CUEB, supported by China Online Education (COL) Group, has expanded internship opportunities in Xiong’an New Area in Hebei Province to prepare students for careers in public services while deepening their understanding of the operation mechanisms of primary-level Party organizations. CUEB selected 22 students from 10 colleges across disciplines such as Applied Economics, Business Management, Finance, Taxation, Safety Science and Engineering, and Marxist Theory, among others. These students went to Xiong’an during the winter break to deeply engage in government operations to enhance their practical skills and foster a greater sense of social responsibility.

Supported by the Rongcheng County government and partner organizations in Xiong’an, students were assigned to seven key departments and enterprises respectively, including the Bureau of Commerce and Investment Promotion, the Commission of Development and Reform, the Public Service Bureau, the Finance Bureau, the Society Work Department, Rong City Development Limited, and Rongcheng Rongchuang Investment Limited. This initiative immersed the participants in frontline government services, offering them firsthand exposure to the efficiency of a modern governance system. During the internship, the students engaged in various tasks such as processing official documents, conducting policy research, performing holiday inspections, and contributing to smart governance projects. These hands-on experiences enhanced their administrative skills and deepened their understanding of China’s innovative governance system in the new era, thus cultivating a greater sense of social responsibility and civic commitment.

In addition, the students visited several distinctive sites, such as the “Eye of Xiong’an,” the Xiong’an Impression Exhibition, and the government service hall of the Xiong’an New Area Management Committee. These equipped them with hands-on experience in innovation and green, intelligent development of the new area. Witnessing the high-standard development of modern infrastructure in Xiong’an and pioneering urban management models, the students gained more insights into future urban governance and public management.

Wang Bowen, a graduate student majoring in International Business at the School of Economics, shared his deep impressions: “Xiong’an New Area is a massive undertaking, a plan for a thousand years. Through the “Students’ Hometown Visit” program, I witnessed the rapid development and transformation of this new city. During my internship at the Bureau of Commerce and Investment Promotion in Rongcheng County, I conducted safety production inspections and holiday inspections with the industry supervision group. I also participated in the approval of the trade-in policy of the business group and assisted with daily office work like handling documents and answering phone calls. These tasks have taught me that great things are done in detail. This experience has further strengthened my conviction to be a passionate youth with a greater sense of responsibility in this era.”

Hu Yuying, a graduate student majoring in Applied Economics at the College of Urban Economics and Public Management, reflected on her internship at the Financial Office of the Public Service Bureau in Rongcheng County, “This internship has truly made me realize the challenges and responsibilities of government work. When formulating policies, one must consider the bigger picture while also taking into account local specificities. In financial regulation, it’s essential to have a keen sense of risk prevention and control. During my internship, I learned that no work can be taken lightly and all matters require the utmost seriousness. Through this experience, I’ve learned to apply what I have learned to practice, and my competence to analyze and solve problems has been improved. This experience has also clarified my sense of social responsibility and my future career aspirations. It has shown me that to excel in my work, I need not only solid professional knowledge but also strong communication skills and a commitment to continuous learning. The internship has broadened my horizons and laid a solid foundation for my future.”

This internship has been a rare opportunity for students to step out of the campus and engage in society. It has also paved a new way for cooperation between CUEB and Xiong’an New Area. In the future, the university will make better use of its academic strengths and the vitality of its students to work in Xiong’an New Area in more diverse and sustainable approaches to education. This shall help students build their capabilities and promote themselves onto a larger social stage.