Under the collaborative framework between International School (IS) of Guangzhou Huali College and the University of West of England (UWE), the UWE Vice Chancellor's Reception was held in Guangzhou on April 9th 2024. Professor Shuze Tang, the Dean of International School, and Dr. Lin Li, the coordinator of “2+2” Chinese-English Programme, were invited to attend this reception. The reception aimed to outline the Strategy 2030 framework of UWE, titled "Transforming Futures," acknowledge past contributions and achievements between UWE and partner institutions, and foster additional collaboration and cooperation in the future.

Photo 1.  UWE Vice-Chancellor’s Reception

The meeting was chaired by Prof. Ray Priest, International Director of Asia Pacific, and attended by the UWE team (Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sir Steven West, Ray Priest, Frank Yan, Tom Linley, Zach MacDonald), China Team (Guangzhou), and Representatives from partner institutions in Guangdong, including Guangzhou Huali College.

Photo 2.  UWE team (Tom Linley, Zach MacDonald); Prof. Shuze Tang, Dr.Lin Li

During the opening session of the meeting, Prof. Ray Priest, International Director of Asia Pacific, delivered welcoming remarks, captivating the audience with a vivid, humorous, and passionate anecdote about Bristol, featuring a love story centered around the Clifton Suspension Bridge. His storytelling successfully engaged and captured the attention of all the guests.

Photo 3. Sharing from Prof. Ray Priest, International Director of Asia Pacific

In his capacity as the Vice Chancellor President and CEO of UWE, Prof. Sir Steven West delivered a speech outlining UWE's vision under the Strategy 2030 framework, "Transforming Futures." He emphasized the importance of education in empowering students to collaborate across diverse cultural contexts, actively seek learning opportunities, and be prepared to shape the future in a changing and uncertain world.

Photo 4. Sharing from Prof. Sir Steven West, Vice Chancellor President and CEO of UWE

He also shared his viewpoints about the questions that Prof. Shuze Tang raised before the meeting. Prof. Shuze Tang expressed concern about the significant challenges students from Guangzhou Huali College face in English language learning and cultural adaptation. He emphasized the primary mission of the International School (IS) of Guangzhou Huali College to provide English courses tailored to meet the needs and interests of these students. Regarding this, Prof. Sir Steven West suggested that the bespoke courses provided by UWE will fulfill the aim of developing students’ language skills, intercultural communications, and ensure all students will receive the support and coaching for a successful future.

Photo 5. Discussion between Prof. Sir Steven West, Vice Chancellor President and CEO of UWE, and Professor Shuze Tang, the Dean of International School

Photo 6. Discussion between Prof. Sir Steven West, Vice Chancellor President and CEO of UWE, and Professor Shuze Tang, the Dean of International School

During the meeting, two exceptional graduates from UWE shared their remarkable experiences studying at the university. They spoke highly of how their time at UWE had enhanced their critical thinking, collaborative abilities, and problem-solving skills, instilling in them a sense of belonging and readiness to shape the future.

Photo 7. Sharing from UWE Alumni Mr. Li

Photo 8. Sharing from one student rep.

After the sharing, Ms Sarah Mann, British Consul General, and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sir Steven West presented the Partnership Award to recognise their past collaboration and achievements between UWE and partner institutions. They expressed their sincere appreciation for all partner institutions’ proactive and agile participation of the joint programme. In the end, the group photos were taken as a perfect concluding remark for this meeting.

Photo 9. Award presented to partner institutions

Photo 10. Award presented to partner institution: Guangzhou Huali College

Photo 11. Group photo of partner institutions (Back row, 11 from left, Dr. Shuze Tang, Front row,8 from left, Dr. Lin Li)

Furthermore, the detailed courses provided by UWE were introduced by Tom Linley, Head of English language, Partnerships and Business Development: Asia Pacific, and Zach MacDonald, Short Course Coordinator: Asia Pacific. A variety of bespoke courses including English language provisions, bespoke workshops, pre-sessional English courses, short courses and summer camps will be offered to develop students’ digital, academic, and professional knowledge and skills.

Photo 12 Sharing from Tom Linley, Head of English language, Partnerships and Business Development: Asia Pacific

Photo 13. Sharing from Zach MacDonald, Short Course Coordinator: Asia Pacific

During the networking session, Prof. Tang extended a firm and sincere invitation to the UWE team to visit Guangzhou Huali College. The purpose is to strengthen the connection and cooperation between the two partner institutions, ensuring ongoing mutual communication and collaboration, especially in the implementation of bespoke courses as proposed.

Brief Introduction of the “2+2” Programme and the Partner School

The "2+2" Sino-foreign Dual Bachelor's Degree Program allows students to study at the International School for two years, and then transfer to a partner foreign university for another two years. Upon meeting the requirements, students will be awarded a bachelor's degree and a diploma (both exclusively taught in English) from the Chinese university and a bachelor's degree recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education from the foreign university. Currently, the collaborating universities are Coventry University and the University of West of England.

The history of the UWE Bristol can be traced back to 1595. After nearly 500 years of inheritance and development, it is now being presented to the world as a successful modern university with great reputation. The university, located in Bristol, the largest city in southwest England, is a modern and powerful British university. It has three colleges (College of Arts, Technology, and Environment; College of Business and Law; College of Health, Science and Society), including ten schools including Bristol Business School and School of Computing and Creative Technologies. It has ranked 24th in the UK (The Guardian 2023); Top 500 in the world (Times 2022); and Top 400 in the QS in Business and Management.

Official Website: http://www.uwe.ac.uk/

Written by Lin Li(李琳)

Photo by Lin Li（李琳）

Revised by SM Hashmi（哈什敏）

Approved by Shuze Tang（唐书泽）

Uploaded by Zhekun Li（黎哲昆）