International Construction Study Tour 2024: Insights from China at Huazhong University of Science and Technology
From December 7 to 13, 2024, the School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) co-hosted the “International Construction Study Tour in China” in partnership with the School of Built Environment at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). The event commenced with an opening ceremony on December 9, where Liu Huabei, Dean of the School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, welcomed the UNSW delegation and discussed recent developments within the school. Jiang Jing, Deputy Director of the Office of International Affairs, and Yan Wei, Director of the Admissions and International Cooperation Office at the School of International Education, also provided remarks.
Program Activities and Engagement
The program comprised various exchange activities featuring lectures by faculty members from the Department of Digital Construction and Engineering Management. These sessions focused on advancements in construction engineering management and were designed to engage undergraduate students. The UNSW delegation expressed their appreciation for the innovative research presented during a visit to the National Center of Technology Innovation for Digital Construction.
Site Tours and Discussions
Delegates also toured the Hanxin Mansion construction site and observed the intelligent production line at the Zhongjian Hannan Prefabricated Component Factory. Discussions were held at the Central South Architectural Design Institute, and visits included the History Museum and the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at HUST.
Cultural Exchange Initiatives
The program aimed to enhance cultural exchange between the students of both institutions. UNSW students participated in a “Language and Culture Workshop” with the HUST English Media Student Association (EMSA), where they explored varying cultural interpretations of “success.” In a course on Chinese architectural culture organized by HUST’s School of International Education, students worked collaboratively on architectural model projects. The UNSW delegation also engaged in a friendly basketball match against a team from HUST.
Closing Ceremony and Future Prospects
At the closing ceremony, Professor Sun Jun awarded certificates and souvenirs to the participants from UNSW. The delegation, led by Dr. Cynthia Wang, consisted of 17 undergraduate students. This educational initiative has promoted goodwill and collaboration between the faculty and students of both institutions, having successfully held five sessions since its inception in 2014, thereby reinforcing a significant academic partnership.
Written by: Zhan Xinrui
Edited by: Zhang Shiyu, Chang Wen, Peng Yumeng
Original source: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
