Source: School of Foreign Languages

SPAIN – In a significant step toward deepening international cooperation, the “China-Spain Language and Culture Exchange Center” was officially inaugurated at the University of Alcalá (UAH) in Spain.

The unveiling took place during a recent educational delegation visit organized by the Ningbo Municipal Education Bureau. Zhu Bangxiang, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the university, participated as a key member of the delegation and represented the university’s Research Center for Hispanic Language and Culture at the ceremony.

A New Chapter with a Century-Old Institution

The establishment of this center at the University of Alcalá marks a new milestone in the relationship between the two institutions.

• Prestigious Partner: Founded in 1499, the University of Alcalá is one of Europe’s oldest universities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is renowned globally as a hub for Spanish language studies and hosts the annual Cervantes Prize—the most prestigious award in Spanish literature—presented by the King and Queen of Spain.

• Deepening Ties: The two universities first signed an inter-institutional cooperation agreement in April 2023. When our university established its domestic Research Center for Hispanic Language and Culture earlier this year, UAH leadership sent a special video message to celebrate the occasion. This overseas unveiling further cements the bond, positioning UAH as a vital link in China-Spain cultural exchange.

Expanding Cooperation at the University of Girona

During the trip, the delegation also visited the University of Girona (UdG) in Catalonia, where they were warmly received by Professor Manuel, Dean of the Faculty of Law.

• A Trusted Advisor: Professor Manuel is not only a leading academic at UdG but also serves as a special advisor to our university’s Hispanic research center. He previously traveled to China to witness the center’s founding firsthand.

• Future Collaboration: The two sides held in-depth discussions on faculty exchange, student mobility, dual-degree programs, and summer courses.

• About UdG: With academic roots dating back to 1446, the University of Girona is a comprehensive institution known for its focus on sustainability, digital innovation, and cultural heritage protection. Its open academic atmosphere makes it a key partner in expanding our university’s European network.

Anchoring the “Belt and Road” Mission

Since its inception, the university’s Research Center for Hispanic Language and Culture has been dedicated to serving the “Belt and Road” initiative and the local economic development of Ningbo.

This visit serves as a launchpad for a broader international network. Moving forward, ZWU aims to leverage these partnerships to cultivate multi-lingual talent with global perspectives, contributing to Ningbo’s status as a leading city for education and international openness.