The consul general of China, People’s Republic of China in Florence, Guan Zhongqi, visited the University of Siena on Tuesday afternoon for a courtesy greeting to the rector Roberto Di Pietra.
Present were Professor Elena Petricci, Rector’s delegate for teaching of international study courses and Professor Maria Omodeo, teacher of Chinese literature and culture in the language courses held in Arezzo.
The rector of the University of Siena, Roberto Di Pietra, recalled that in the last academic year there were 30 students enrolled from China and illustrated to the Consul the numerous activities underway with Chinese academic institutions. The Consul expressed satisfaction with the University’s attention towards the community of enrolled Chinese students and expressed his desire to deepen knowledge of the University and its international activities and hoped for mutual exchanges and promotions.
During the visit, the internationalization programs of the Sienese university were illustrated and the international training offer was presented: there are 18 study programs delivered in foreign languages. Chinese language teaching is also active in Arezzo with the presence of two permanent teachers from Wenzhou University; these will soon be joined by two other colleagues. There is currently a researcher active in teaching Italian at the Chinese university.
Over the years, several Chinese teachers have been guests of the University of Siena for language courses, in addition to the current director of the Confucius Room recently established in the Arezzo headquarters, as a meeting point for both students and citizens with Chinese language and culture. An exchange of mutual greetings and gifts concluded the meeting.
