This summer, a select group of 39 students embarked on an extraordinary three-week journey to the University of Sydney, Australia from 15 June to 6 July 2024. This immersive summer programme was not merely an academic endeavor, but a voyage of discovery that broadened their horizons and provided them with a global perspective.

The students participated in the credit-bearing course, “Food, Sustainability & Planetary Health”, which delved into the intricate relationship between diet and the environment. This course equipped the students with the essential skills to support a sustainable global food system, a critical component for maintaining planetary health.

A photo with a sleeping koala at Wildlife Sydney Zoo.

A sleeping koala.

A friendly volleyball match between UC and local students.

Explore urban farming at Pocket City Farms.

The learning experience was not confined to the classroom. Students had the opportunity to explore urban agriculture at Pocket City Farms. They also had the unique experience of having breakfast with koalas at the Wildlife Sydney Zoo, giving them a deeper understanding of Australia’s unique biodiversity. The students also hiked through the Royal National Park, fully immersing themselves in the natural splendor of Australia’s oldest national park. Additionally, they took part in a coastal cleanup at Pirrama Park, contributing to the preservation of Australia’s pristine coastline.

These are just a few highlights of the many enriching activities facilitated by the programme. It was a perfect blend of education, adventure, and the creation of lifelong memories. This incredible journey allowed the students to flourish, gaining not only academic knowledge, but also a broader understanding of the world.

Just as importantly, the College sincerely thanks Professor Peter C K Cheung of School of Life Sciences, honorary adviser of the programme, for his unwavering guidance and support to the students throughout this journey.