Recently, a delegation from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) visited key partner institutions in France, Greece, and Italy to promote its international programs and extend a warm welcome to prospective students worldwide.

Deepening Sino-French Educational Cooperation and Expanding Student Exchange Channels

The delegation’s first stop was Université Paris Cité, one of France’s leading comprehensive universities, renowned globally for its strengths in fundamental sciences, medicine, humanities, and social sciences. The meeting was attended by Professor Sophie Bernard, Vice Dean for Education of the Faculty of Science; Professor Valérie Serre, Vice dean for International Relations; and Mr. Jan Douat-Bruston, Head of the International Relations Office. Professor Chen Rong, Dean of the International School of HUST, provided a comprehensive overview of HUST’s disciplinary advantages, flagship international programs, and achievements in educating European students. Ms. Yan Wei, Director of the Admissions and External Cooperation Office, detailed the long-term and short-term programs available to French students in engineering, clinical medicine, pharmacy, and Chinese language, scheduled to commence in 2026.

Subsequently, the delegation visited the Institut Supérieur d'Electronique de Paris (ISEP), where Dr. Thomas Ea, Director of International Relations, engaged in practical discussions regarding progress in inter-university cooperation and opportunities for French students to study in China. 

Promoting Sino-Greek Mutual Learning and Strengthening Alumni Connections

During its stay in Greece, the delegation visited the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Representatives from HUST’s School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Management, and China-EU Institute for Clean and Renewable Energy presented their disciplinary strengths and international collaboration programs. The International School highlighted its success in cultivating European talent and proposed specific initiatives to attract more Greek students.

As part of the visit, HUST successfully organized the “Where East Meets West: HUST Global Alumni Gathering” in Athens, bringing together 20 alumni based in Greece. The alumni shared their academic experiences at HUST and professional achievements, while engaging in insightful discussions on topics such as Sino-Greek collaboration in technological innovation, the value of Chinese language proficiency in global careers, and pathways from HUST to international opportunities. They also offered constructive suggestions for further deepening practical cooperation between China and Greece.

Expanding Collaboration with Italian Universities and Elevating International Brand Presence

In Italy, the delegation visited Sapienza University of Rome, University of Rome Tor Vergata, University of Padua, and Politecnico di Torino.

At Sapienza University of Rome, Vice Rector Professor Fabio Sciarrino and relevant department heads participated in productive talks. Professor Tan Gangyi, Dean of the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, introduced the school’s international programs and research partnerships, with special emphasis on summer programs. Professor Chen Rong provided a thorough presentation on HUST’s international offerings and expressed aspirations to enhance student exchanges and research collaboration based on existing partnerships.

At University of Rome Tor Vergata, Vice Rector Professor Bianca Sulpasso attended the meeting. Professor Zhou Huamin, Dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering, elaborated on the school’s international programs and research cooperation, also promoting its summer initiatives. Both sides exchanged in-depth views on inter-university agreements, cooperation frameworks, and priority areas, reaching several collaborative intentions.

The delegation also visited the University of Padua—globally distinguished in astronomy, medicine, and law—and Politecnico di Torino, a top Italian institution in engineering, architecture, and industrial design. Practical exchanges were conducted with both universities, exploring possibilities for student exchanges and joint training programs. These discussions have laid a solid foundation for attracting outstanding Italian students to HUST.

Through intensive university dialogues, program promotions, and alumni engagement, the delegation has effectively expanded HUST’s global collaboration network with prestigious institutions in France, Greece, and Italy. This visit has strengthened the foundation for attracting more European students to HUST and further advancing the internationalization of research and talent cultivation between China and Europe.