On 10th of May, Dr. Qingqing Zhou, the Vice Dean of International School of Guangzhou Huali College, visited University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. Ms. Anna Krajewska, Acting Director of University of Canterbury International College (UCIC), Ms. Emma White, Director of Marketing and Administration, and Ms. Lydia Liu, Marketing Manager warmly welcomed Dr. Zhou.

                                                                  （Left: Emma White; Right: Anna Krajewska）

Dr. Zhou briefly introduced Guangzhou Huali College, covering its history, size, features, and academic programs. Emphasizing the distinctive educational philosophy of "student-oriented, professional service," Dr. Zhou highlighted the college's mission to cultivate internationally-minded applied talents. The college also boasts an international education platform that offers interdisciplinary majors, fully English-taught academic programs, and faculty members with international educational backgrounds. Additionally, Dr. Zhou mentioned the unique International Foundation Program, which allows students to join Huali College for one year and then directly transfer to prestigious universities worldwide for their sophomore year, bypassing the Chinese college entrance examination.

（Left: Lydia Liu, Right: Emma White）

Dr. Zhou is the first overseas university representative received by the UCIC after the pandemic. Ms. Emma White greatly appreciated for Dr. Zhou’s visit and felt full of confidence to the cooperation between Huali International Foundation Program and UCIC program. Due to the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) for international foundation program cooperation between UCIC and International School of Guangzhou Huali College, Ms. White suggests further cooperation projects, such as remote interactive professional training for teachers from both sides. Internship of education graduates from University of Canterbury to Chinese kindergartens or primary or secondary schools；and hosting academic visits of Guangzhou Huali College students during the winter and summer vacations by the English Department of UC. The cooperation achievements of these projects will undoubtedly provide the foundation for the multi-level and friendly partnership between the University of Canterbury and Guangzhou Huali College.

Finally, Dr. Zhou, on behalf of the International School of Guangzhou Huali College, presented the “Red Lychee Receiving Fortune” embroidery handicraft to UCIC.

（Center: Emma White; Right: Lydia Liu）

University of Canterbury was founded in 1873 and located in Christchurch, the capital of Canterbury, New Zealand and is the second oldest university in New Zealand. In 2023, University of Canterbury ranked within the top 284 globally with 7 schools and 8 departments, including literature, business, engineering, law, education, and health. The Civil Engineering program at the University of Canterbury is ranked among the top 100 in the world. It has 12,000 full-time students, with 9,500 undergraduates, 2,500 postgraduates, and over 400 international students from 35 countries or regions.

Written by Wei (Vivienne) Xu

Photos taken by Qingqing Zhou

Revised by SM Hashmi

Approved by Shuze Tang