In a significant move to deepen educational collaboration, China has announced over 100 exchange opportunities for Italian universities. Chinese Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng made the declaration at the China-Italy University Rectors Dialogue in Beijing on Saturday.
At the ceremony, Huai revealed that each of the 22 participating Italian universities will receive at least five fully funded student exchange opportunities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to double the scale of European youth exchanges in China.
In addition to the exchange spots, several Chinese and Italian universities signed agreements to establish joint research centers and campuses, fostering innovation in cutting-edge disciplines and high-tech engineering fields.
\"Currently, China and Italy boast all-round, wide-ranging and multi-layered education exchanges and cooperation,\" Huai noted. He highlighted that China is now the largest source country of international students in Italy, while Italy ranks among the top five European countries for students studying in China.
To date, universities from both nations have collaborated on 45 higher education institutions and programs, alongside nine international research laboratories. These collaborations focus on foundational and high-tech engineering disciplines, aiming to advance global academic and technological progress.
\"We sincerely hope that universities in both countries can make full use of various opportunities, such as short-term study visits, student exchanges, summer schools and joint training programs, to promote in-depth exchanges among Chinese and Italian youth,\" Huai added.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership. Over the past two decades, educational exchanges have played a pivotal role in enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations.
\"More than 700 years ago, Marco Polo's travels connected the Chinese and Western civilizations. Looking into the future, we will continue the spirit of mutual respect and exchange in dialogue and cooperation, and create more opportunities for the young people of both countries,\" said Tiziana Lippiello, board member of the Conference of Italian University Rectors.
The dialogue, organized jointly by the Chinese Ministry of Education and the Italian Ministry of University and Research, was attended by representatives from nearly 50 universities in both countries.
Reference(s):
China to offer over 100 exchange spots to Italian universities
cgtn.com
