Birkbeck students attend summer school in China
Students selected to participate in programme of lectures and business and cultural visits
From 1 – 14 July, five Birkbeck undergraduate students attended the South Western University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) summer school in China.
SWUFE is a key university in China and one of only three specialist finance and economics universities under the direct administration of the Ministry of Education. Birkbeck’s School of Business, Economics and Informatics has a partnership with the School of International Business at SWUFE which includes collaboration at undergraduate, Master's and PhD levels and a visiting staff programme.
The five Birkbeck students were selected to attend the summer school to act as Birkbeck ambassadors and to take part in a packed programme of lectures, visits to local businesses and factories and cultural activities.
Elsa Quinn-Read, a student on Birkbeck’s BSc Business, who went to China said: “The SWUFE experience was a great way to access so many different facets of a country in such a short space of time. I realise as a result of the exchange that the differences between students from around the world are less than the similarities. The Chinese students are much more disciplined than us! I would love to go to China again, but to visit the countryside and perhaps to gain a feeling of where China came from rather than where it is headed. All students should take part in an exchange in order to get an invaluable insight of the study and work that goes on as this isn't something that you can easily get from a holiday”.
Professor Linda Trenberth, Head of the Department of Management at Birkbeck, said: “The summer school was a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese business, education and culture, and for the two institutions to build on our existing partnership. The experiences and knowledge that the students gained on this trip will enhance their learning back in London.”
The Birkbeck – SWUFE partnership continues to provide opportunities for international engagement and learning. In July a delegation of 20 SWUFE staff members met with representatives from Birkbeck and in September 20 students from SWUFE will be attending a one-day doctoral event at the College. Professor Linda Trenberth will visit China in January 2014 and there are ten SWUFE undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolling on Birkbeck programmes starting in 2013.