University of Bristol in the UK celebrates its Chinese graduates & it's connections
Kang Jingwen and her schoolmates were all dressed in academic robes. She was excited that her parents were there to celebrate her graduation, and they took many photos.
The 24-year-old is one of the 376 new Chinese graduates of the University of Bristol which recently gathered in Beijing for an official graduation celebration for the Chinese students who studied there, together with their families and friends.
"I've broadened my horizons and honed my ability to think independently in my four-year undergraduate study. I've learned a lot outside the class that's helpful in my job. Also, the city of Bristol is beautiful, with historical buildings," says Kang, who works for a company in Shanghai.
The Beijing event is very convenient for Chinese graduates whose families are unable to attend the graduation ceremony in the United Kingdom due to travel costs, visas and time constraints, as it makes it possible for the students and their families to celebrate the event together in China.
"Graduation is a rite of passage between one stage of life and the next. The support of family and friends is crucial for our graduates. We are glad to see not just parents, but also grandparents present here. That inspires us to continue to bring the event to Beijing," says Hugh Brady, the president of the University of Bristol.
The recent event was the third graduation ceremony that the university－ranked 41st in the QS World University-Rankings 2016-has held in Beijing since 2015.
Speaking about the university's connections in China, Brady says: "We already have strong links with universities and institutions, and a considerable network of influential alumni across China.
"So, this visit is about celebrating our new graduates, fostering existing relationships and exploring potential new partnerships."
On his university's strategy in China, he says it is a mix of individual research relations that the professors have and a small number of strategic partnerships.
So, the professors hope to have more students in exchange programs that bring them to China.
Referring to links with industry, he says: "Bristol has strong creative industries, such as electronics. We look for more partnerships with industry, so it not only ensures our students get the best experience, but also benefits our research."
Brady believes that Brexit is a short-term uncertainty for European students at the university, but Chinese students should not notice any difference.
He adds that the Brexit makes internationalization more important for the university, adding that, while it will continue working with its European partners, it is already expanding its relations around the world.
Elaborating on the university's mission, he says: "Our core principle remains the same. Our job is to prepare all our students, whether they are UK students or Chinese ones, for a world where they live and work across cultures."
According to him, the university now has about 1,700 Chinese students on campus.
Speaking about their subject choices, he says: "When Chinese students choose majors, they emphasize finance, management, law and engineering. So, we always have strong recruitment to those disciplines, but now we are seeing Chinese students who are interested in majors such as humanities, film studies and sciences."
"It probably reflects a Chinese society that's becoming more high-tech and knowledge-based. China's creative and digital sectors are strong. So, students choose these areas because they see their importance."
Erik Lithander, pro vice-chancellor (international) of the university, says that students who are interested in visiting China for internships or exchange programs have different reasons.
Lithander says that for some students, China is the best place for their academic disciplines.
For example, if they study international business, China is an exciting place for them to see economic development.
Also, some want to experience life in a country growing in such an exciting way. And some are simply interested in the Chinese language and culture.
"Our students are intelligent about preparing for their future, and they know that China is important. So, living, studying or having an internship in China will make them more competitive when they start to look for jobs," he says.
He adds that UK students eyeing Chinese universities are seeking the same things as Chinese students looking at British universities－a mixture of academic reputation and location. Also, some students like big cities, while others like small ones.
Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/life/2017-04/19/content_28987066.htm
