Beijing Normal University Interested in Kazan University's Pedagogical Education Expertise

A delegation from one the most prestigious Chinese universities was in Kazan on July 6th.

The guests visited several museums and the Institute of Physics where they could witness the specifics of physics teachers' education and see the labs.

The delegation then proceeded to meet with Rector Ilshat Gafurov and other executives. Director of the Institute of Psychology and Education Aydar Kalimullin spoke about SAE Teacher 21 – a new priority for KFU. Dr. Kalimullin seized the opportunity to invite the Chinese colleagues to join this impressive project.

Rector Gafurov mentioned that China has been a longtime strategic partner for the University. For example, cooperation with Hunan Normal University started in 1990. Among other partners are Xinjiang University, Lanzhou University, Tianjin University of Finance and Economics, and others. KFU is interested in collaborating in Chinese studies, pedagogy, psychology, and new materials. There is also much to be done in the BRICS Universities League.

Rector of BNU Liu Chuansheng answered, “Let me first express my gratitude for the warm welcome. Yesterday 14 Chinese and Russian universities signed mutual agreements. The first to ascend to the scene was a representative of Kazan University. It’s very important to us to learn as much as possible about KFU during this short visit. There is now a strict limit on overseas trips in China – no more than 5 days. We spent 2 days in Moscow and now found it essential to visit Kazan. After all that has been heard and seen we have a full picture of what Kazan University really is. You are well-known in China thanks to Vladimir Lenin – who is an idol in our country, – and Leo Tolstoy. We mulled over a potential gift for you for some time and finally decided to present you this Chinese translation of a collection of works by Leo Tolstoy in 17 volumes. We wholeheartedly respect Russian culture and literature”.

The Chinese team then made some concrete proposals about student exchange and student recruitment in China. It is worth mentioning that BNU currently can boast more than 300 international partners.

The two rectors then signed a memorandum of understanding and a student exchange agreement.

By the way, this was the second visit by a Chinese university this week - our colleagues from Tianjin University of Economics and Finance were here on Monday.