Dec.23,2010
In December 15th, the whole city of Berlin was immerged in the joyful atmosphere for the coming Christmas and New Year. Prof. Steinbach, the president of the Technical University of Berlin (TUB), invited 8 exchange students from Zhejiang University to a traditional Christmas lunch. Mrs. EvelinaSkurski, the deputy minister of the Foreign Cooperation Department of TUB, was present as well. This exciting invitation was beyond every student’s expectation, for even the professors in TUB seldom have the opportunity to be received by the president privately, let alone a banquet.
Currently there are 8 exchange students from our school studying in TUB, including 4 graduate students. These 4 graduate students are the very first ones who participate in the Dual Degree Program of German language and literature of ZJU and communication and language of TUB. The other 4 undergraduate students join the exchange program of German language and literature of ZJU and Culture and Technology of TUB. The successful implementation of these two programs is due to the joint efforts and long-term cooperation between TUB and ZJU, which also symbolizes the development of the cooperation relationship between two universities. It is worth mentioning that, these two programs are both sponsored by the DAAD (the German academic exchange center). 12 graduate students from TUB who major in communication and language, economics, cosmonautics, etc. come to ZJU to learn ‘China Studies’.
During the lunch, President Steinbach praised the high-level teaching and scientific research of ZJU. He paid tribute to the extensive subject setting and the outstanding capability in innovation. He regards Zhejiang University as one of the best universities in China for it enjoys unparalleled advantages over the other universities, for example, the establishment of China Studies is far-sighted and meaningful. He referred to his visit to ZJU with Mrs. EvelinaSkurski during the Mid-autumn Festival, speaking highly of the unremitting efforts ZJU has made to establish ‘China Studies’ and teach the German students from TUB. He believes that the cooperation between two universities will continue, making more progress. He sent school badges of TUB which represents friendship to each student, touching everyone at present.
President Steinbach asked about the students’ study and daily life in Berlin and listened carefully to every student’s advice about the courses. His amicability and good sense of humor removed students’ restraint, making them express their opinions freely in an easy and agreeable atmosphere. At last, he mentioned the activity called ‘ZJU Day’ which would be held in next year. He encouraged the students to join the preparation. Students were all delighted at the news.
Lin Xiaoxia, our graduate student majors in German for dual degree, exclaimed: “For us, this was not only a lunch for it provided us who are far away from home with the warmth and care. We’d like to express our gratitude to Zhejiang University for providing us with such agreeable learning conditions, and to our conscientious teachers. We are inspired to hold the opportunity and accomplish our studies excellently, living up to expectations.”
(Translated by BIAN Lilin & YANG Liu)
