James Paterson, a 26-year-old postgraduate student studying physical education at the University of Wyoming in the United States, recently got to check something off his bucket list with a monthlong "best-ever experience" in China, joining a physical education exchange program at the Shanghai University of Sport.

As a member of the UW's delegation under the American Short-Term Study in China Initiative, launched by the two universities three years ago, Paterson made the journey to China and spent the whole of March in Shanghai, where he collected knowledge, inspiration, cultural and living experiences, as well as forged new friendships.

"I am very fortunate, as it has been one of my dreams to come here and do what I love, which is physical education," he said.

"During our time in China, we have not only expanded our academic knowledge, but have also gained something even more valuable — perspective.

"We have seen firsthand that physical education and physical activity are universal languages.

"Though we may come from different cultures and speak different languages, our shared passion for movement and education has been a bridge that connected us all," said Paterson, describing the visit as one of the best experiences of his life.

Consisting of seven postgraduate students and two teachers, the Wyoming delegation stayed in Shanghai for four weeks. With a focus on sports education, they joined the SUS faculty and students to explore innovative teaching methods in the physical education sector.

During their stay, the delegation was offered diverse courses, including special lessons on wushu (Chinese martial arts), archery and a general overview of China, as well as being introduced to traditional Chinese cultural activities, such as calligraphy and tea ceremonies. They also went on special visits to local high schools to observe real PE classes. In their spare time, delegation members were guided on relaxing tours around cultural sites across the city, as well as trips to ancient towns, mountains and cities throughout the Yangtze River Delta region.

Liu Yang, a professor from the School of Physical Education at Shanghai University of Sport, and one of organizers of the exchange program, told China Daily that this visit aims to not only present the status quo and real cases in China's physical education, but also to help both sides in the same sector better understand and learn from each other — both theoretically and practically, academically and culturally.