Amalia Garcia Lopez and Carlos Lafuente Picazo, two final-year university students from Spain, have just wrapped up a nine-day trip to Shanghai — a city they might one day consider calling home.

They were participants in the Young Explorer Program, jointly organized by the School of Journalism and Communication at Shanghai International Studies University and Nouvelles d'Europe (UK).

Designed to bring international members of Gen Z to China and introduce them to Shanghai, the program offers overseas youth the opportunity to experience Chinese culture firsthand and foster people-to-people exchange and mutual understanding.

From April 11 to 19, 22 young people from countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, and the United States took part in the immersive journey. Their itinerary included guided city walks and visits to companies and neighborhoods, offering a deep dive into Shanghai's society and culture.

As they wandered through different districts, the group explored museums and heritage sites to learn about the city's history, visited iconic tourist attractions to experience its modern vibe, engaged with traditional Chinese culture in local communities and ancient water towns, and discovered thriving business hubs and revitalized historic neighborhoods.

Coming from different cultural backgrounds and joining the program with different motivations, all participants described the trip as both enjoyable and rewarding.

Picazo, 23, who studies law and international relations, and Lopez, 27, a political science major, had already taken an interest in China before the visit. During the trip, they were particularly impressed by Shanghai's diversity — describing the city as "cosmopolitan" and "dynamic", respectively.

"I was coming to Shanghai with the impression that it's like a city of the future, and so far, I feel like I'm seeing it for real," said Picazo. "I think Shanghai is a city made for everyone. I've seen people from all over the world here, and you can find whatever you need. It has so much to offer to make whoever comes feel comfortable."

"One thing that surprised me is that Shanghai has a lot of nature, and it is so green," Lopez said. "It's the perfect mix between society and nature, and it's a city that's growing every day. So, for me it was quite shocking because I think when cities expand, they tend to just get rid of the trees and the nature."