On April 21, 2015, Koen Lamberts, Vice-Chancellor of University of York visited Peking University (PKU), along with Michael White, art history professor, Hilary Layton, Director of Internationalization, Andrew Kerrigan, Senior Tutor of the Centre for Global Programs, and Sarah Sylvester, Development Officer of the Development and Alumni Relations. They were received by Gao Song, Vice-President of PKU, Zheng Ruqing, Deputy Director of the Office of International Relations, Zhou Jing, Director of the Exchange Student Department of the Office of Relations, Ma Lan, Deputy Director of the Exchange Student Department of the Office of Relations, Huang Tao, project officer at the Office of International Relations, and Wang Shuo, project officer at the Office of International Relations.
Vice President Gao first extended a warm welcome to Koen Lamberts, and then he gave a brief introduction of the summer programs at PKU. Then, Vice-Chancellor Koen Lamberts praised PKU’s efforts to promote education programs, noting that the UK provides increasing financial support for students to pursue their studies. Furthermore, the University of York has formed close cooperation with the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) and established a foundation for Ph.D. students to join bilateral research programs between the University of York and Peking University.
Ma Lan summarized the summer programs held over the past two years, and she shared a story about ten students that attended University of York, in which they really had a good time. She spoke highly of this program as a combination of lectures and museums visits, and she appreciated professor Michael’s effort to give art history lectures. “And last year, we received a student from the University of York, and he enjoyed his time here.” Ma added.
Zhou Jing said that students attending the exchange programs had quite a lot of options: They could choose to improve their language proficiency or to attend subject courses with other local undergraduate students. Ph.D. students could also conduct research with professors at PKU. She also noted that PKU is striving to provide more accommodation for foreign students and to provide more lectures and other opportunities for York students.
After the meeting, the two sides signed a memorandum and exchanged gifts.
Written by: Wang Runjian
