BridgeU Global is a cultural exchange organization dedicated to connecting students and universities across borders through meaningful, immersive learning experiences.
Our programs are built upon a strong foundation of long-standing international partnerships. We work in collaboration with the City of Richmond, California, and its Sister City Commission, which was established in 1993 to promote friendship, educational exchange, and cultural understanding between Richmond and its global partner cities.
For over three decades, the Richmond Sister City Commission has supported student exchange initiatives that foster cross-cultural learning and people-to-people connections. Today, BridgeU Global continues this tradition by working alongside community leaders and advisors who share a commitment to expanding global opportunities for young people.
We believe that the most powerful learning happens beyond the classroom. By bringing students into new academic, cultural, and social environments, our programs help participants gain global perspective, build confidence, and build lasting connections with people and institutions around the world.
Each exchange is carefully designed in partnership with universities to balance academic exposure, cultural exploration, and real-world engagement. From campus visits and classroom experiences to cultural activities and local interactions, every program is created to help students truly understand what it means to study, live, and grow in another country.
At BridgeU Global, we focus on more than travel — we focus on connection. Our mission is to strengthen international friendships, break down cultural barriers, and inspire students to become globally minded leaders of the future.
Whether you are a student exploring new opportunities or a university seeking meaningful international collaboration, BridgeU Global is here to build the bridge.
Who We Are
Supported by:
City of Richmond, California • Richmond Sister City Commission • Community Advisors
Our Story :
1993 — A Sister City Partnership Begins
The City of Richmond, California, established its Sister City relationship with Zhoushan, China, creating a foundation for cultural friendship, educational exchange, and international collaboration. Since then, the Richmond Sister City Commission has worked to promote mutual understanding through community and student exchange initiatives.
Community leaders, including longtime Richmond Councilmember Nat Bates, have been strong advocates of this partnership for decades, encouraging programs that help young people learn about different cultures and build global connections.
A Continuing Legacy of Global Connection
For over three decades, Richmond’s sister-city programs have supported opportunities for students and community members to engage in cross-cultural learning, fostering lasting relationships between the two regions.
Building on this tradition, earlier exchange initiatives associated with the program’s foundation successfully hosted international student visits, demonstrating a long history of meaningful people-to-people engagement and cultural collaboration.
2025 — BridgeU Global Builds the Next Chapter
BridgeU Global was founded to continue and expand this legacy by creating modern, structured exchange programs that connect students with universities, cultures, and real-world experiences around the globe.
With strong support from community leaders and advisors, including Councilmember Nat Bates, BridgeU Global successfully organized an international student exchange program to Shanghai in December 2025, marking an important milestone in revitalizing and modernizing sister-city educational exchanges.
Looking Forward — Expanding Global Opportunities
Working alongside community leaders, educational partners, and international advisors, BridgeU Global carries forward a long tradition of people-to-people exchange — helping the next generation develop global perspective, confidence, and meaningful connections.
Our mission is to continue strengthening international friendships while creating impactful learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Our Team
Cindy Liu
Founder
With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a unique blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on execution. Cindy Liu sets the tone for everything we do — combining global perspective, educational passion, and real-world leadership to create impactful international learning experiences.
Cindy is a scientist with a strong background in technology and innovation, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer and Information Technology at the University of Pennsylvania. Her dedication to lifelong learning reflects her belief in the power of education to transform opportunities and broaden horizons.
As both a professional and a parent, Cindy understands the life-changing impact of global exposure for young students. She founded BridgeU Global to bridge cultures, expand perspectives, and create meaningful educational journeys that inspire confidence, curiosity, and future leadership.
Co-Founder & CEO
Dave Shen
Dave Shen brings a strong foundation in technology and problem-solving to BridgeU Global. With a background in computer science and software development, he is passionate about using innovation to create practical solutions and meaningful impact.
