On June 1, the summer school program of the University of Bologna, Italy, officially opened at Zhejiang Gongshang University. Pei Bei, Director of the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation and Dean of the School of International Education; Bao Wei, Party Secretary of the School of Humanities; and Zhang Yu, Vice Dean of the School of Humanities, together with faculty and students from the University of Bologna delegation, attended the opening ceremony.
At the opening ceremony, Pei Bei extended a warm welcome to the University of Bologna delegation on behalf of the university, expressing the hope that the students would deepen their understanding of campus life and Chinese society and culture through hands-on experience, and gain a rewarding and memorable exchange. She also offered practical tips on safety, dietary habits, and weather changes to help the Italian students settle into their visiting-student life on campus.
Bao Wei delivered remarks on behalf of the School of Humanities. He noted that the school has always valued exchange and mutual learning among Chinese and foreign students, and expressed the hope that this opening ceremony would mark a new starting point for building platforms of communication between faculty and students of the two universities. The school will provide strong support in coursework, cultural experience, and daily services to create favorable conditions for the Italian students’ studies and exchange during their stay.
Ardizzoni Sabrina, leader of the University of Bologna delegation, thanked the university and the School of Humanities for their warm reception and thoughtful arrangements. She noted that exchange and cooperation between the University of Bologna and Chinese universities carries deep significance, and expressed the hope that the students would, through this program, gain a deeper feel for Chinese culture, get to know Chinese youth, broaden their international horizons, and deepen cross-cultural understanding.
Following the speeches came a heartwarming highlight of the day—a book presentation ceremony. The University of Bologna delegation gifted the School of Humanities a selection of books on Italian education and culture. Using books as a medium, the gesture conveyed shared educational ideals and sincere intentions for cultural exchange, adding a warm, lasting imprint to the program.
Afterward, student volunteers from the School of Humanities and the Italian students got to know one another through interactive activities, laying a solid foundation for ongoing academic companionship, daily support, and cultural exchange.
After the opening ceremony, school volunteers escorted the Italian delegation on a visit to the university history museum. Guided by detailed explanations from staff, the delegation learned about ZJSU’s development, its educational strengths, and its cultural achievements, further appreciating the university’s deep academic heritage and open, inclusive campus atmosphere.
Over the coming two weeks, the School of Humanities has arranged a rich program of Chinese cultural courses and exchange activities for the Italian faculty and students, helping them experience outstanding traditional Chinese culture from multiple, immersive perspectives, learn more about ZJSU’s campus culture, and further strengthen communication and friendship between students of the two universities.
