Delegation from University of Porto Visits GDUFS

On November 3, a delegation from the University of Porto, led by Professor António Sousa Pereira, Rector of the University, and accompanied by Pro-Rector Sónia Valente Rodrigues, Local Director of the Confucius Institute at the University, visited Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS). Vice President Jiao Fangtai welcomed the guests at the VIP Hall of the Administration Building on the Baiyun Mountain Campus. The two sides held in-depth discussions on international Chinese education, and inter-university academic exchange.

Highlights from the Meeting

Vice President Jiao Fangtai extended a warm welcome to the delegation and highlighted the fruitful cooperation between the two institutions. He noted that the partnership has made significant contributions to the development of international Chinese language education, and meeting local language needs. Thanks to the shared commitment and efforts of both universities’ leadership, there has been continuous development in expanding Chinese language education and strengthening inter-university cooperation. Jiao also introduced GDUFS’s recent developments. As a member of the GBA Portuguese Language Education Alliance, GDUFS places high importance on the development of its Portuguese language program. Recently, the university’s Portuguese program was recognized as a national-level first-class undergraduate program, with continuous enhancements in the quality of talent cultivation. Jiao emphasized that the University of Porto is a key partner for GDUFS and expressed his eagerness to further jointly advance the Portuguese language program, and expand cooperation into new areas, aiming to elevate their partnership to greater heights.

Professor António Sousa Pereira, on behalf of the University of Porto, praised the successful collaboration between the two universities. He emphasized that the University of Porto values its relationship with GDUFS. The university also plans to expand further cooperation, foster academic exchanges between faculty members, and develop multi-level student exchange programs.

Group Photo

Following the session, the two universities jointly convened the 2024 Annual Council Meeting.

The following day, the delegation visited GDUFS’s Faculty of European Languages and Cultures. Dean Yang Xiaomin, Vice Dean Zang Yu, and Director of the Portuguese Department Shang Xuejiao held a discussion with the delegation, exploring opportunities for student exchanges and cooperation on postgraduate and doctoral programs. The two sides reached agreements on future collaboration. The delegation also visited a Portuguese language class led by Prof. Hugo de Deus Monteiro, a faculty member of GDUFS, to better understand the program’s teaching approach. They expressed high praise for the quality of the Portuguese language education at GDUFS. 

Visiting Faculty of European Languages and Cultures