In April 2025, the School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development at Renmin University of China organized all professional master’s students of the Class of 2024 to participate in a 28-day “Excellence Program in Agriculture, Rural Areas and Farmers · Knowledge and Practice” field-based training course in Yongtai County, Fujian Province. The initiative attracted wide public attention. Recently, Zhong Zhen, Vice Dean of the School, and master’s student Wei Chengshu were invited to join a live interview on China National Radio’s Voice of Rural China program. Under the theme “28 Days in the Countryside — A Record of RUC Master’s Students,” the two guests offered a detailed review of the training experience and the journey undertaken by RUC faculty and students in Yongtai.

During the interview, Vice Dean Zhong Zhen elaborated on the original purpose and structure of the course. He explained that this practical course forms a core component of the School’s integrated training system under the “Excellence Program in Agriculture, Rural Areas, and Farmers.” Following the model of “local governments raise questions—universities provide answers—society evaluates outcomes,” the course is designed to sharpen students’ fundamental competencies in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through immersive fieldwork. Students collectively produce a consulting report reflecting their insights, strategies, and teamwork. Zhong emphasized that the School will continue to expand this model, encouraging students to “write their theses on the land of China” and to develop a genuine sense of connection to agriculture, rural areas, and farmers through deep engagement with rural life.

Wei Chengshu, a member of the field research team, shared her experience conducting hands-on investigations in Geling Town. She described her process from initial surveys to project implementation and problem-solving. She also spoke about her plans for future professional development, skill enhancement, and practical research.

This live-streamed discussion on the “Excellence Program in Agriculture, Rural Areas and Farmers · Knowledge and Practice” course was more than a reflection on 28 days of rural practice—it was a thoughtful dialogue on the relationship between youth and the countryside, theory and practice. As Vice Dean Zhong aptly concluded, “The countryside is the best classroom, and practice is the best textbook.” RUC students and faculty are actively fulfilling their social responsibilities by allowing their youthful ideals to blossom in the places where the country needs them most.