Sumy International College HINT: Cooperation between Ukraine and China

Employees of Sumy National Agrarian University visited the Henan Institute of Science and Technology to receive lectures from Ukrainian teachers in accordance with the curriculum.

Sumy International College of HINT is a structural unit of the Henan Institute of Science and Technology (People’s Republic of China), which provides knowledge in 4 fields: veterinary medicine, agronomy, economics and management, and food technology. The training is implemented by Ukrainian and Chinese teachers. Upon completion, students receive two diplomas: from HINT University and SNAU, i.e. a European-style diploma.

The delegation of Sumy NAU consisted of Inna ZUBTSOVA, a representative of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology and Environmental Management, Oleksandr KALASHNYK, Yurii MUSIENKO, Vitalii RYSOVANYI, professors of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mykhailo HEENKO, Viktoriia SHUMKOVA, Nataliia DEHTYAR, and Tetiana STEPANOVA, members of the Faculty of Economics and Management. Experts from the Department of Foreign Languages of the SNAU also joined the trip: Tetiana KLOCHKOVA, Hanna TSYHANOK, Yulia LUSHCHYK, Yurii KAZANTSEV, Olha BERESTOK, Olena KREKOTEN and Viktoriia TOKMAN.

During the 40 days of their stay, Sumy NAU professors gave lectures to Chinese students of Sumy International College of HINT on their respective profiles according to the curriculum. In addition, each of the staff members gave open lectures to the general public. Representatives of the Foreign Languages Department organized English conversation clubs. Anyone who was interested in their topics could attend the classes.

In addition, the SNAU delegation, headed by Inna ZUBTSOVA, Deputy Director of the Sumy International College, coordinated curricula, discussed issues related to the next terms of teachers’ stay and the re-enrollment of students studying at the Sumy International College and SNAU.

A number of meetings were held with representatives of each of the four faculties, with deans and their deputies, as well as with the administration of the Henan Institute of Science and Technology.

The employees of the SNAU had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the ancient culture of China. The rich program included traveling, participating in various workshops, attending a tea ceremony, and tasting local food.

The Agrarian School teachers also shared their traditions. On Vyshyvanka Day, they dressed up in folk costumes and told Chinese students about its symbolism during lectures. Employees joined the annual flash mob of the NAU, but the photos were taken on the other side of the planet. Vyshyvankas were also used during a concert organized by the Sumy International College of HINT. The Ukrainian delegation sang one joint folk song and two solo songs, and demonstrated the dance pride of the people – hopak.

Inna ZUBTSOVA says that special emphasis should be placed on the preparation and organization of events by the Chinese university. The stay and communication were facilitated. For example, each Ukrainian teacher was “assigned” a Chinese student who helped them understand the classroom and solve urgent problems or questions.

The trip of the delegation from Sumy NAU was the first visit of foreigners to Sumy International College of HINT, but it will definitely not be the last. The plans are to continue cooperation, further harmonization of curricula and academic exchanges.