Jo Johnson, Chairman of the Achieve International Education Group and former UK Minister of State for Universities, said that the official launch of the Scheme marked a highly significant moment, bringing together ten leading universities in China and six renowned UK institutions. He stressed that the initiative is far more than a conventional cooperation program; rather, it serves as a bridge connecting young students and scholars from both countries for joint learning and for strengthening the foundations of future China–UK cooperation.
Huang Baoyin, Secretary of the CPC UIBE Committee, noted that as one of the first host universities of the Scheme, UIBE looks forward to working closely with partner institutions to continuously deepen the substance of cooperation, expand areas of collaboration, and innovate exchange models. He added that the university aims to further enhance high-quality international study tour programs and make new contributions to cultivating talented individuals with a global vision and strong international competitiveness.
Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said that through the Scheme, UK students will gain a unique opportunity for short-term academic and cultural immersion, enabling them to develop a deeper understanding of China’s rich history, innovation achievements, and contemporary development. She noted that the University of Exeter will support more students in participating in the program and recognizes its potential to be transformative for them. She also extended a warm welcome to Chinese students who wish to study at the University of Exeter.
