On 12 June, a four-member delegation from the Shanghai-based East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL) visited the University of Public Service.
The cooperation between the ECUPL and the UPS dates back about ten years, and its establishment can be traced back to the visit of prorector András Patyi, vice-rector for further training and international affairs Norbert Kis of that time and Sándor P. Szabó, head of the Department of China Studies, to China in 2013. In December 2017, the Chinese partner returned the visit, during which they discussed the details of the extension of the cooperation agreement signed in 2014 and the areas of long-term deepening of cooperation.
The most recent delegation was composed of ECUPL vice chancellor Peili Ying, associate deans Huang Yuezheng and Wang Yongquan and deputy director of the International Exchange Centre Li Yong, who were received by Gergely Deli, rector, Boglárka Koller, vice-rector for international affairs, Péter Krisztián Zachar, vice-dean for International Affairs and Sándor P. Szabó. The purpose of their arrival was to renew the cooperation agreement that expired in March and to discuss its framework and details.
During the meeting, the vice-rector presented the organisational changes at the UPS since 2017, the new full degree programmes to be established, as well as the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy and the Europe of Nations Career Programme, in view of the similar portfolio of the Chinese University. Vice-dean Péter Zachar underlined that the two programmes are taught by practising diplomats so that participants will acquire not only theoretical but also practical and usable knowledge.
Peili Ying also reported on developments at the East China University of Political Science and Law in recent years. In his speech, he stressed that the Shanghai Municipal Government had given their university special support, enabling them to make significant progress in terms of both infrastructure and training. The most important of these was the launch of a one-year postgraduate scholarship programme, which is open to students, including Hungarian ones, who have completed their bachelor's degree within three years. In addition to financial support, the scholarship holders are also provided with dormitory accommodation on the ECUPL campus.
Taking the floor, Rector Gergely Deli underlined that opening up to the East, including the People's Republic of China, is of paramount importance for Hungary, including UPS. After the Covid19 epidemic, we have finally reached the stage again where we can fill agreements in principle with real substance and action. Exchanges of teachers and students can again take place. Reacting to the scholarship programme presented by the Chinese side, Rector Deli presented UPS's very popular programmes, the Ludovika Fellowship and the Ludovika Scholars, which allow us to host lecturers from ECUPL for longer or shorter periods.
Text: International Office
Photos: Dénes Szilágyi