Between August 25 and September 4, 2025, a delegation from the University of Szeged’s Faculty of Engineering visited Ningbo, China, to deepen cooperation with Ningbo University and further expand the long-standing relationship between the two institutions.
The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Szeged has maintained a strong partnership with Ningbo University for several years. Over this period, numerous Chinese PhD students have conducted their research in Szeged under the supervision of Prof. Dr. József Sárosi, the current dean, and Prof. Dr. István Bíró, former dean. The collaboration expanded further in the summer of 2025, when visiting students from China joined the Faculty of Engineering, adding new momentum to the academic exchange between the two institutions.
In addition, as part of the summer camp Technology Empowers Sport Without Limits, ten students from the University of Szeged traveled to Ningbo in China’s Zhejiang Province. The host university organized a varied program of cultural activities that introduced participants to Eastern traditions. These included museum visits, fan painting, creating diamond-studded artwork, and exploring both the historic old town and the vibrant modern city center. The academic component proved equally enriching: classroom and laboratory sessions offered hands-on experience across fields ranging from engineering and maritime sciences to biomechanics and physical testing, reflecting the breadth of Ningbo University’s educational portfolio.
At AUX Air-Conditioning, on the docks of Ningbo Beilun Port, and inside the warehouses of Yuxiang, students from the University of Szeged saw firsthand the pace and scale of Chinese industry. The experience was matched by a warm welcome: local volunteers offered hospitality and everyday support while also connecting with the Hungarian students through sport. At the Ningbo Athletics Training Center, Olympic champion Shi Zhiyong introduced the visitors to the fundamentals of weightlifting, while climbing sessions gave them a chance to test their own strength. And in the spirit of friendship, matches of table tennis – a sport woven deeply into Chinese identity – brought the Hungarian and Chinese students even closer together.
“For me, these ten days were an incredible experience – from my very first flight to the many varied programs we took part in. I returned not only with unforgettable memories but also enriched professionally, culturally, and personally. The students at Ningbo University were exceptionally kind, and their hospitality shaped our entire stay. They gave us the chance to experience everything from local specialties to factory visits. The highlights for me included touring the AUX factory, exploring the world of large-scale industrial automation, visiting the logistics center and the port, and seeing the laboratories of Ningbo University’s Faculty of Engineering. Each of these encounters revealed fascinating technologies and solutions that inspired me and gave me fresh motivation for my work back home. At the same time, visiting cultural landmarks and taking part in craft workshops brought a sense of calm and connected me more deeply with feelings of peace and understanding. I am truly grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Fanni Apró, a Master’s student in Mechatronics at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Szeged, reflecting on the diversity of the study trip.
Original Hungarian article and photos by Gréta Újvári