Dave studied Computer Science at the University of San Francisco and has developed experience in programming, analytical thinking, and real-world problem solving. His strengths in technical systems, organization, and execution help support the operational and digital aspects of BridgeU Global’s programs.
Driven by a shared belief in the power of global education, Dave is committed to helping students access opportunities that expand their perspectives, build confidence, and prepare them for a rapidly evolving world.
Program Advisors & Community Supporters
Advisor —Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Eduardo Martinez serves as the Mayor of Richmond, California, and is a strong advocate for international sister-city relationships and global educational exchange. He actively supports programs that connect young people across cultures and promote mutual understanding.
As an advisor to BridgeU Global, Mayor Martinez encourages students to participate in international exchange opportunities, explore diverse cultures, and develop a broader global perspective. His support reflects a shared commitment to strengthening cross-cultural connections and empowering the next generation through global learning.
City of Richmond, California
Advisor & Councilmember Nat Bates
Nathaniel “Nat” Bates is the senior member of the Richmond City Council and one of the city’s longest-serving public leaders. He first began his tenure as a City Councilmember in 1967 and has been re-elected multiple times, including most recently in 2018. Over his decades of service, he has also served as both Vice Mayor and Mayor of Richmond.
Councilmember Bates has been a longtime champion of international friendship and educational exchange. Since the establishment of Richmond’s Sister City program in 1993, he has played an active role in supporting cross-cultural partnerships and encouraging student exchange opportunities between Richmond and its global partner cities.
As a strong supporter and advisor to BridgeU Global, Councilmember Bates continues to advocate for programs that promote cultural understanding and global learning. Building on a long tradition of exchange initiatives, he has supported efforts that previously helped host successful student exchange programs, reflecting his ongoing commitment to strengthening international connections and expanding opportunities for young people.
City of Richmond, California
Vice Chair, Sister City CommissionAdvisor — Lucy Zhou
Lucy Zhou serves as Vice Chair of the Sister City Commission, where she plays an active role in supporting international partnership and educational exchange program.
In her leadership role, she has helped coordinate cross-cultural initiatives, community engagement efforts, and international visits that strengthen the long-standing sister-city relationship. She has also been directly involved in planning exchange activities, facilitating communication with international partners, and supporting programs that connect students and communities across borders.
As an advisor and supporter of BridgeU Global, Lucy encourages opportunities for students to experience different cultures, broaden global perspectives, and build meaningful international connections. Her continued involvement reflects a strong commitment to advancing educational exchange and people-to-people collaboration.
Advisor — Stanley Li
Stanley Li is a technology entrepreneur, community leader, and international education advocate. He is the Founder and CEO of Netswitch, a cybersecurity and IT risk management firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Stanley previously served as Chairperson of the Richmond Sister City Commission, where he helped promote cultural exchange, educational collaboration, and global partnerships between communities. He is also a dedicated mentor and advisor supporting workforce development and student leadership programs, including initiatives with San Francisco State University and the City of Oakland’s IT Employer Advisory Committee.
Through years of mentorship and community involvement, Stanley has remained passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for students. He actively supports programs that help young people gain global perspectives, develop real-world skills, and build confidence for future academic and career success. As a strong supporter and advisor to BridgeU Global, Stanley champions educational exchange experiences that connect students across cultures, broaden their horizons, and foster lasting international friendships.
Advisor —Dr. Eric Peterson
Dr. Eric Peterson is the Principal of West County Mandarin School, California’s only public K–8 Mandarin Immersion and International Baccalaureate (IB) school. With over 30 years of experience in education, he has been a strong advocate for global learning and cross-cultural education. As Director of the Global Ambassador Program, he has helped organize cultural exchange experiences in China for more than 1,000 U.S. students and educators since 2016. Dr. Peterson also serves as a Commissioner on the Richmond–Zhoushan Friendship Commission, supporting international partnerships that align closely with BridgeU Global’s mission to expand global learning opportunities for students.
Principal of West County Mandarin School