On the 22nd of October, Wuhan University hosted talks on educational prospects with the Irish Delegation headed by Ireland’s Minister of State, Mr. John Halligan. The meeting involves faculty representatives of WHU including Professor Li Fei, Vice President of WHU and directors of four different administrative offices of WHU. The Irish Delegation included the Irish Ambassador to China, Mr. H.E O’Leary, Senior management faculty from Dublin City University (DCU) and Representatives from the Irish Embassy.

The Irish Delegation (left side) and WHU Representatives (right side) at the meeting

Wuhan University, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, has maintained robust relations with more than 400 universities in 45 nations. Student exchange programs and joint training programs have been established with 5 universities in Ireland since 2005, including Dublin City University.

This Ministerial visit to Wuhan University comes in response to positive development in relationships between the two nations, latest being the approval of a new program by the Chinese Ministry of Education this march on a collaboration between WHU and DCU. Vice President Li Fei spoke highly of the favorable situation, “The Education Sector has seen a great improvement from both countries in the last decade”.

Vice-President Li Fei (right) receives a souvenir from Minister John Halligan (left)

Before the formal meeting, the Irish Delegation was offered a tour around the WHU campus. Mr. Halligan was struck with praise and admiration for its beauty, “This is my first visit to Wuhan and I have been hearing about Wuhan University from my colleagues at DCU who have been working here on exchange programs,” added Professor Lisa Looney, Senior faculty member of DCU. who in return welcomed her WHU counterparts to visit DCU.

The discussion primarily focused on the launching of Dual Degree program between Dublin City University and Wuhan University on the basis of long-term productive cooperation. Two sides achieved consensus through the meeting. Both universities have been long-standing partners in the exchange program framework.

First of its kind in Post-Graduate level, the two-year Dual Degree program will be available to 30 students interested in pursuing Masters in Electronics and Computer Engineering starting next academic year (2019). This Master program will offer students the opportunity to study one year in Wuhan University followed with another in Dublin City University, entitling them to receive diplomas from both universities.

Both sides were pleased with the result of the meeting. “On behalf of the Irish Government, I am delighted to endorse the partnership between DCU and WHU in Ireland and the excellent collaboration will generate fruitful achievements over the next couple of years.” said the Minister.

Minister introduced Ireland as a country with a high level of internationalization, education and competitiveness. Over the years, Ireland has witnessed a surge in the number of students pursuing study opportunities from China. Also, it has exceptional rankings in the field of Naval Technology, Material Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Chemistry, and ranked No.10 globally in scientific research, respectively. The European Union has quoted that students of Irish Universities are best prepared for the challenges of the 21st Century. Acknowledged as the safest place for education worldwide, Ireland is the ideal place for Chinese students to pursue educational attainment. Therefore, the further educational cooperation could result in a win-win outcome for both countries.

A group photo in front of the Administrative building of WHU

After the meeting, both sides exchanged souvenirs. The Irish Delegation will finish their last round of diplomatic talks in Fuzhou the following day, putting an end to their visit to China.

Phoyo by Chen Yaqi

Edited by Wei Yena, Zheng Yayun and Hu Sijia