Shaanxi Normal University is one of the most important bases for the training of university and college teachers in China. SNNU is located in Xian, it is among the TOP 5 Chinese general universities and has about 60,000 students. It is one of the most important centers of Chinese high school and university teacher training, which trains teachers in 25 different faculties in all disciplines. The fields of natural sciences, philosophy, economics, law, pedagogy, literature, history, engineering, public administration, agriculture, and medicine are considered the most important. Founded in 1944, Shaanxi Normal University is a key institution directly under the Ministry of Education. Currently, the institution operates 65 types of bachelor's programs, 159 master's programs, 69 doctoral programs, and 18 postdoctoral mobile research stations. The university has outstanding performance in Chinese language and literature, history and cultural studies, business administration, international trade, education and psychology, and bioengineering.

On May 17, 2024, a delegation from the University of Szeged visited Xian. The delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Péter Zakar, vice-rector for international and public relations of SZTE. The Szeged professors got acquainted with the operation and organizational structure of the SNNU, as well as its main courses. The Hungarian delegation was greeted by the vice president of Shaanxi Normal University, Dong Zhibao, who also touched on the fact that the relationship between the two countries has reached a new level thanks to the international diplomatic processes. He said that during their visit last year, they were convinced that Szeged is a calm and safe city, a suitable place to start the joint training. They believe that their students would feel very comfortable in Szeged and would be able to complete their studies properly.

Vice President of Shaanxi Normal University, Dong Zhibao, and Prof. Dr. Péter Zakar met on May 17, 2024, in Xian

The professors and researchers from Szeged were welcomed, among others, by Zhang Lingyun, director of the SNNU International Office, and Li Gui'an, dean of the Faculty of Physics and Informatics (IT), also took part in the meeting, who later personally guided Dr. Péter Zakar to the venue of physics research and education.

– We learned that in parallel with their training, they conduct research similar to ours in the field of natural sciences. In terms of physics, joint research and education based on it are conceivable. There has already been an example of SZTE researchers giving lectures to Chinese students online. This is made possible, for example, by the extremely modern educational technology equipment, the 21st-century classrooms – said Prof. Dr. Péter Zakar, who, after visiting the Faculty of Physics – like the other members of the delegation – also viewed an exhibition on education and one on the social role of Chinese women throughout history at one of the four museums located on the university campus.

During the discussions, Shi Luoxiang, dean of the International Faculty of Chinese Language and Culture, explained that they teach, among others, Chinese language, Chinese literature, and culture to their foreign students. They organize international conferences, Chinese language teaching workshops, and lectures on educational technology. They prepare students for different levels of Chinese language exams, and in addition, they also develop language teaching applications. Their long-term plans include the development and internationalization of their Chinese language and Chinese literature courses, for which SZTE can be an excellent partner.

The institution, with its 80-year history, is known as the "Teachers' Cradle", but in recent decades more and more emphasis has been placed on research, including in scientific fields in which SZTE is internationally recognized and strong. Their international relations are clearly indicated by the fact that they are connected with 190 universities, including Australian, American, and European higher education institutions. SNNU signed a cooperation agreement with the University of Szeged in 2022, thanks to which a delegation came to Hungary last year.

During their visit to Szeged, the representatives of the Far Eastern institution visited the ELI-ALPS laser center, which was introduced to them by Prof. Dr. Gábor Szabó, head of ELI and former rector of SZTE. During the visit, representatives of Shaanxi University got to know the SZTE Faculty of Science and Informatics, the SZTE Institute of Informatics, and the SZTE József Attila Education and Information Center.

After the official presentations, the delegations held discussions concerning their own areas, during which teacher training and language training were also in focus.

As the first step of the cooperation, in 2024 the students and professors of both universities will join each other's Summer University courses. This fall, at the invitation of the Chinese university, the leaders of the University of Szeged will participate in the ceremony celebrating the 80th anniversary of Shaanxi Normal University.

Photo and text: Ferenc Lévai