Global Initiative Program Celebrates 17 Years of Partnership With Nanjing Forestry University
Students Broaden Horizons During China Exchange Program
Eleven Alabama A&M University students recently returned from a 10-day educational and cultural exchange experience in China, continuing a long-standing tradition that expands global perspectives, strengthens cross-cultural understanding and prepares students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
The 2026 Summer Camp Tour to China, organized through Alabama A&M University's Global Initiative Program (GIP) under the leadership of GIP Director Dr. Yong Wang, marked the 17th year of the University's partnership with Nanjing Forestry University. Accompanied by Wang, program coordinator Moses Ebe and Huiqun Yu, deputy director of the Office of International Exchange at Nanjing Forestry University, the students traveled throughout China from May 27-June 10.
Students and staff visit the China Xuan Paper Museum in Jing County, Anhui Province.
Established in 2009, the Summer Camp Tour provides Alabama A&M students with opportunities to engage in cultural exchange, language learning, academic enrichment and global learning experiences. Supported over the years through funding from Alabama A&M University, the National Science Foundation, USDA international education programs and USDA NIFA Capacity Building programs, the initiative remains a cornerstone of the University's commitment to global education.
Participants in the 2026 Summer Camp Tour included Dominique Jones, a graduate student in business administration from Detroit; Kameron Hinton, a junior biology major from Pittsburgh; Kamaia Hall-Edwards, a May graduate in food science from Cincinnati; Jeremiah Provost, a senior business administration major from Houston; Naejea Piper, a graduate student in food science from Washington, D.C.; Sydney Rice, a sophomore biology major from Atlanta; Rosny Jean, a graduate student in plant and soil science from Tallahassee, Florida; and Huntsville students Joel Nick Friedman, a senior computer science major; Xavier O'Neal, a May computer science graduate; Cristin Taylor Williams, a May environmental science graduate; and Jaliea Steele-Malone, a sophomore computer science major.
During the trip, students visited Shanghai, Nanjing, Jingxian and Beijing, where they explored historic landmarks, research institutions, cultural sites and universities while interacting with students, faculty and local communities.
The group began its journey in Shanghai with visits to Shanghai Tower, the City God Temple and a Huangpu River cruise along the city's famed waterfront. In Nanjing, participants attended a welcoming ceremony at Nanjing Forestry University, toured the Nanjing Museum and visited astronomy laboratories and observatories at Nanjing University.
Students create traditional hand fans during a handicraft workshop at the China Xuan Paper Culture Park in Jing County, Anhui Province.
In Jingxian, students immersed themselves in traditional Chinese culture through hands-on workshops focused on natural textile dyeing, Xuan paper production, fragrance culture, agriculture and traditional handicrafts. The experience concluded in Beijing, where participants visited the Temple of Heaven, the Palace Museum, the National Museum of China and the 798 Art Zone before hiking the Great Wall.
The immersive experience strengthened students' cross-cultural communication skills while providing firsthand exposure to Chinese history, culture, education and innovation.
“I'm really inspired by Chinese culture and business practices, and I'd love to find ways to bring these methods back to American universities and businesses to promote global growth,” said Jeremiah Provost, a business administration major.
Kameron Hinton, a biology major, said the experience deepened his appreciation for international education and cultural exchange.
“I am very impressed by Chinese culture and the friendliness of the Chinese people,” said Hinton. “I enjoyed the academic programs, as well as interacting with students and faculty at Nanjing Forestry University. I would love to explore future opportunities to study there.”
Students and staff visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall near Beijing.
The visit also highlighted the strength of the longstanding partnership between Alabama A&M and Nanjing Forestry University. The exchange program continues to foster academic collaboration, cultural understanding and meaningful connections between students and faculty from both institutions. Highlights from the visit were shared on Nanjing Forestry University's official X account.
For Joel Nick Friedman, a computer science major, the experience provided memories that will last a lifetime.
“This is hands-down the best trip I've ever been on,” said Friedman. “I got to explore so many different parts of China and try incredible new things. Climbing the Great Wall and looking out from the Shanghai Tower was absolutely surreal. It's been an amazing journey.