On March 10-11, at the invitation of the University of Glasgow in the UK, Associate Professor Zhang Hong, doctoral supervisor and director of the Global Communication Doctoral Program at Zhejiang University’s School of Media and International Culture, led a faculty-student delegation on a two-day academic exchange visit.

 

During the first day’s visit, the delegation was welcomed by Dr. Zoë Strachan, Vice Dean of International Affairs; Professor Konstantinos Kontis, Dean of Global Engagement; and Dr. Hongling Liang, an expert in Chinese studies. The hosts detailed the University of Glasgow’s distinctive educational features and academic strengths. Zhang Hong introduced the disciplinary development of the School of Media and International Culture, highlighting research achievements in cutting-edge fields such as digital communication and intercultural communication.

In the afternoon, the delegation held a thematic discussion with Dr. Kay Dickinson, Vice Dean of Internationalization for the College of Arts and Culture; international coordinator Kirsten Adkins; and Zoë Strachan on the development of the Zhejiang University–University of Glasgow Summer Research Program. Both sides reached consensus on key aspects, including curriculum design, intercultural practice modules, and faculty-student exchange mechanisms.

The following day, accompanied by student volunteers, the delegation toured campus facilities, experiencing the teaching and research environment firsthand while exploring the cultural heritage of the university’s 500-year history.

During the academic visit, guided by Zoë Strachan, the delegation explored the Hunterian Museum, Art Gallery, and Mackintosh House, delving into the architectural achievements and design philosophy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a leading figure of the Glasgow School.

In the final session, the delegation held working talks with Dr. Colette McGowan, Head of Study Abroad Partnerships, and Zoë Strachan, finalizing logistical details such as scheduling, resource allocation, and support services for the joint program.

This visit not only reinforced the existing collaboration between the two institutions but also advanced innovation in intercultural education models. Moving forward, both universities will leverage the summer program as a platform for joint training initiatives, addressing global governance challenges and contributing academic insights to promote mutual learning among civilizations.