SZ's tech, cultural vibrancy captivates Spanish students

A morning shower didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of Spanish students and their teachers for exploring the diverse cultures at Splendid China • China Folk Culture Villages, Nanshan District yesterday.

Students and faculty from Euncet Business School at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia pose with their Shenzhen Technology University hosts on campus. Photos courtesy of SZTU unless otherwise stated

The group, consisting of around 40 students and faculty members from the Euncet Business School of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, is taking part in a two-week summer school program organized by Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU).

Running until July 8, the program includes academic lectures, visits to leading companies like BYD, and cultural tours to landmarks such as Gankeng Hakka Town.

Students and faculty from Euncet Business School and Shenzhen Technology University mark the visit with a welcome dinner at the SZTU canteen.

For many of the students, this is their first time not only in Shenzhen but also in China.

Arnau Claret and Alex Serrano said they didn’t hesitate when they learned about the opportunity. “We’ve always wanted to explore China, and when this chance came up, we immediately took it,” said Claret.  

Both Claret and Serrano were particularly impressed by Shenzhen’s driverless cars, the city’s cleanliness, and the expansive SZTU campus. “The campus of SZTU is huge compared to ours, and the facilities — from the gym to the library — are excellent. I really like it here,”said Serrano.

Spanish students tour the campus of Shenzhen Technology University as part of a summer school program.

Paula Vaquerizo Cruces said that before visiting Shenzhen and China, she could only learn about the city and country from movies. When she finally arrived, she realized everything she’d seen on-screen was real and impressive.

Rita de Cássia Baptista Pereira, a third-year university student, was amazed by the driverless cars and food delivery drones. “These are new to me. I have never seen anything like them before,” she said. “The city strikes a perfect balance between technology and culture. There are stunning modern buildings, but also places like the Splendid China Folk Village, which preserves traditional heritage.”

After this experience, Pereira said she would consider returning to Shenzhen — whether for travel or study — if future opportunities arise. 

Visiting students from Spain share a light moment during their campus tour at Shenzhen Technology University.

Antonio Llop Padilla, president of Euncet Business School, said his impression of Shenzhen exceeded expectations. Though it was his first visit, he was already familiar with Shenzhen’s reputation as a rapidly growing tech hub. “The city is highly developed in terms of technology, sustainability, and urban mobility,” he remarked.  

The visiting Spanish students and teachers stop for a group snapshot during their visit to the Gankeng Hakka Town.

In March 2024, SZTU signed a cooperation agreement with Euncet Business School, marking its first partnership with a Spanish higher education institution.

Padilla emphasized the value of this collaboration. “Bilateral cooperation enhances the learning experience for students from both Barcelona and Shenzhen. Given the high quality of SZTU’s faculty, we truly appreciate this alliance, which helps our students grow and achieve more,” said Padilla.  

Summer school participants pose for a group photo during their visit to Splendid China • China Folk Culture Villages in Nanshan District yesterday. Wang Jingli