On November 8, 2025, a delegation of the University of Barcelona (Universidad de Barcelona), Spain, visited the School of International Studies, Zhejiang University. The delegation was led by Prof. Joan Guàrdia Olmos, Rector of the University of Barcelona, and included Mr. Jordi Bosch de Borja, Deputy General Manager for Strategic Projects, and Ms. Gaëlle Patin Laloy, Foreign Director of the Confucius Institute in Barcelona. They were warmly received by Associate Professor LU Yun, Director of the Institute of Spanish Language and Culture, and Ms. YANG Fan, a faculty representative, for a working meeting. The two sides engaged in extensive and in-depth discussions on talent cultivation, disciplinary studies, and further cooperation.
LU Yun extended a warm welcome to the delegation and provided a general overview of the School of International Studies. She detailed its historical evolution, disciplinary structure, faculty strength, as well as the achievements and distinctive features of its Spanish program in areas such as talent cultivation, curriculum design, academic research, and student international exchanges. Later, both parties exchanged views on topics related to the cultivation model for interdisciplinary talents of the Spanish language in the new era, the optimization and innovation of curricula, and overseas exchanges and practical opportunities for students and teachers.
Rector Joan Guàrdia Olmos spoke highly of the accomplishments that the School of International Studies has made, and shared advanced experience of the University of Barcelona in globalization strategy and interdisciplinary studies. Mr. Jordi Bosch de Borja reviewed the basis of collaboration for the two universities and put forward practical proposals for student exchange programs, joint training initiatives, and academic research cooperation. Ms. Gaëlle Patin Laloy shared the role of the Confucius Institute as a bridge in promoting linguistic and cultural exchanges between China and the West and explored the potential for collaboration with the School of International Studies in cultural activities and faculty exchanges.
Rector Joan Guàrdia Olmos, on behalf of the University of Barcelona, presented a commemorative gift featuring distinctive Catalan culture to the School of International Studies. In return, Professor LU Yun, on behalf of the School, presented exquisite souvenirs from Zhejiang University, expressing sincere gratitude and best wishes to the guests.
After the meeting, the delegation toured the Zijingang Campus. The guests visited Zhejiang University History Museum, where they gained a deep understanding of the university’s illustrious history, its motto “Seeking Truth, Pursuing Innovation”, and its outstanding contributions to national development through historical materials and modern exhibits. Afterwards, the delegation visited Qiushi Grand Auditorium. This iconic building, which blends traditional and modern architectural styles, impressed the guests with its solemn andelegant demeanor, allowing them to profoundly appreciate the university’s rich humanistic heritage and academic aspirations for the future. During the tour, the delegation highly praised the first-class campus, vibrant academic atmosphere, and profound historical and cultural heritage of the university.
This visit from the University of Barcelona delegation not only reinforced the traditional friendship between the two sides but also charted a promising blueprint for in-depth partnership. Both sides expressed their commitment to seizing this opportunity to further implement activities such as joint curricula, collaborative research, and cultural exchanges in the future. They aim to actively expand interdisciplinary cooperation in fields like Hispanic literature, translation studies, and regional and country studies, providing higher-quality international educational resources for students and teachers from both sides and jointly cultivating high-level talents with global competence and cross-cultural capabilities.
About the University of Barcelona
Founded in 1450 under the charter of King Alfonso V of Aragon, the University of Barcelona is a leading public research university located in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, Spain. With a distinguished tradition of academic excellence, the University is globally recognized for its outstanding contributions to the humanities, medicine, law, natural sciences, and social sciences. A member of prestigious international networks such as the Coimbra Group and the League of European Research Universities, the University of Barcelona consistently ranks among Spain’s foremost universities and is widely regarded as one of most influential institutions of higher education in Europe.
Institute of Spanish Language and Culture, Zhejiang University
Translated by YU Jinbo, Proofread by XU Xueying
