The Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) proudly participated in the "Seminar for University Teachers from Belt and Road Initiative Countries", held at Northeast Normal University in Changchun, China, from April 28 to May 18, 2025. Representing CUT was researcher Eirini Christou, who joined a diverse group of 27 participants from 10 countries across 4 continents for an enriching and collaborative educational exchange.
This fully-funded, 21-day seminar, entrusted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and supported by the Embassy of China in Cyprus and the Confucius Institute of the CUT, was designed to foster cooperation and knowledge sharing among universities within the Belt and Road Initiative framework. With English as the working language, the seminar offered a dynamic blend of lectures, thematic discussions, academic symposiums, and cultural experiences.
Participants explored a wide range of topics focused on the evolution of global higher education, including higher education reform, digital integration in university teaching, educational policy and management, educational psychology and its role in teaching, as well as quantitative research methodology in education.
In addition to academic sessions, the seminar emphasized the development of university education in economically disadvantaged regions, the professional development of university teachers, and strategies to enhance research competencies in higher education.
The seminar successfully brought together educators and researchers from a wide array of academic backgrounds, creating a vibrant platform for international dialogue and peer learning. This cross-cultural collaboration underscored the shared challenges and mutual opportunities in advancing global education standards.
Beyond academic enrichment, participants had the opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of China through visits to iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, the Shanghai TV Tower and universities in Beijing and Shanghai. These visits not only enhanced cultural understanding but also deepened professional connections with leading academic institutions in China.
CUT researcher Eirini Christou described the experience as “an exceptional opportunity for academic growth and intercultural exchange”, highlighting the seminar’s emphasis on cooperation, innovation, and inclusive education. More specifically, she highlighted that it was a truly unique and insightful opportunity where the participants not only learnt about the educational system and transformations in China and the educational methodologies, but they also attended engaging lectures by dedicated professors, visited universities, and enjoyed enriching cultural visits to museums and highlights of China. This seminar opens doors for future collaborations with China, NENU University, and between the participating countries. Eirini also highlighted that everything was incredibly well organized by the coordinators, and the assistants (seminar office team) were exceptionally friendly and always ready to help. They always addressed any questions with a smile. Their support made the whole experience even more enjoyable and seamless! “Honestly, words feel too little to describe such an incredible, and maybe once in a lifetime, experience. It’s something I’ll carry with me for a very long time”. The initiative demonstrated how global knowledge sharing can transcend borders, building bridges for long-term academic partnerships.
The Cyprus University of Technology remains committed to participating in such international collaborations, reinforcing its role in shaping a more interconnected and informed global academic community.
Αναπτυξιακά έργα πέραν των €300 εκατ. στη Λεμεσό παρουσίασε ο Πρύτανης του ΤΕΠΑΚ
The Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) proudly participated in the "Seminar for University Teachers from Belt and Road Initiative Countries", held at Northeast Normal University in Changchun, China, from April 28 to May 18, 2025. Representing CUT was researcher Eirini Christou, who joined a diverse group of 27 participants from 10 countries across 4 continents for an enriching and collaborative educational exchange.
This fully-funded, 21-day seminar, entrusted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and supported by the Embassy of China in Cyprus and the Confucius Institute of the CUT, was designed to foster cooperation and knowledge sharing among universities within the Belt and Road Initiative framework. With English as the working language, the seminar offered a dynamic blend of lectures, thematic discussions, academic symposiums, and cultural experiences.
Participants explored a wide range of topics focused on the evolution of global higher education, including higher education reform, digital integration in university teaching, educational policy and management, educational psychology and its role in teaching, as well as quantitative research methodology in education.
In addition to academic sessions, the seminar emphasized the development of university education in economically disadvantaged regions, the professional development of university teachers, and strategies to enhance research competencies in higher education.
The seminar successfully brought together educators and researchers from a wide array of academic backgrounds, creating a vibrant platform for international dialogue and peer learning. This cross-cultural collaboration underscored the shared challenges and mutual opportunities in advancing global education standards.
Beyond academic enrichment, participants had the opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of China through visits to iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, the Shanghai TV Tower and universities in Beijing and Shanghai. These visits not only enhanced cultural understanding but also deepened professional connections with leading academic institutions in China.
CUT researcher Eirini Christou described the experience as “an exceptional opportunity for academic growth and intercultural exchange”, highlighting the seminar’s emphasis on cooperation, innovation, and inclusive education. More specifically, she highlighted that it was a truly unique and insightful opportunity where the participants not only learnt about the educational system and transformations in China and the educational methodologies, but they also attended engaging lectures by dedicated professors, visited universities, and enjoyed enriching cultural visits to museums and highlights of China. This seminar opens doors for future collaborations with China, NENU University, and between the participating countries. Eirini also highlighted that everything was incredibly well organized by the coordinators, and the assistants (seminar office team) were exceptionally friendly and always ready to help. They always addressed any questions with a smile. Their support made the whole experience even more enjoyable and seamless! “Honestly, words feel too little to describe such an incredible, and maybe once in a lifetime, experience. It’s something I’ll carry with me for a very long time”. The initiative demonstrated how global knowledge sharing can transcend borders, building bridges for long-term academic partnerships.
The Cyprus University of Technology remains committed to participating in such international collaborations, reinforcing its role in shaping a more interconnected and informed global academic community.
