President of the University of Macerata Visits Beijing Normal University: Strengthening International Cooperation
A delegation from the University of Macerata in Italy, led by President Professor John McCourt, visited Beijing Normal University (BNU) on May 13, 2025. The delegation was welcomed by BNU President Yu Jihong and Vice President Chen Xing, along with representatives from various academic departments. These included the School of Philosophy, the School of International Chinese Language Education, the School of Foreign Languages and Literature, and the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation.
Meeting Highlights
During the meeting, President Yu emphasized the successful operation of the Confucius Institute, which has been jointly established by the two universities for over 13 years. This institute has played a significant role in promoting Chinese language education and fostering cultural exchanges between China and Italy. Yu expressed a desire for increased cooperation and exchange between the two institutions, highlighting their past collaborations on international academic conferences and student exchange initiatives.
Strengthening Partnerships
President McCourt shared insights into the strengths and advancements at the University of Macerata, underscoring the importance of the partnership with BNU. He noted that the Confucius Institute has sparked greater interest among Italians in learning the Chinese language and understanding Chinese culture, and he expressed hopes for further collaboration in various fields, including law, education, economics, and language instruction.
Future Collaborations
Additionally, the discussions included topics regarding the development of international talent and the promotion of faculty exchanges between the two universities. Representatives exchanged views on academic advancements and possible collaborative efforts in student exchange programs, teacher training, joint research, and co-hosting academic conferences.
About the University of Macerata
Established in 1290, the University of Macerata is recognized as one of the oldest universities in Europe. It offers a wide range of disciplines, including law, literature, philosophy, cultural heritage, political science, economics, education, and communication studies, with its law program being regarded as one of the leading programs in Italy.
(Source: Beijing Normal University)
