FutureDrive Academy
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
The Smart Bet for Global Futures:
Align Your Trajectory With China’s AI Leadership
Explore cutting-edge autonomous driving technology
We are proud to offer an exclusive summer camp in partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (World #27 in Computer Science), one of China’s top institutions for technology and innovation. This program is designed for New Zealand and Australian high school students who want to gain hands-on experience in autonomous driving technology—a field where China is leading the world.
Why This 7-day Camp
Cutting-Edge Technology
Dive into the world of autonomous driving with intensive coding sessions, robotics, and AI workshops
Global Preparedness
Equip your child with the skills and knowledge to excel in a future dominated by technology and innovation
Superior Safety
Our camp is hosted in Shanghai—a city widely regarded as the safest in the world, making their experience completely worry-free
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What's also included:
$2649
$3249
A worry-free experience in the safest country
7 Nights Hotel Accommodation and Meals
Domestic Tourism and Transportation, Comprehensive Curriculum, Hands-On Projects, Cultural Immersion, R&D Centre Visits and Industry Immersion
Dates: 30 June to 6 July (Coding Academy); 7 July to 13 July (Optional FutureNow Tour)
Location: 800 Dongchuan RD. Minhang District, Shanghai, CHINA
Application ends: 6 June 2025
Fequently Asked Questions
In-person classes offer students more motivation through peer interaction and a focused, collaborative atmosphere. Learning side-by-side with others helps build momentum and a sense of shared progress that’s difficult to recreate online. When students struggle, teachers are present to provide immediate, patient support. This kind of immersive and supportive environment makes in-person learning a unique and irreplaceable experience.
Yes, especially in Shanghai and Hangzhou. It is also super convenient once you have done some basic setup.
We will only charge a flat fee of $49 for handling that for you. If you are only here for the 7-Day Coding Academy, a return ticket to Auckland is about $1,800. But we encourage you to spend more time in China—before or after—such as by joining us on the FutureNow Tour right after the coding camp to wind down and witness first-hand how technologies are being applied in daily life in China. You are more than welcome to arrange your own flights. For this FutureDrive Academy, your hotel stay starts the day before the camp, ensuring you start the program refreshed.
Simply inform the airline that the child will be traveling as an unaccompanied minor. No visa is needed for NZ/AUS passport holders. Airport pickup in Shanghai is available for $150, and drop-off service is available for $100. Otherwise, you can simply take a taxi to Shanghai Jiao Tong University for only $50, where students will be welcomed and taken care of by our friendly teachers and staff. Whether the child arrives the day before the camp or on the morning of the first day, a hotel room will be ready for them.
After you've successfully made the payment, you will shortly receive a confirmation email acknowledging your payment. Following this confirmation, we'll contact you via email to gather more details about your child. This information helps us ensure the camp experience is appropriately tailored to your child's skill level and needs. Once we have these details, we will discuss any specific preparations required to make the camp a rewarding and enjoyable experience for your child.
For students who don't have families to go to in China or don't wish to go back to NZ/AUS, you are welcome to continue the China adventure by joining our FutureNow tour where you will experience all the jaw dropping technologies in China.
We recommend using WeChat (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ujNWDm7LqQ) or Alipay (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GyGbYCJ0yUQ). They will make your life a breeze in China.
For NZ/AU passport holders:
✓ Visa-free entry is available for stays up to 30 days (per 2024 policy).
✓ For stays longer than 30 days, please apply for an L-type tourist visa in advance.
It is recommended that parents choose coverage based on their needs. A typical Southern Cross International Comprehensive Travel Insurance costs $95.50 with $250 excess. If only in-China coverage is needed, consider China Pacific Insurance Company’s “Baoyou Prestige Domestic Travel Insurance” at ¥85 for 7 days. Learn more
For Combo (FutureDrive Academy+FutureNow Tour) clients, insurance will be complementary.
A 24/7 bilingual (Chinese/English) emergency hotline is available at: +86 13916957209.
Yes, the camp is led by a bilingual lead teacher with 20 years of NZ/AU experience. The staff-to-student ratio is strictly maintained at 1:15.
Yes, a laptop is required (Windows/macOS, with at least 8GB RAM). No specialized software is needed, as the development environment will be set up on Day 1.
Absolutely! Beginners are welcome provided they complete the free Codecademy Python basics course before camp and have a strong interest in AI technology.
Roommate assignments are made randomly (by gender) by default. If you wish to request a specific roommate, please indicate so on the detailed registration form (both parties must agree) after making the payment. Single room upgrades are available for an additional $350 for 7 nights when requested at least 21 days before camp.
If you cancel at least 28 days before the camp starts, you will receive an 80% refund (an administrative fee may apply). Cancellations made within 14 days of the camp start date are non-refundable. Please review our full cancellation policy for details.
The hotel provides a paid laundry service (approximately ￥30–50 per load). We recommend bringing enough clothing for 5–7 days.
Original passports can be securely stored in the hotel safe by the lead teacher.
Seize the Technology Windfall for the Next 15 Years
Your trusted partner in cultural and educational exchange between New Zealand and China.
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