YNU students complete internship with Himalayan University Consortium

Wang Yizhou, Tang Huiling, and Pan Yue, three students from the Institute for International Rivers and Eco-Security at Yunnan University (YNU), have completed their internship with the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) under the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

YNU students pose for a group photo with the local research team. [Photo/WeChat account of Department of International Cooperation and Exchange at Yunnan University]

ICIMOD, founded in 1983 in Kathmandu, Nepal, promotes sustainable development in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. The HUC, established in 2007, fosters collaboration among universities in its member countries, including Yunnan University, to advance research and education on mountain sustainability.

During the internship, Wang Yizhou worked with the Spring Management team, conducting focus group discussions in Nepalese villages. Despite language barriers, Wang gained valuable experience in cross-cultural communication and fieldwork.

Tang Huiling contributed to a study on butterfly habitats in the region. The study utilized the Maxent model to analyze species vulnerability under different climate scenarios.

Pan Yue collaborated with Nepali scholars on butterfly research, deepening her appreciation for the region's biodiversity and fostering potential future collaborations.

Beyond their professional achievements, the students embraced cultural exchanges, from sharing traditional foods to celebrating local festivals. They learned to navigate a diverse workplace, develop cross-cultural competencies, and grow academically and personally.

Reflecting on the experience, the students emphasized its lasting impact on their career aspirations. "This internship made international organizations feel within reach," said Wang Yizhou. Pan Yue added, "It strengthened my ability to respect diversity and collaborate in multicultural settings."