INRTU Delegation Visits Dalian University of Foreign Languages to Sign Double Degree Agreement in Linguistics
On March 19, a delegation from INRTU, led by INRTU Vice-Rector for International Affairs Stepan Bykov, paid a working visit to Dalian, China. The delegation visited Dalian University of Foreign Languages (DUFL) to sign an agreement on a double degree Bachelor’s program in linguistics. The parties also discussed prospects for expanding international cooperation.
The INRTU delegation included Vice-Rector for International Affairs Stepan Bykov, Head of the International Affairs Department Anna Melenteva, Project Manager of the Department for International Scientific and Educational Projects Konstantin Khobta, Head of the Department of Humanities at the Baikal School of BRICS and Academic Supervisor of the Chinese Linguistics program Irina Sharavieva, Associate Professor of the Department of Technology and Equipment for Machine-Building Production Andrei Savilov, and Senior Teacher at the Baikal School of BRICS Klimentiy Batoroev.
The key event of the visit was a meeting with Cong Mingcai, the Party Secretary of Dalian University of Foreign Languages. During the negotiations, the parties signed an agreement on the joint implementation of an educational program and the awarding of two Bachelor's degrees in the field of Chinese linguistics.
The new double degree program follows a three-stage study model. Students will spend their first semester at INRTU, then complete semesters two through five at DUFL, before returning to Irkutsk for semesters six through eight. Upon successfully passing examinations and defending their final theses at both universities, students will receive two degrees: a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from INRTU and a Bachelor’s degree in Literature from DUFL. The agreement also provides preferential tuition terms for INRTU students, depending on the total number of participants enrolled in the program.
During the visit, the INRTU delegation held a working meeting with representatives of three Schools of Dalian University of Foreign Languages. The parties discussed plans for further cooperation, including the launch of new joint academic programs: Bachelor’s degree program in Information Technology, Master’s degree program in Chinese linguistics, and preparatory Russian language program to be delivered both in Dalian and in Irkutsk.
The INRTU delegation also met with five students from the BS BRICS enrolled in the Chinese-language linguistics program, who are currently studying at DUFL under an academic exchange program. The students shared their impressions of studying and living in China.
“The agreements reached and the signing of the double degree program mark a new stage in the partnership between Irkutsk National Research Technical University and Dalian University of Foreign Languages, expanding opportunities for student mobility and the implementation of joint educational projects,”
commented INRTU Vice-Rector for International Affairs Stepan Bykov.
As noted by Irina Sharavieva, Academic Supervisor of the Chinese Linguistics program, the signing of the double degree agreement represents a major step in strengthening ties between the two universities:
“INRTU looks forward to further productive cooperation with Dalian University of Foreign Languages, enabling the implementation of ambitious projects and providing students with high-quality education in a native language environment”.
