Széchenyi István University has maintained an excellent relationship with Jiaxing University in China for years. Beyond the jointly launched English-taught Double Degree BSc Programme in Civil Engineering, the two institutions collaborate in educational, research, and corporate fields. Recently, 15 students from the Asian institution visited Győr to enhance their knowledge in civil engineering through a one-week short study programme.

One of the priorities of Széchenyi István University’s internationalization efforts—aligned with Hungarian economic policy objectives—is strengthening ties with China. In this spirit, the University established a partnership in 2021 with Jiaxing University in Shanghai Province, launching a Double Degree BSc Programme in Civil Engineering. As part of this collaboration, 15 Chinese students recently visited Győr to participate in the English-taught short study programme titled “Introduction to Civil Engineering”, further advancing their expertise.

Students from Jiaxing University in China spent a week at Széchenyi István University in Győr (Photo: András Adorján)

"The civil engineering profession is very broad: it covers structural and bridge engineering, road, railway and hydraulic engineering, geodesy, geotechnics, design, construction and building. During this one week, our instructors demonstrated all of this to the young people through practical examples," said Dr János Szép, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture Civil Engineering and Transport Sciences. He added that the programme was taught mainly by staff from the Department of Structural Engineering and Geotechnics, as the double degree programme with Jiaxing University allows students to earn a qualification specializing in structural engineering. 

Dr Richard Paul Ray was one of the lecturers who gave the Chinese group an insight into the civil engineering profession. "We gave the students an insight into the fundamental issues and mindset of the field, as well as an introduction to the day-to-day work of civil engineers. Our aim was to give them this unique insight and to give them an understanding of the role of civil engineers in the Hungarian and European labour market," he said. He stressed that the training focused on sustainability, recycling and the emerging challenges of climate change.

"It was an excellently organised programme that was very much enjoyed by our students, who learned a lot during the course. The instructors introduced them to civil engineering from an interesting and unique perspective, so there are bound to be some of them who would like to continue their studies in this direction," said Hongyou Shan, Professor at Jiaxing University. He added that the group also had a special experience during the cultural programmes, during which the young students got to know the campus, the city centre and its surroundings, as well as getting acquainted with the Hungarian language and culture.

At the end of the programme, the students received a micro-certificate certifying the completion of the one-week course, which also provides credits for the learning achievements and competences acquired during the course. At the ceremony, Réka Orosz-Barczi, Head of the Centre for Languages and Culture of Széchenyi University, congratulated the students in Chinese. The organisers hope to create similar short study programmes with other institutions in the future.