On 20th Nov 2023, nine staff of UoM notably Mr Heerun Goolap, Chief of Facilities and Services; Associate Professor Verena Tandrayen-Ragoobur, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities; Mr Shailen Gungah, Director of Human Resources; Associate Professor Vidushi Neergheen, Director of Doctoral School; five staff from Administration and Technical Department, and Mrs Aneeta Ghoorah, Director of Primary and Curriculum Development & Evaluation, Secretary of General NatCom (UNESCO), Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, participated in the third Winter Camp organized by CI-UoM and hosted by Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (ZSTU). The delegation was headed by Professor Fu Mingduan, Chinese Director of CI-UoM and Associate Professor Naraindra Kistamah, Mauritian Director of CI-UoM. The delegates were given a pre-departure brief about the programme set out for them, the things they need to know about internet connections, payment methods, the weather and what to wear for the trip! The purpose of this exchange programme is for staff of UoM to meet and discuss with their counterparts in China for the promotion of educational and academic collaborations. For most, the visit has been an eye opener and they reckon that there is much to be gained, at different levels, from this exchange. The delegates were impressed by the infrastructure and facilities available to students and staff at ZSTU, the host institution. They also acquired an enriching cultural experience and a good insight of Chinese culture through visits to historical places and museums. The photographs and short notes, provided by the participants and given below, are testimony of the special moments captured in China!
Wow!! What a wonderful trip organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Mauritius and the partner Institute Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (ZSTU). The team building started right at the airport, handshakes, installation of WeChat on phones, the excitement of going to China for the first time for a few delegates! We were all stunned by the mega size of the campus and the number of students. The color of the foliage during the fall season and the magnificent show were food for eyes. The hospitality of our host was reflected through their courtesy and around the lavish lunch and dinner tables: Feast for eyes and for the stomach. The immersion into the Chinese culture and language was de facto acquired. Services provided by the local guides deepened our knowledge on places visited. One of the most valuable experiences was the visit to the primary school. OMG such lovely kids – all very well-disciplined and cute in their uniforms. ZSTU has left indelible souvenir of memorable moments. Long live to the friendship created during our stay!
Mrs Aneeta Ghoorah, Director of Primary and Curriculum Development & Evaluation, Secretary of General NatCom (UNESCO), Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology.
UoM Dean of FSSH’s meeting with the Dean and Vice Dean of the School of Languages, ZSTU
“The Educational Exchange Programme in China aimed to foster cultural understanding, promote academic collaboration, and provide valuable learning experiences. The delegation engaged in a diverse range of activities, including academic sessions, cultural immersion, and collaborative initiatives with Zhejiang Sci Tech University. I was involved in fruitful meetings with the School of Economics and Management and the School of Languages.”
Associate Professor Verena Tandrayen-Ragoobur, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, UoM
*Intranet link to full report of the Dean of FSSH, UoM
“During my time at the Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (ZSTU) in Hangzhou, I was captivated by the vibrant academic atmosphere and the cutting-edge facilities. The university’s unwavering commitment to excellence in science and technology education was palpable, especially within the state-of-the art laboratories and classrooms. Interacting with esteemed faculty members showcased a dynamic community, passionate about innovation and research.
The picturesque campus, adorned with modern architecture and green spaces, provided an inspiring backdrop for intellectual pursuits. The engaging discussions, visits, and the palpable energy of innovation left a lasting impression on me, highlighting the university's role as a hub for knowledge creation and academic growth. ZSTU truly serves as a hub for knowledge creation and academic growth.
Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate further discussions about potential research exchanges between MPhil/PhD students from University of Mauritius and Zhejiang Sci-Tech University. I am enthusiastic about exploring the possibilities and mutual benefits that such exchange program could bring to our academic communities.”
