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It was the trip of a lifetime for ten third year students studying the Electrical and Electronic Engineering specialisation who had the opportunity to visit the city famous for the Three Gorges, Dazu Stones Carving and Hotpot in China as part of a joint education program between The University of Western Australia and the Southwest University (SWU) in Chongqing.

On tour from 22 September to 2 October 2015, the itinerary was packed full of technical and cultural experiences for students, visiting many locations in and around Chongqing - from a fashion show in the city to a car factory as big as a small town. The students were chaperoned by their SWU counterparts, creating the opportunity for plenty of cultural exchanges and bonding.

SWU Automation students participating in the joint education program will undertake three years of a Bachelor of Engineering in their home country and complete their final two years towards a Master of Professional Engineering at UWA, arriving in the second half of 2017. The recent trip to China allowed students from both continents to foster early relationships that are intended to continue for remainder of their studies at both universities.

“The purpose of the visit was to build relationships with SWU’s automation students but the students gained far more from the experience than we ever anticipated,” said Ros Wisenthal, Team Leader of Student Affairs in the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics and a leader on the trip.

Reflecting on their experience, the students reported many highlights but it was the generous hospitality of their hosts that will remain with them forever.

“I learned that despite the language barrier, if people from different backgrounds and cultures truly want to be friends and learn from each other, nothing will stop them,” said Gav, one of the students. “I regret not learning basic Mandarin beforehand but that didn’t stop us asking plenty of questions and bonding on the long bus rides between places,” said another student.

As part of the agreement between the universities, the electrical engineering units have been matched to ensure the curriculum meets the completion requirements of both universities.

Similar agreements are also being developed with other universities as part of UWA’s commitment to foster links with China and beyond.

Media references

Mary Schultz (Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics) (+61 8) 6488 1868