JUNE 2026 BridgeU Global Cultural Exchange

Program co-sponsored by:

City of Richmond, Mayor Eduardo Martinez

Richmond Sister City Commission, President Nate Bates & VP Lucy Zhou

🔔 Early Bird Offer

Early Bird Special*:
Apply and complete payment by March 31 to receive ¥500 Chinese Yuan 🧧 spending cash to use during your program in China.

* Financial assistance and limited scholarships are available for qualified students. Please contact us for more information.

*Limited-time offer for early participants. Terms & Conditions apply.

Organization🏢

BridgeU Global LLC — A California-registered educational exchange organization

Program Leadership 🎓

Cindy Liu — Founder & U.S. Program Director
Professional scientist with a background in biotechnology and international education collaboration. Graduate-level studies in Computer Science at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn).

📧 info@bridgeuglobal.com & bridgeuglobal@gmail.com
📱 +1 5107783798

Program Experience 🌐

Built upon 30+ years of Richmond Sister City student exchange programs, over 200 students have participated in prior exchange programs managed by our leadership team.

Community & Institutional Support 👥

Program co-sponsored by:
• Eduardo Martinez, Mayor of Richmond, California
• Richmond Sister City Commission
 President Nate Bates
 Vice President Lucy Zhou

Exchange Program Application Form

8 Day Itinerary

Program Includes:

All Meals, 4+ Stars Hotel Accommodations, Transportation, Activities & Entrance Tickets

Exterior view of San Francisco International Airport terminal with large glass facade and bold blue lettering.

Day 1 : Departure & Orientation

Group departure from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with designated program chaperones.

Pre-departure orientation includes:
• Program overview and safety briefing
• Cultural expectations discussion
• Travel logistics and supervision guidelines

Students begin their international learning journey together.

City skyline at sunset with tall modern buildings, a large Ferris wheel illuminated in pink, and a body of water reflecting city lights, mountain range in the background.

Day 2 – Arrival & Cultural Transition

Arrival in Shanghai and transfer to Zhoushan. Activities include:

  • Supervised airport transfer

  • Hotel check-in (4-star accommodations)

  • Rest and cultural adjustment period

  • Evening group reflection session

Focus: Safe arrival, acclimation, and preparation for program activities.

Large modern building with multiple windows, surrounded by a landscaped garden with potted plants, under a bright blue sky with some clouds.

Day 3 – School Exchange & Cultural Workshop

Official welcome ceremony with local school or university partners. Structured exchange activities include:

  • Student introductions and guided discussion

  • Collaborative learning sessions

  • Cultural exchange dialogue

Hands-on workshops:

  • Traditional Chinese tea experience

  • Chinese calligraphy

  • Paper-cutting art

Focus: Cross-cultural communication and experiential learning.

Mountain landscape with steep rocky cliffs, lush green trees, and misty clouds in the background.

Day 4 – Cultural Heritage & Regional Exploration

Guided sightseeing and wellness-focused outdoor activities. Activities include:

  • Exploration of Zhoushan cultural landmarks

  • Local history and heritage discussion

  • Scenic coastal and natural site visit

Focus: Understanding regional culture, history, and community life.

A large marble statue of a traditional Chinese warrior playing a stringed instrument in the foreground, with a tall golden statue of a Buddhist figure on a platform in the background, and visitors walking around.

Day 5 – Putuo Mountain Cultural Study

Visit to Putuo Mountain, a significant cultural and historical site. Activities include:

  • Guided historical interpretation

  • Cultural site exploration

  • Group discussion on Chinese spiritual traditions

Optional collaboration with local students if scheduled.

Focus: Cultural literacy and global awareness.

Traditional Chinese archway with red lanterns and vibrant decorations, leading to a historic building in a bustling, illuminated city square at dusk.

Day 6 – Travel to Beijing & Urban Cultural Experience

Supervised group transfer from Zhoushan to Beijing. Activities include:

  • Hotel check-in

  • Guided visit to Wangfujing Street

  • Urban cultural exploration

Focus: Understanding modern Chinese metropolitan life.

The Great Wall of China winding through green mountainous terrain with watchtowers along its length.

Day 7 – The Great Wall Educational Visit

Visit the Great Wall of China to witness one of the 7 wonders of the World. Activities include:

  • Guided historical overview

  • Cultural and architectural discussion

  • Group reflection session

Focus: Global history and shared world heritage.

Aerial view of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China with traditional Chinese architecture, yellow roofs, and surrounding cityscape.

Day 8 – Beijing Landmarks & Program Conclusion

Visit to: Tiananmen Square & The Forbidden City

Closing session includes:

  • Group reflection

  • Cultural insights sharing

  • Program wrap-up and return travel preparation

Transfer to airport for return flight.