‘Forming partnerships in China requires time’

‘Connections with Chinese institutes have always been driven by shared research interests,’ says Professor Louis Winnubst, the UT country coordinator for China and a visiting professor at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). ‘The official internationalization plan has existed for about two years, but our work with China goes much further back. From my side, I’ve had connections there for thirty years.’

China representative 

There is one very direct connection between the UT and the Asian country: special representative Chang Zheng, an ITC alumnus based in his home country of China. Zheng explains why it’s beneficial for the university to have ‘someone in the field’: ‘In the past years, the UT has developed various joint education and research cooperation projects with Chinese partner universities, and new initiatives are always under discussion. Therefore, the role of China representative is important to keep track of existing cooperation, and provide tailor-made advice on new initiatives to the UT. Also, it reduces considerable travel costs.’

‘Chang Zheng provides the personal touch,’ adds Professor Winnubst. ‘He speaks Chinese and he is naturally familiar with both cultures, which makes it easier for him to communicate with everyone. He assists Chinese students who want to find out more about Twente, but he also helps us to deal with Chinese partners. Forming partnerships in China requires time. You can’t push. Which is why it’s good to have a personal contact directly there.’ 

China meets the Netherlands

Are there any other cultural differences that need to be taken into account when dealing with Chinese partners? ‘It’s very hard for me to pinpoint any differences,’ answers Winnubst. ‘I’ve supervised Chinese students  for decades and have been going to China regularly for about fifteen years so I’m very familiar with the country and its customs. I’m therefore a bit too “Chinese” to answer that question.’

'It’s very hard for me to pinpoint any cultural differences'

Chang Zheng mentions a few differences. ‘Generally speaking, Dutch institutes operate based on a bottom-up approach and Chinese institutes have a top-down approach. The Dutch way is more direct and the Chinese way is more euphemistic. It’s my role to help the UT to have a good understanding and make the right judgement. It’s my task to provide more accurate interpretation of the issue at hand and to manage everyone’s expectations.’

Natural recruitment

The UT has proven popular especially with Chinese PhD candidates. The first Chinese PhD student graduated at the University of Twente already in 1994. The interest of Chinese students has only grown since. ‘After Germany, most foreign students come from China,’ says Winnubst. ‘Most of them come for their Master or PhD degree, some for an exchange stay, and they come to all UT faculties for various programmes.’ According to the country coordinator, the recruitment of these students happens rather naturally – through the UT’s research contacts in China.

'After Germany, most foreign students come from China' 

Is there anything specific that attract these young Asians to Twente? ‘High level of education and research and cost-effectivity are always the main factors,’ answers Zheng. ‘The University of Twente has developed multiple joint education projects with Chinese partner universities, including double programmes, which also makes it is convenient for them, as they can combine the study in Twente with the study at their home universities.’

‘I believe they really appreciate our facilities and infrastructure,’ says Louis Winnubst. ‘On the other hand, not that many of our students go to China. In mainland China, language is an issue: there aren’t many English taught classes at the moment. Some UT students go there for internships and also for summer schools, however.’

Quality, not quantity

As the country coordinator repeats, the research and educational collaborations with Chinese partners are already strong. Would he like to get more universities and students on board in the future? ‘I’d like to make people aware of the existing contacts and form a good network. I don’t think we should go for higher numbers. Instead of quantity we should focus on quality.’

Winnubst’s Chinese colleague agrees: ‘The University of Twente is not well-known in China. However, most Chinese people can’t even name ten foreign universities,’ says Zheng. ‘In my opinion, the UT should not pay prior attention to its publicity, but should focus more on discipline excellence. Taking the ITC faculty as an example, through past 39 years cooperation in China, it is highly recognized in China and also worldwide for achievement in education, research and capacity development.’