Dr Vidushi Neergheen, Director Doctoral School
Mr Heerun Goolap, Chief of Facilities and Services with primary school student during the visit
“The November 2023 Winter Camp Exchange Programme, organised by the Confucius Institute-UoM, has been a most enriching and delightful experience. The UoM Delegation was warmly welcomed by very senior officials of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (ZSTU), Hangzhou, China, and this indeed shows that the ZSTU Team held our visit close to their hearts. I was amazed by the beauty of Hangzhou. This former capital of China under the Song Dynasty has a rich history, tradition and culture. Through the visits to the Silk Museum, West Lake, Song Cheng, the Grand Canal and other landmarks, I travelled through time over thousands of years of Chinese history and tradition in a matter of just a few days and this was simply amazing! Eating with chopsticks came naturally in no time and the food was a real treat that completed our sensorial experience of Chinese culture. Whilst cherishing its invaluable heritage from its glorious past, Hangzhou is also fast leaping into the future as a most modern city packed with the latest technology, and where you would find more electric cars than fuel driven ones and where online payments have almost wiped out the use of physical bank notes and coins. Everywhere, I met with beautiful and nice people. An emotional moment was our visit to a primary school where a little boy hugged me and gifted a greeting card he had made himself. I was also struck by the discipline of students on Campus or even off campus in the streets- no shouting, always respectful and ready to help.” Xie Xie Confucius Institute-UoM, Xie Xie ZSTU !
Mr Heerun Goolap, Chief of Facilities and Services
“Both the cultural and educational experiences in China were awesome! The cultural show at Song Cheng was unforgettable and everybody enjoyed it. The visit at the Silk Museum allowed us to see and appreciate the relics of past Chinese dynasties. China National Apparel Technology & Innovation Institute has showed us many interesting things about technological tools such as AI.”
Mr Dany Nicholas Law Ming Kwong, Executive Assistant, Administration
“My dream to visit China finally came true. From the moment of our arrival to our last minute of our stay in China, we got warm receptions and gracious hospitality by the team from ZSTU. I was impressed by the beautiful city of Hangzhou and Shanghai with its strong historical and cultural heritage. The itinerary was perfect, well organized and the sites we visited were so beautiful and truly inspirational. The people were very friendly and welcoming. We were introduced to new technologies, Chinese culture, food, theatre, traditional clothing from various Chinese dynasties. This visit has personally been a turning point in my career as it has broadened my knowledge of and deepen my interest in Chinese culture and technology. I was impressed by the primary school children. Their simplicity, innocence, smile and love won my heart. I would definitely like to visit China again and explore more about Chinese culture and further learn Chinese language. I share my experience with my friends and relatives and encouraged them to learn Chinese language and participate in the Chinese activities organized by the Confucius Institute. This exchange programme has also strengthen the bond between the University of Mauritius and ZSTU.”
Mrs Gooneshswaree Maghun, Executive Assistant, Faculty of Law & Management
“The 2023 Winter Camp at Hangzhou, China was a wonderful experience! We enjoyed the activities organized by the Confucius Institute at ZSTU. The main objective of the winter camp was to promote Chinese Language and Culture. Through this camp, I feel I have improved my Chinese language skills and knowledge of Chinese culture. The cultural ‘Song Cheng’ show was simply awesome! We hope to get more opportunities to visit China in the future and I wish to thank Confucius Institute for this wonderful journey.”
Mrs Savitree Devi Komul, Executive Assistant, Administration
“The educational tour to Hangzhou and Shanghai was a ‘Once in a Lifetime Experience to Live’. A great opportunity to immerse in a rich cultural experience but also to learn about the country’s educational system. I was astonished by the natural beauty of parks and green scenery and historical sites of Hangzhou. The tour Visit to the china silk museum, the west lake and the ‘Song Cheng’ will always be among the best memories I have about China…I enjoyed the tour visit to the Zhejiang University ZSTU and the local primary school. I was impressed by the hospitality of the teachers and the volunteers of ZSTU. I had the opportunity to interact with them and communicate in Mandarin. Discipline, Punctuality and Friendliness would best describe the Chinese people to me. I would love to visit China again. Thank you CI for this wonderful trip.”
‘Zhongguo ren hen hao.
Zhongguo cai hen haochi.
Hangzhou he Shanghai hen piaoliang.
Wo ai Zhongguo’.
Ms Bibi Shenaz Burkutally, Laboratory Officer, Dept of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
“The visit to Zhejiang, Hangzhou and Shanghai is indeed an unforgettable one. I was very impressed by the visits to ZSTU campuses old and new, company and factory visits and their use of AI and technology in the day to day activities of the locals. Meal times were another pleasant cultural experience-each dish provided a pleasant and unique experience. After sightseeing and exploring nearby places in Hangzhou, I quickly understood that the Chinese are very proud of their heritage despite embracing rapid technological advances. The visit to the West Lake (Xihu) was sensational. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful places to visit in China. I will always treasure my time spent in Hangzhou, China.”
Mr Doorgesh Cuppoor, Laboratory Officer, Dept of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering