5 March 2014

On the 3rd of March, 2014, EEUA paid a visit to the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Beijing. The meeting was attended by the following members of Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Beijing:
- Viktor Konnov – Head of Rossotrudnichestvo Branch Office in Beijing, CEO of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Beijing, Counsellor of the Embassy of Russian Federation in the People`s Republic of China;
- A. N. Chuvaev – Deputy Head;
- O. V. Shylnikova – Coordinator of Russian language programs;
- Gao Lei – Program Coordinator.
EEUA representative introduced Eastern European University Association and acquainted the members of Russian Centre of Science and Culture with the scope of its activity and the main goals. EEUA rep brought along a great deal of printed materials (more than 1000 pcs) containing extensive information about the universities-members of EEUA and the courses they offer. Also EEUA rep provided information about IUNC Eurasia – International Universities Networking Conference organized by EEUA annually in order to promote inter university cooperation and global partnerships between CIS universities and the whole world. Mr Konnov was greatly impressed with the scope of EEUA activity and indicated that at present China is aiming to establish solid partnerships with Russian universities and therefore EEUA visit was quite well-timed.
The student Olympiad “It’s time to study in Russia” was also discussed within the meeting. The first stage of the competition, comprising technical subjects – physics and mathematics, has been successfully implemented. Starting from March 16-25, 2014, it is planned to carry out the final stage, at first in some regional cities of China and then in Beijing, on the premises of Russian Centre of Science and Culture.
The parties also discussed the difficulty of reaching the potential Chinese students directly as according to the law in China only the Chinese side can deal with student recruitment for overseas studies. Mr Konnov indicated that now the Chinese and Russian sides are considering possible cooperation on this issue in order to facilitate the direct recruitment of Chinese students to Russian universities through various events held on the premises of Russian Centre of Science and Culture. The representatives of RCSC invited EEUA to participate in an education fair in October 2014 together with Russian Centre of Science and Culture and represent the associated member-universities. Moreover RCSC is also planning some visits to different cities in China, and EEUA was kindly invited to participate in these events as well.
Another important question discussed at the meeting was the Russian language examination on the premises of the Embassy of Russian Federation in China. In order to help students get prepared for the exam, Russian Centre of Science and Culture is planning on opening a preparatory course for Chinese students to learn the Russian language.
Mr Konnov was also pleasantly surprised that EEUA represents not only Russian and Belarus universities but also those in Ukraine, and expressed his interest in the future cooperation with Eastern European University Association.