Recently, a departure ceremony was held at Fudan University, Shanghai, for students who participated in the Go West program during 2025. The Go West program was launched in 2003 as a collaborative endeavor by the Central Committee of the China Communist Youth League, the Ministry of Education, and other central ministries. The program aims to invite university graduates or current students nationwide to volunteer in education, health, agriculture and social management sectors in China’s western regions for a period of one to three years. During the ceremony, a new cohort of volunteers gathered from universities across Shanghai, with youthful dreams, responding to the call of the times, ready to embark on a noble journey to serve the western regions.
Gu Qian, a ShanghaiTech doctoral student in biology from the School of Life Science and Technology (SLST) spoke as a representative of the volunteers from universities in Shanghai. With boundless enthusiasm and steadfast conviction, she expressed the students’ determination and responsibility to serve the West and contribute to the nation.
During the departure ceremony, Gu Qian, along with Zhang Haonan, another ShanghaiTech representative, received gifts symbolizing duty and expectations inspiring them to forge ahead with courage.
Gu Qian (sixth from left) and Zhang Haonan (sixth from right) received gifts.
ShanghaiTech places great importance on the Go West program. Since launching recruitment several months ago, departments at both the university level and school level have collaborated closely, organizing multiple program briefings and sharing sessions with outstanding former volunteers. These volunteers shared their firsthand experiences of personal growth in the West, offering professional insights into the program’s policies and work, and igniting their aspiration to “go to the West, to the grassroots, to where the nation needs them most.” Through extensive outreach and one-on-one guidance, six volunteers with a strong sense of commitment, exceptional qualities, and a spirit of dedication were finally selected to form the Go West team—the largest cohort in the university’s history.
Departure gifts prepared by ShanghaiTech for the volunteers
Let us meet these ShanghaiTech volunteers, with their youthful brilliance to shine in China’s vast western regions.
Gu Qian
Doctoral student in Biological Science, SLST
Location to serve: Xinjiang
When Gu first learned about the Go West program, she was deeply moved by its slogan: “Spend one year doing something unforgettable for a lifetime.” After listening to former volunteers’ experiences, she gained a deeper understanding of the program and solidified her resolve to participate. As a doctoral student, Gu has long pondered how her research work could address real societal needs. Now, she sees the program as a platform to apply her knowledge to practical challenges, enriching her life, refining herself, and engaging with society to become a more fulfilled person. Gu believes her one year of service will be a cherished chapter in her life’s journey.
Li Shuhan ’25
Biological Science, SLST
Location to serve: Yunnan Province
Li’s connection to the Go West program began with a missed opportunity. Growing up in Yunnan, she was inspired by her family’s business efforts to boost the local economy, sparking her desire to volunteer as a teacher and bring knowledge and hope to children in Yunnan. Though she missed the application to volunteer as a teacher in Yunnan, she discovered the Go West program as a new avenue to fulfill her dream. With thorough preparation, she earned her place. “My decision to join the program wasn’t impulsive. I grew up in Yunnan and I want to give back to my hometown with my knowledge and strength, serving where the country truly needs me,” Shuhan says with conviction, eagerly anticipating her work and life in Yunnan. “Spend just one year to do something unforgettable in my life!”
Su Xusheng ’25
Biological Science, SLST
Location to serve: Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps
Su has immense enthusiasm and firm belief in the Go West program and applied immediately after learning about the program. His decision stems from inspiration gained from the spirit brought by volunteers, and a deep-seated aspiration to contribute to western development. He aims to understand the real West, apply his expertise to regional growth, hone his skills through grassroots experience, and broaden his perspective in social engagement, achieving both personal and societal value. Among different options, Su chose grassroots youth work as his top preference. He is confident that, through the program, he will have opportunities to transfer his academic knowledge into impactful service, writing a youthful chapter in the new era.
Qin Yun ’25
Biomedical Engineering, SLST
Location to serve: Xinjiang
With a longing for the West, Qin embarks on a new chapter. During her undergraduate years, she was passionate about volunteerism, participating in activities such as supporting the China International Import Expo, charity sales, and assisting visually impaired individuals. Each experience strengthened her commitment to help others and serve society. “I want to do something meaningful while young, going where society needs us most,” Qin says, driven by reflections on life’s value and inspired by role models. To her, the Go West program is not just a career experience but an opportunity for growth and contribution. “Choosing the West is both a personal ideal and a youthful responsibility. Every small effort can converge into a mighty force for progress,” she affirms, ready to write her own story with passion.
Ye Qingyang ’25
Management Science, School of Entrepreneurship and Management
Location to serve: Xinjiang
Ye sees serving others and society as a happy and meaningful thing. During his undergraduate years, he served as a student leader, coordinating in the management of a floor in the dormitory building, acting as a vital link between students and the university. This volunteer experience honed his coordination and communication skills and deepened his appreciation for grassroots service. Ye says, “My service experiences taught me that even small efforts can make a big difference. As a student studying management science, I want to apply my knowledge to practice and the service of society, shining brightly where I am needed.”
Zhang Haonan MS ’25
Computer Science and Technology, School of Information Science and Technology
Location to serve: Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps
“What kind of person do I want to be, and what contributions can I make to society?” These questions have consistently accompanied Zhang’s growth. Pavel Korchagin is a figure he admired, a man who strived for ideals. Zhang reflects on Korchagin’s words about choosing struggle over comfort, words which lit his path to become a dedicated young man. Joining the Go West program is his way of implementing his commitment to serving and contributing. Without grand promises, Zhang holds a simple resolve: “At the age when I can give the most, I want to serve where I am needed, using my expertise and sincerity to contribute to the development of the western regions.”
The choice of youth, the call of the west! We look forward to ShanghaiTech students blooming in the vast western frontier, nurturing dreams with wisdom and effort, embodying dedication and responsibility, and letting the volunteer spirit of “dedication, friendship, mutual help, and growth” shine where the country needs it most.