Nankai University to hold “SPbU’s Days”

Among the Chinese universities, Nankai University is the largest SPbU’s partner which accepts SPbU’s students on internship programmes and even helps them receive scholarships from the government. Nankai University appreciates collaboration with the University over the years (the collaboration agreement signed in 2007) and is willing to actively expand it, says the head of the Chinese delegation, Vice-Rector of Nankai University Mr Chjou Guanlai. “Our students in Russian studies have long since visited SPbU to study on internship programmes, and we hope that we can use this practice in other areas as well and is ready to amend the agreement accordingly”, — said Mr Chjou.

The University will be particularly interested in accepting Chinese students in Russian studies on an exchange programme to pursue a new undergraduate programme “Russian studies”, says Marina Lavrikova.

“The programme focuses on Russian history, geography, language and culture, which makes it a perfect choice for anyone who studies Russia”, — said Marina Lavrikova. The University is interested in deep collaboration with the Chinese partners, says Marina Lavrikova. She also suggested collaborating within the educational programmes which focus on Russia-China relations.The University offers an educational programme in Law with a focus on Chinese language and law. In the next academic year, the University is opening similar programmes in economics, sociology, management, journalism, and Oriental studies. “We are definitely ready to collaborate: we can invite lecturers from Nankai University. It can expand our collaboration and create favourable conditions for researchers and lecturers”, — said Marina Lavrikova.

The parties discussed in depth how to open a new SPbU’s graduate programme “Contemporary China: Economics, politics, society”. The senior deputy dean of the Faculty of Oriental studies Aleksei Rodionov suggested discussing to make a joint degree programme with Nankai University. “It will make the programme more popular among the prospective students and increase the quality of education”, — said Aleksei Rodionov. The idea was supported by the Director of the SPbU’s Centre for Chinese studies  Prof Nikolai Samoilov. Moreover, he suggested another two aspects to consider: to open a semester internship for students from SPbU and Nankai University, and create a joint programme in English.

The parties also discussed other issues: research collaboration and research events, in telecommunication mode as well. Our Chinese colleagues proposed an initiative to hold “SPbU’s Days” in Nankai University with the SPbU’s representatives as honoured guests.