Establishing wide-ranging collaborations with various overseas universities has always been a commitment of SMA GPS. After previous visits to Australia and Japan for partnerships with several universities, this time SMA GPS landed in China — specifically in Beijing and Tianjin.
Why China?
There are many reasons why SMA GPS chose China as its next destination. From an economic standpoint, China is a global powerhouse, often dubbed the "world’s factory" because almost everything can be produced and easily purchased there. In terms of technology, China has made significant advancements in high-tech industries, reinforcing its status as a global superpower. They even have an artificial sun.
From an educational perspective, numerous universities in China rank among the Top 100 in Asia and even the world — including the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), one of GPS's newest partners. Culturally, China’s thousands of years of history have left behind incredible historical sites. For example, the Great Wall, one of the greatest historical landmarks in the world, reflects a unique blend of power, economy, heroism, and loyalty. Other examples include the Summer Palace, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, and many more.
Aside from all these reasons, GPS students continue to pursue higher education in China every year. Why not? China offers numerous academic opportunities with a variety of majors taught in English or Mandarin. Even better, the chances of receiving 100% scholarships are very open. Want to study in China with a scholarship?
Establishing Collaborations
SMA GPS remains committed to facilitating as many opportunities as possible for students to pursue higher education abroad. After years of connection with BIT, on May 14, SMA GPS officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for further collaboration. The MoU was signed by the principals of SMA GPS Bekasi and Bandung together with BIT representatives: Mr. Liu Weiguang and Ms. Xiaomin Yan, Director of the Undergraduate Program.
BIT is among the Top 50 universities in Asia and has three campuses. The one GPS visited is the Zhongguancun Campus, built on 116 hectares of land. The other campuses are Liangxiang Campus in Fangshan District, and Xishan Campus in Haidian District, Beijing. Currently, there are three GPS alumni studying at BIT, and in 2025, there are around 300 Indonesian students enrolled there.
The following day, SMA GPS visited Beijing Information Science & Technology University (BISTU). BISTU is also a major university equipped with large buildings and cutting-edge technology — including a spacious digital library and comprehensive sports facilities. Like BIT, BISTU offers dormitories for both international and local students.
Another university on the list was Tiangong University, located in Tianjin. Built on expansive land, this university is famous for its textile faculty and also provides international student dormitories. Interestingly, they also have a hotel usually rented to the public or to visiting student families — all at affordable prices.
SMA GPS also visited Tianjin Farragut School, a local high school. For about three hours, GPS and TFS students bonded through group games and happily exchanged social media contacts. It was a fun and meaningful experience, meeting peers who share the same dream: to study abroad.
Exploring Ancient Chinese Civilization
China’s ancient civilization has left behind historical landmarks that attract visitors from all over the world. These places are never quiet, with both local and international tourists eager to experience them.
The first destination was the Forbidden City (Zǐjìn Chéng). Spanning more than 180 hectares, this complex includes over 900 buildings — grand, solid, and magnificent. Built in the 1400s by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, it served as both the imperial residence and a defensive center for Beijing, then the new capital after Nanjing.
Next was the Summer Palace (Yíhéyuán), built in the 1750s during the Qing Dynasty. This 290-hectare area of land and lake was created as a summer retreat for royal families. The site is also home to many rare trees, some of which are hundreds of years old.
The Great Wall, the world-famous icon, was also visited by SMA GPS. Stretching 21,000 kilometers, this marvel of engineering began with Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the 3rd century BC and took around 2,000 years to build across various dynasties. Its main purpose was to defend Chinese territory during times of war. It was truly awe-inspiring to witness this massive symbol of long-standing civilization in person.
Discovering Modern Chinese Civilization
The first modern attraction SMA GPS visited was Universal Studios Beijing. This entertainment park, filled with modern technology, is the largest in the world. Opened in 2021, the park spans about 55 hectares and features 37 rides across seven themed zones such as: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers Metrobase, Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness, Hollywood, WaterWorld, Minion Land, and Jurassic World Isla Nublar. Due to the vastness of the park, GPS students were only able to visit a few of the attractions.
The final modern destination was a drone company: EFY Intelligent Control Tianjin. If you’ve seen the dazzling drone shows in Dubai or other advanced countries, this is where many of those drones are made. GPS students got the chance to test some drones and watch a demonstration featuring around 50 drones forming shapes like hearts, butterflies, and flowers. The company also manufactures drones for agriculture and logistics. Their cutting-edge technology is truly impressive — definitely a potential study destination in the future.
Author: Laurent Tresno
Editor: Lady Yesisca
Documenter: SHS Teacher Team
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