The closing ceremony
From June 24 to July 5, the summer school 2024 was hosted by CUMT in collaboration with the International Alliance for Higher Education in Mining, Energy and the Environment and the Jiangsu-United Kingdom Alliance of Elite Universities. Vice President Bian Zhengfu presented certificates of completion to participating students from both China and abroad, as well as commemorative awards to the instructors.
In his remarks, Vice President Bian Zhengfu highlighted that this was the 10th CUMT summer school. Since its inception, the CUMT summer school has served as a learning and exchange platform engaging students from different countries and with different cultural backgrounds. CUMT has improved the curriculum and enriched activities by integrating traditional engineering courses such as mining engineering and rock mechanics with new engineering disciplines including advanced manufacturing technologies, renewable energy and urban development. Additionally, Chinese culture and Chinese economy have been incorporated, allowing international students to learn the essence of China while acquiring expertise in mining-related fields. He hoped that participants would contribute to global sustainable development with the knowledge and experience they draw on in the summer School.
Lecture
During the two-week program, over 50 students from China and abroad took on seven courses, including "Modern Mining," "Advanced Manufacturing Technologies," "New Energy and Urban Studies," "Rock Mass Research," "Contemporary Chinese Economy," "Chinese History, Art, and Cross-Cultural Communication," and "An Overview of Traditional Chinese Architecture." Three professors from AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland, EPF École d'ingénieur-e-s in France, and Jiangsu Normal University, a member of the Jiangsu-United Kingdom Alliance of Elite Universities, were invited to give lectures. Instructors also include CUMT faculty members from School of Mines, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, School of Low Carbon Energy and Power Engineering, School of Architecture and Design, School of Economics and Management, and School of Foreign Studies.
Visiting the CUMT History Museum
Visiting the Xuzhou Han Culture Scenic Area
Participating international students visited the Xuzhou Han Culture Scenic Area, where they experienced the essence of Han Dynasty culture that has spanned over a thousand years. Through their visit to the Pan'an Lake National Wetland Par, they witnessed the green development path that Xuzhou has taken in promoting ecological development. They also have the hands-on experience with traditional Chinese culture through activities such as tea preparation and sachet making.
Professor Piotr Małkowski from AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland, told us that this was his third participation in CUMT summer school and he taught rock mass research this time. Referring to a Polish proverb, "Traveling broadens the mind," he expressed great pleasure in seeing students from various countries come to CUMT to learn professional knowledge and gain insights into Chinese culture. He also extended his gratitude to CUMT for the meticulous arrangements.
The participating students highly praised the organization and lectures of the summer school. Ka Hing Yip, from the University of Applied Sciences in Bochum, Germany, said she had a great time with other international students during this summer school, which not only provided a chance for participants to broaden their horizons and learn more about mining technologies, but also fostered international cooperation and exchange between universities.
Sham Chng, a student from the University of Liverpool, commented that CUMT summer school has a clear philosophy and reflects a spirit of pursuing excellence. Courses are well designed, covering both technical and cultural domains. The various activities have broadened our horizon and reinforced our awareness of being a global citizen and respecting each other.
Thomas Hurney and Samuel Hurney, students from the University of Wollongong in Australia, said that the summer school had left them with an exceptionally memorable experience. They highly appreciated Chinese and foreign instructors for their professionalism and patience, making learning a perfect experience here. Classroom instruction and cultural activities allowed them to gain a deeper appreciation of China's five-thousand-year-old civilization.
Joshua Nuttall, a student from the University of Liverpool, said he joined this program to learn more about professional knowledge and Chinese culture. The two-week program, with various courses and cultural activities, introduced to him knowledge in architecture and helped him gain insights into Chinese culture, which inspired him to come to China for further studies upon completing his undergraduate studies.
International student Mohammad Asadpourhafshejani from CUMT said that the summer school provided a unique learning opportunity for everyone. Participants not only learnt professional knowledge, but also made life-long friends here. International student Shakila Naz said that over the past two weeks, students from different nations embarked on a memorable journey that transcended borders, cultures, and academic fields. She appreciated the lecturers for their expertise and dedication, which stimulated critical and creative thinking of students.
It is reported that summer school 2024 attracted 25 international students from member universities of the International Alliance for Higher Education in Mining, Energy and the Environment, including AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland; Freiberg University of Mining and Technology and Bochum University of Applied Sciences in Germany; University of Wollongong in Australia; Quang Ninh Industry University and Hanoi University of Mining and Geology in Vietnam; Veteran Construction University of Indonesia; Chimborazo Polytechnic University in Ecuador; as well as from Plymouth University and the University of Liverpool, members of Jiangsu-United Kingdom Alliance of Elite Universities. Students from the Sun Yueqi Honors College and some international students currently studying at CUMT also joined this program. This event marks the first on-site CUMT summer school after the pandemic.
