China-Italy Cultural Ties: University exchange programs aim to build friendships of the future

World
Europe

02:37

Chinese and Italian leaders emphasize their relations are not just based on economic cooperation but on cultural ties as well. One area for meaningful collaboration is education as CGTN's Michal Bardavid reports from Rome.

Prestigious universities around the world have implemented exchange programs with Chinese universities.

MICHAL BARDAVID ROME "Luiss is one of the universities in Italy offering an exchange program with Chinese universities. They have been collaborating with China since 2006 and currently 24 Chinese students are studying here."

The students participate in double degree programs and enjoy learning about a different culture as they experience living abroad.

Though some intend to stay in Italy, others plan to return home one day, better prepared for the future, having studied in a European country.

SHIRLEY CHINESE STUDENT STUDYING IN LUISS "I want to study the master degree in European country. After I study the master degree I think I will go back to China with the potential of the Italian language, also with a well-educated program. I think I will have more opportunities when I'm back to China."

The rector of the university says closer ties between young people of different cultures can pave the way for a better tomorrow.

ANDREA PRENCIPE, RECTOR LUISS UNIVERSITY "At the end of the day, who are policymakers? Future leaders are the ones who gonna be doing the policy for future generations, so if they know each other, if they experience something together, such as a path doing the academic career, or a stage with an internship within a company, this will help to understand each other."

The university also encourages students to get involved in politics and keep up with global events. Business leaders and politicians visit the school frequently to share varied perspectives.

Some of the students are happy the Chinese government is working closely with the Italian government.

FRED CHINESE STUDENT STUDYING IN LUISS "Actually I find Italy and China something similar to each other because we are all very, a country with a long history, and very strong culture and history so maybe now the closer relationship will enhance the cultural exchange and now the business economic exchange."

And Luiss University has plans to develop relations even further, with representatives of the university travelling at the end of March to confer with counterparts at China's prestigious Renmin University in Beijing. Michal Bardavid, CGTN, Rome.