Forthcoming Collaboration Between Soochow University in China and Five Faculties of Palacký University
UP Rector Jaroslav Miller and Chairman of the University Council Wang Zhuojun
Representatives of five faculties of Palacký University debated the possibilities of closer collaboration with Soochow University in China. The delegation from one of the most prestigious Chinese universities, lead by Wang Zhuojun, Chairman of the University Council, followed up on the previously signed Memorandum of Collaboration.
The representatives of the Faculties of Arts, Science, Education, Theology, and Physical Culture discussed the possibilities of how to fulfil the memorandum, particularly in the areas of mobility and research.
“We are proud to be the mediators establishing the contact on the university level. The Faculty of Physical Culture plans to collaborate with this university in the exchange of students in Master’s and Doctoral programmes, in mutual exchanges of our faculty members as well as in traditional Chinese sports and applied activities,” said Martin Kudláček, Vice-Dean at the Faculty of Physical Culture. Palacký University intends to sign a specific collaborative agreement by the end of this academic year.
The Soochow University representatives also showed interest in collaboration with the Sts Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology. “Besides theological disciplines, we also presented our programmes in social education and social work and described our Institute of Social Health,” said Petra Potměšilová from the Faculty of Theology, summing up the meeting. She also confirmed that informational materials in English are being prepared at the faculty to be sent to China.
The Faculty of Arts hopes to collaborate with Soochow University especially in student mobility. According to Vice-Dean Daniel Nemrava, the opportunity to study at a renowned Chinese university will be most attractive for students of Chinese Philology.
“Chinese students, on the other hand, should be interested in courses on history, sociology, politics, and European studies taught in English. Or the philological disciplines,” said Nemrava.
Soochow University is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious universities in China, and as the Faculty of Education Vice-Dean Vojtěch Regec noted, Soochow University has considerable experience in collaboration with universities all around the world.
“We mainly talked over mobility, and our Chinese partners inquired about short-term as well as regular study programmes. What we consider as our biggest challenge is creating a double-degree programme and launching joint scientific research activities,” confirmed Regec.
The Chinese delegation visited the Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials in Olomouc and participated in the ceremonial opening of the Fortress of Knowledge. They met UP Rector Jaroslav Miller and UP Vice-Rector for International Relations Ivana Oborná. Huang Xiaoming, Director of the Confucius Academy in Olomouc, was also present at the meeting.
