Beijing, 1st October 2024 (BISTU)---BISTU delegation headed by Vice Chairman Wang Wenjie of the University Council visited Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) and Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) in Finland and Mid Sweden University in Sweden from 22nd to 28th September 2024, aiming to strengthen exchange and cooperation with global partners and enhance the quality of talent cultivation for talents of applied learning with international horizon and hands-on skills.

Wang Wenjie and BISTU delegation members met with Strategic Director Janne Hokkanen of LUT and Rotating President He Jingfei of Finland Campus of Hebei University of Technology. Following an introduction to LUT, both institutions conducted effective communication on student affairs, cross-cultural exchanges, guidance for career planning, and psychological consultancy provided with students.

In depth discussion was held on school-running model of the Finland Campus of Hebei University of Technology in respect of gains, possible barriers, and development prospect. Wang Wenjie commented that offshore campuses are an important part of implementing the national strategy in educational opening-up. Finland Campus of Hebei University of Technology provided very valuable reference for BISTU in this regard.

Wang Wenjie held talks with Chinese students studying at Finland Campus of Hebei University of Technology to learn more about their learning, living, and social practice in Finland.

Vice President Ari Sivula of TAMK and Yuxing Stella Ikonen, Senior Advisor in Export Education at TAMK, met with BISTU delegation. Vice President Ari Sivula explained general information and talent cultivation of TAMK. Both institutions then reached consensus on cooperation in respect of cultivation of talents of applied learning, enhancement of hands-on skills, cross-disciplinary research, and educational globalization.

Yuxing Stella Ikonen offered an introduction to cooperative programs between TAMK and Chinese universities as well as the existing faculty and student exchange programs in cooperation with BISTU. Both institutions signed an agreement on future student exchange programs.

International Director Cathrine Gladh of Mid Sweden University offered a guided tour of the campus and an introduction to the University.

Prof. Patrik Österberg and Prof. Kent Bertilsson of Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering offered an introduction to the 3+1 joint program with BISTU and explored possibilities for research cooperation. Vice President Hans-Erik Nilsson of Mid Sweden University spoke highly of the achievements and progresses that both institutions have made in cooperation and held in-depth talks with Wang Wenjie on expanding and deepening cooperative links.

Wang Wenjie commented that students and faculty and staff of both institutions have contributed greatly to success of cooperation. The two universities have a lot in common in respect of the philosophies of talent cultivation, educational globalization, etc. Great potential has been identified for cooperation in faculty visit, research, student exchange, etc. Both institutions reached consensus on short-term cooperation in winter vacations and explored relating details.

Visit to universities in Finland and Sweden is an important move of the University to expand global cooperation and enhance educational globalization. As more and more students and faculty benefit from cooperative programs, international cooperation will play an increasingly important role in strengthening talent cultivation quality and improving the international image of the University.

BISTU delegation members also included Director Zhang Jingbo of Student Affairs Office and Chief Librarian Zhang Jian of the University Library.