These students spoke to Xu and David K. Yuan ’06, the other co-chair of the Harvard delegation.
Yuan had led a similar program before college, establishing a sister-school relationship with a school in Suzhou, China.
“I guess the general idea is to provide student exchange and resources for Harvard students interested in China study abroad and work abroad in Asia, as well,” Yuan said.
Both Xu and Yuan were pleased with the success of the pilot program and expressed hope for the expansion into exchange with other prominent academic institutions in India, Taiwan and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region.
Five members of the chess team accompanied the group, competing against the Beida team and, over the two-day period, mustering one “upset” win, Xu said.
The group was backed by the Office of University President Lawrence H. Summers, the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, the Asia Center and the Center for International Development, among others, said Xu. A group of students from Beida is expected to return the visit next fall.