On May 18, at the invitation of School of Urban Railway Transportation at Shanghai University of Engineering Science, a delegation of eight students and faculty members from the Faculty of Engineering at Coventry University, UK, arrived in Shanghai to begin a two-week short-term exchange program. On the morning of May 19, an opening ceremony was grandly held in Conference Room 8A521 of the Modern Transportation Engineering Center. Attendees included Wan Huilin, Party Committee Secretary of School of Urban Railway Transportation; Gu Yi, Dean of the International Institute of Creative Design; Zhou Xiaozhou, Deputy Director of the International Office; Ma Jianli, Deputy Party Committee Secretary of the International Institute of Creative Design; Wang Lei, Vice Dean of School of Urban Railway Transportation; as well as faculty and student representatives. The ceremony was presided over by Vice Dean Wang Lei.
At the opening ceremony, Wan Huilin, Party Committee Secretary of School of Urban Railway Transportation, extended a warm welcome to the visiting students and faculty from Coventry University on behalf of all faculty and students of the college. She also expressed sincere gratitude to all parties who supported the event. Secretary Wan provided an in-depth introduction to the development history and distinctive features of the university and the college, reviewing the collaboration between the two institutions since 2023. From the visit of Coventry University Vice President Xu Jingjing in December 2023 to the return visit by our university’s Deputy Party Secretary Zhu Xiaoqing in September 2024, both sides have reached multiple consensuses in areas such as joint talent cultivation and scientific research cooperation. This visit by Coventry University students marks the college’s first large-scale reception of international students, which is of extraordinary significance and is set to broaden the scope and depth of international education. Secretary Wan encouraged the exchange delegation to deeply appreciate China’s achievements in rail transit development and experience the unique charm of Shanghai-style culture through activities such as academic seminars, corporate visits, and cultural experiences during the two-week program.
Zhou Xiaozhou, Deputy Director of the International Office, expressed concern and sympathy for the traveling delegation, thoughtfully mentioning the fatigue of the long journey. She emphasized that through carefully designed itineraries, students would be encouraged to experience new courses, make new friends, and fully immerse themselves in the charm of Shanghai. The university will provide 24-hour support services to ensure an unforgettable exchange experience for the students. Ma Jianli, Deputy Party Committee Secretary of the International Institute of Creative Design, introduced the international education features of the school and the International Cross-Media Creative Design Summer Program. He elaborated on the significance of the exchange program in promoting cultural exchange and enhancing international understanding, expressing hope that the Coventry University delegation would seize this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and the educational excellence of Shanghai University of Engineering Science.
Ji Lin, the lead of the Coventry University delegation, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception and meticulous arrangements. She noted that this exchange visit marks a new chapter in the cooperation between the two universities and encouraged students to cherish the opportunity and actively participate in the exchange activities. She also expressed hope for deeper collaboration in areas such as student exchanges and scientific research in the future. Scarlett Wall, a student representative from Coventry University, shared her excitement and expectations. She expressed sincere thanks for the warm welcome and thoughtful arrangements and looked forward to gaining knowledge, experiencing diverse cultures, and building cross-border friendships with Chinese faculty and students during the exchange. Finally, Zheng Xun, International Exchange Secretary of School of Urban Railway Transportation, provided a detailed explanation of the event’s schedule.
Over the next two weeks, the college has meticulously organized a variety of activities, including academic lectures, laboratory visits, student interactions, corporate visits, and cultural experiences, creating a platform for in-depth exchange. These activities will help Coventry University students and faculty experience the charm of cutting-edge academia and appreciate the profound depth of Chinese culture. Notably, May 24 coincides with the 20th anniversary celebration of School of Urban Railway Transportation, and the Coventry University delegation will participate as representatives of international friends, adding a touch of cross-border friendship to the celebration.
This visit by the students and faculty from Coventry University, UK, is not only an academic and cultural exchange but also an important milestone in the cooperation between the two universities. Moving forward, both sides will seize this opportunity to deepen collaboration, engage in more practical cooperation in areas such as talent cultivation and scientific research innovation, and jointly write a new chapter in international education, contributing to the cultivation of high-quality talent with a global perspective.