Forth Valley College have signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Zhongyuan University of Technology (ZUT), signalling the start of a new era in the global ambitions of the College.
Tanq Qilin (Lin), Dean of the School of International Education, a senior representative of the University based in China’s Henan Province, toured the Falkirk and Stirling Campuses on Tuesday 18 February, taking time out from a British Council trip to the UK to specifically visit FVC.
In advance of the MOU, ZUT requested information on summer school and study abroad opportunities at FVC to promote to students from three of their twenty schools: Engineering, Art & Design and Education. ZUT has around 30,000 students and boasts complimentary specialisms to FVC’s areas of excellence. Upon returning to China, Lin will present a report of his visit to the University leadership and begin promoting FVC to the students.
After the tour of the Falkirk Campus facilities led by FVC’s Global Partnership Manager Jamie Allan – who forged the partnership with the well-respected Zhongyuan University of Technology – Principal Kenny MacInnes officially signed the MoU in the Antonine Suite, watched on by Vice Principals Sarah Higgins and Colin McMurray.
Principal Kenny MacInnes then presented Lin with a specially engraved quaich to mark the occasion and a whisky gift set kindly donated by Falkirk’s Rosebank Distillery. In return, Kenny was presented with a beautifully designed traditional parchment scroll and case, which will be displayed in the College’s Executive Office.
Principal Kenny MacInnes, said: “We are excited to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with Zhongyuan University of Technology, as we feel our organisations have a lot in common in relation to subject areas and expertise.
“This is the first MOU with a foreign educational institution in quite some time and I’m sure it will be the first of many as we begin to elevate our presence on the global stage.
“We would like to thank Lin for accommodating a visit to us during his British Council trip and sign the MoU on his University’s behalf, and we can’t wait to see how our relationship develops in the weeks, months and years to come. I’m particularly keen to explore opportunities for our students and staff to visit China in the future.”
Tanq Qilin (Lin), Dean of the School of International Education at ZUT, said: “It was a great honor for me to visit your esteemed school. The moment I stepped onto the campus, I was deeply attracted by its beautiful scenery and vibrant atmosphere. The campus is decorated in a unique style, resembling an art gallery, and the various advanced facilities are truly amazing. There are independent personal office spaces available for rent, fully meeting the needs of the faculty and staff. The school also thoughtfully provides free breakfast and lunch for students.
“The Stirling Campus is particularly beautiful, with its idyllic natural scenery that makes people intoxicated. There are many honorary trophies displayed on the campus, demonstrating the school's outstanding achievements. It is worth mentioning that the school's VR courses are advanced and practice - oriented. The Kelpie - themed works created by students are highly artistic, fully showcasing the students' creativity and talent.”
To find out more about ZUT visit http://english.zut.edu.cn/
