural exchange and the new friendships she made.
One of the things I enjoyed the most was meeting many people from different countries and cultures, with whom I was able to share moments and build new friendships. Thanks to them, I was able to learn about their different customs, traditions, and ways of seeing life. [...] Without a doubt, I am taking home wonderful memories, many new friendships, and an intercultural experience that I will always cherish
Ximena Gálvez
Gonzalo also highlighted the progress he made in learning Mandarin Chinese and the personal significance of the experience, which marked his first solo trip outside Peru.
I am very happy and grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this program. I am taking away not only new knowledge, but also invaluable memories and friendships. During my stay in China, I made significant progress in my Chinese, and I am especially grateful to my teachers for their patience, warmth, and good humor
Gonzalo PingoThe student also highlighted the value of group activities as opportunities to connect with people from different cultures and learn from their experiences.
“Group activities and practice sessions gave me the opportunity to meet people from different cultures, share unforgettable moments, and see how committed everyone was to learning Chinese. Since this was my first time traveling abroad on my own, the experience was a real challenge. But I was fortunate to meet friends and teachers who made me feel supported throughout the experience and became like a second family to me,” he said.
Ximena and Gonzalo’s participation in the Shanghai Summer School 2026 highlights the value of international mobility opportunities in the comprehensive development of PUCP students. Experiences like this allow students to strengthen their language and intercultural skills, broaden their perspectives, and build connections with students and institutions from around the world.
Initiatives like this also contribute to strengthening academic and cultural ties between Peru and China, while reflecting our commitment to internationalization and to creating new opportunities for our university community.
