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In the last few weeks Telemark University College (TUC) and China Three Gorges University in Yichang have agreed on a learning agreement. This is an agreement between the universities and students about what subjects students can take in Yichang and that the subjects can be accepted as part of their degree at TUC.
Next autumn 4 students from the Mechanical Engineering Programme will travel to China to do their last year of the bachelor degree there. They are very much looking forward to this.
– I think it will be really exciting. China is an exciting country, and a country that has incredible economic growth and development in technology. This experience could be very useful, and could be important when we apply for jobs in the future, says Yngve Eide.
Tougher study environment
They expect a different and tougher study environment than they are used to in Porsgrunn.
– Here we are freer to organise our studies as we want, but in China it will no doubt be more challenging. If you are told to do something, you have to do it properly, says Jarle Opheim.
Wants to learn Mandarin Chinese
In addition to the academic work, a year of study in China will mean challenges both culturally and linguistically, but the four students are ready to meet the challenges.
– We signalled very early that we wanted to study a year abroad, and we are aware of the challenges that come with it. Most of the teaching will be conducted in English, but during the first years in Porsgrunn we have earned extra credits so we could also learn some Chinese. I think it is important to learn some Chinese, then we will have better prospects, says Rune Johansen.
– We know a little bit about the Chinese culture, but I would like to learn more before we go. China has a rich culture and is different from what we are used to here in Norway, that is certain, says Jonas Vidnes.
- Impressive campus
Unni Kaasin is an adviser at the Faculty of Technology, and she thinks the students are going to an impressive university.
- The university is very large, it has several sports fields and a large road around the campus area. There are more than 20 000 students and new student housing for international students, says Kaasin who visited the university in October.
Good students
University College Teacher, Ole Melteig, is happy about the four students going to China for a year.
– I think this will be a very good experience for them, and that they will have a great year, both in terms of studies, but also other things. I am also happy that it will be these four students who are going. We want students who can represent the university college in a positive manner, says Melteig.
Wants to send more students abroad
The Faculty has exchange agreements with institutions in 10-15 countries, but Kaasin does not deny that TUC would like to have more students who wanted to go abroad.
– Yes, unfortunately, too few choose to do so, we would have liked to send more students abroad. We encourage all students to go abroad, and maybe these four students can open the door for more exchanges to China Three Gorges University, says Kaasin.
– The application deadline for Norwegian students to apply for Telemark University College is 15th of April, and for those that have not yet made up their mind, it could be a good idea to check what possibilities they have, says Kaasin.
More noodles
Yngve, Jarle, Rune og Jonas are ready to start an exciting year in China, but hope to get in contact with a company in Grenland before they leave.
– We are looking for a company that has a topic for our bachelor thesis, so if anyone finds this interesting, please do contact us, says Eide.
– What will be the best thing about going to China?
– The best thing will probably be that we do not have to cook as much as at home, since we can eat more in the school cafeterias, says Jarle Opheim.
– But as students, you should be used to noodles already?
– Yes, but China is the home of noodles. In China, I’m sure it tastes much better, says Rune Johansen.
The original news article appeared here: http://www.varden.no/nyheter/studenter-pa-vei-til-kina-1.7075007
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