Brussels University to Cooperate with GDUFS

On April 1st, delegates from Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) visited GDUFS and discussed exchange programs and cooperation with GDUFS. Finally, a cooperation agreement was signed by both sides. The attendees from ULB were Didier VIVIERS, Rector of Université Libre de Bruxelles; Serge JAUMAN, Vice rector of International Relations, and Vanessa FRANGVILLE, Professor of the Faculty of Chinese Language. GDUFS attendees were FANG Fanquan, Vice President of GDUFS; CAI Hong, Director of International Office; YANG Xiaomin, Deputy Dean of Faculty of European Language and Culture, and CHEN Yanhui, Dean of Chinese Language and Culture.

Signing agreement

Rector Didier VIVIERS explained the purpose of his visit. As the government of Belgium was integrating teaching resources and encouraging international cooperation, Université Libre de Bruxelles planned to reinforce its relationships and increase its partnerships with universities. The Faculty of Translation and Interpretation was the priority of the university’s integration. There was a growing demand for further Chinese learning for students. And the quality of research on translation and the students needed improving. ULB was going to train more French-Chinese interpreters, which was beneficial to the companies and the students. Therefore, they came to China to explore cooperation and communication with Chinese universities.

Professor Vanessa FRANGVILLE introduced the Faculty of Chinese Language in fluent Chinese. She said there were Master’s degrees and Doctor’s degrees available for students, but no Bachelor’s degree in the Faculty of Chinese Language. Undergraduates could take the Chinese courses as a selective course. Every year, more than 30 Chinese students won CSC scholarship and went to study at ULB. Because the faculty’s focus on Chinese literature, Chinese translation and interpretation has a weak basis, ULB decided to send students to China to further develop their Chinese. Professor Vanessa FRANGVILLE suggested two schemes: one was to exchange students; the other was the co-training of PH.D students.

Vice President FANG Fanquan expressed appreciation to the suggestions of Professor Vanessa FRANGVILLE. He introduced GDUFS briefly. Unlike Université Libre de Bruxelles, GDUFS is a university focusing on humanities, arts and social science – rather than a comprehensive university. GDUFS is famous for its Applied Linguistics, which ranks first in China. There are more than 20 languages being taught at GDUFS. GDUFS was also the first university to set the Bachelor’s degree of Translation Studies. With its bilingual teaching and high employment rate, GDUFS attracts around 33,000 students each year.

Rector Didier VIVIERS indicated that many subjects were taught in English at ULB, which would also be understandable for students learning other languages. Not only students of French Major, he encouraged the recruitment of all kinds of students. He suggested that at least one year was needed for students to adapt to the local language and culture. “We hope to start our cooperation as soon as possible, so that we can talk about the details later.” He added.

Vice President FANG Fanquan also expressed his hope that the program will be on the agenda soon. He also welcomed students of ULB to have a short-term visit and studies at GDUFS, besides the exchange program. Rector Didier VIVIERS said Belgium was an easy and multicultural country for Chinese students to fit in. He also welcomed Chinese students to visit Université Libre de Bruxelles.

Chinese report:我校与布鲁塞尔自由大学签署合作协议