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Peking University, Dec. 15, 2011: On the afternoon of December 13, 2011, Sibrand Poppema, President of the University of Groningen visited Peking University (PKU) with a delegation of 7 members and signed an agreement on student exchange program in the fields of urban planning between the two schools.

PKU Vice President Li Yansong met with Sibrand Poppema, President of the University of Groningen

PKU Vice President Li Yansong, Vice Minister of the Office of International Relations Zheng Ruqing and Dean of the College of Urban and Environmental Sciences Tao Shu met the delegation at Linhuxuan.

During the meeting, Sibrand Poppema introduced the status quo of the University of Groningen and its history and hoped that the two universities could enhance student exchanges and carry out double degree programs, establishing long-term friendship.  Li Yansong expressed satisfaction with the two universities’ cooperation in the field of planning and looked forward to further development. Afterwards, representing PKU, Tao Shu and Professor Lv Bin, Dean of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning signed the agreement with President Sibrand Poppema and Professor G. de Roo, Dean of the Department of Planning, School of Spatial Sciences, representing the University of Groningen.

The two schools signed an agreement on stduent exchange program

The cooperation has achieved initial success in the field of urban planning. Academics exchanges on levels of undergraduates, graduates and senior researchers have seen several articles co-published in high-quality scientific journals, with the research projects gaining social recognition. By the end of 2011, the School of Spatial Sciences at the University of Groningen had sent undergraduates to the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at PKU for short-term internship exchanges for three consecutive years. Each internship period lasts for one month and allows three students to participate in. In September 2009, a project chaired by Professor Lv Bin, with students from the University of Groningen participating, won the "Nanluoguxiang Special Contribution Award” conferred by the Beijing Dongcheng District.

 
After the signing ceremony, the two parties exchanged ideas on courses, overseas students training and future cooperation, which they hoped would be more effective to foster communication between teachers and students.

Group picture after the meeting

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as one of the oldest and leading research universities in Europe. It offers degree programs at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD levels in more than 50 fields. The University now has more than 26,000 current students (including over 3,000 international students from 113 countries), 5,500 teachers. Located in the north of the Netherlands, Groningen is an ideal, safe student city with a flourishing student life.

Written by: Feng Xiaomang
Edited by: Chen Long
Source: PKU News (Chinese)