Recently, a delegation from the British Council and the Center for Language Education and Cooperation visited Kunming University of Science and Technology to conduct an on-site evaluation regarding the university’s qualifications to host the China Summer Camp under the UK’s Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP).

At the meeting, the representative from the School of International Education introduced the distinctive features of KUST’s international education and achievements in international Chinese language education. The preparation progress and implementation plan for the Mandarin Excellence Programme were also highlighted. The Regional Director for Southwest China of the British Council gave a detailed introduction to the Mandarin Excellence Programme. The representative from the Center for Language Education and Cooperation commended the university’s preparation work and expressed the hope that the university would leverage its unique strengths, incorporate its technological focus into the programme, further integrate high-quality teaching resources, and deepen collaboration with European universities and educational institutions.

The delegation toured the university’s infrastructure and conducted a comprehensive assessment of Kunming University of Science and Technology’s qualifications to host the China Summer Camp under the Mandarin Excellence Programme. They fully recognized the university’s international education capabilities and the preparation work for the programme, while also providing several key reminders and suggestions for improvement. The two sides held in-depth discussions on topics such as curriculum design, cultural experience activities, accommodation and meals, medical and health services, safety measures, and other important considerations.

Going forward, the School of International Education will further refine the preparatory work in accordance with the delegation’s suggestions, ensuring the provision of a high-quality platform for British students to engage in Chinese language practice and cultural experiences. This visit marks a significant step forward in promoting the Mandarin Excellence Programme in Southwest China and is expected to inject new vitality into China-UK people-to-people exchanges.

The UK’s Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) is a key language education initiative led by the British government. Funded by the UK Department for Education and jointly implemented by the British Council and the UCL Institute of Education, the programme has been in operation since 2016. It has grown into one of the world’s largest and most well-structured Chinese language education programmes. Through intensive and systematic Chinese language instruction, MEP aims to cultivate a new generation of British youth proficient in Mandarin, thereby deepening cultural exchange and enhancing economic and trade cooperation between China and the UK.

Translated by: MA Bingyu, Division of International Cooperation

Source: School of International Education

Issued by: Division of International Cooperation