(Contributed by the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation)

From May 12 to 18, Vice President Tang Xianqing led a delegation on an official visit to universities in Greece and Switzerland, and hosted an overseas talent recruitment seminar in Geneva.

In Athens, Greece, the Hunan Normal University (HNU) delegation met with Professor Gerasimos Terzis, Dean of the School of Physical Education and Sport Science at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), along with other faculty members. Both sides reached a consensus on academic exchange and institutional cooperation between their respective schools of sport science. They also agreed to co-host the 2nd Annual Academic Conference of the “International Joint Research and Exchange Center for Higher Sports Education” at NKUA next year.

At Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, upon the invitation of Vice Rector Georgios Tzetzi, the HNU delegation held talks with Professor Roula Tsokalidou (Foreign Director of the Confucius Institute, renowned Greek sinologist, and recipient of China’s inaugural Orchid Award) and Professor Wang Shaodi (Chinese Director). Discussions focused on Confucius Institute operations, international Chinese language education, and collaborative research in Sinology. Both universities agreed to deepen cooperation through faculty exchanges, shared Chinese teaching resources, and joint textbook development.

At UMEF University in Switzerland, the HNU delegation met with Rector Petre Roman (former Prime Minister of Romania), Executive Rector Djawed Sangdel, and Provost Didier Garzotto. Vice President Tang Xianqing introduced HNU’s history, academic strengths, and disciplinary development, highlighting synergies and complementary opportunities between the two institutions. Both sides explored joint academic programs, faculty and student exchanges, and agreed to sign a memorandum of cooperation.

The delegation also visited the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), where they were warmly received by Professor Ruedi Nützi (former Vice President and Director of the China Center) and Professor Jiang Yufan. Vice President Tang Xianqing presented HNU’s disciplinary strengths and international education programs, expressing hopes for deeper collaboration in applied scientific research and student mobility. The two universities reached an agreement on FHNW students participating in the "Insight China" program, as well as on hybrid (online/offline) student exchanges.

On May 15, the delegation hosted an overseas talent recruitment seminar in Geneva, engaging with scholars, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers. Vice President Tang introduced Hunan Province’s cultural and educational environment and emphasized HNU’s commitment to attracting global talent. Mr. Huang Xiaobing, Director of the Personnel Department, outlined HNU’s recruitment policies and talent support packages.

During the visit, the delegation also met with Mr. Mao Jun, Chargé d’Affaires and interim of the Chinese Embassy in Switzerland, and Counselor Hou Jian (Education Counselor), along with HNU staff stationed at the embassy.