On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the Gallos University Campus in Rethymno, the Rector’s Authorities of the University of Crete welcomed a six-member delegation from the Chinese institution Beijing Foreign Studies University, led by Professor WANG Dinghua, Chairman of the Board of Governors. The conference ended with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties.

The Rector of the University of Crete, Professor G.M. Kontakis, and the President of the Council of Beijing Foreign Studies University, WANG Dinghua, both delivered speeches. The Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Lifelong Learning, International Relations and Outlook, Professor G. Kossioris presented the profile of the Foundation, while the discussion was moderated by the Chairman of the Department of Political Science, Professor H. Georgantas. The Vice Rector for Planning, Administrative Affairs and Student Welfare, D. Mylonakis, the Vice Rector for Finance and Infrastructure, Professor K. Spanoudakis, Professor E.M. Tamiolaki, Vice Rector for Development, International Relations and Extroversion from September 2024, as well as the Presidents and lecturers of the Academic Departments of the Schools of Rethymno attended the discussion.

Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) is one of China’s two universities that specializes in teaching foreign languages and cultures. BFSU promotes the teaching of 101 foreign languages, including Greek, and concentrates on fields like humanities, law, economics, management, and education.

The new collaboration will center on Erasmus+ programs, student and teaching staff exchanges, as well as research and collaboration between the BFSU and academic departments of the University of Crete. The sharing of experience in teaching Greek as a foreign language is intended to provide several benefits to both academic institutions. Corresponding benefits will develop as a result of the holistic approach underlying the concept of the BFSU curriculum, which is not limited to language teaching but also includes an awareness of the language’s broader historical, social, and cultural context.

Furthermore, China is of great interest to the University of Crete. The University of Crete has already signed memorandums of understanding with Chinese higher education institutions, through which summer schools and teaching staff exchanges are planned. A typical example is the Center of Greek and Chinese Civilizations (KELKIP). The meeting with the executives of Beijing Foreign Studies University is the first step toward ongoing collaboration and exchanges of students and academic community members for teaching and research.