On the afternoon of 4 March 2024, Professor Carla Bagna, Vice Rector of The University for Foreigners of Siena, Italy, visited the College of Foreign Languages at Nankai University. Professor Yan Guodong, Dean of the College of Foreign Languages at Nankai University, Associate Professor Wang Kai, Vice Dean of the College of Foreign Languages at Nankai University, Associate Professor Yang Lin, Head of the Department of Italian Language, Ni Yang, and Letizia Vallini (Le Xiaoyue) participated in the meeting.
Prof Yan Guodong reviewed the cooperation between the two universities and the fruitful results achieved since 2017 regarding mutual visits of teachers, faculty development, academic activities, and student exchanges. He also thanked the University for Foreigners of Siena for its continuous support and assistance to the Italian major in the College of Foreign Languages at Nankai University. He expressed hope that the collaboration between the two universities would further improve in the future. Professor Carla Bania mentioned that Nankai University was the first university she visited in China after the epidemic. This demonstrates the University for Foreigners of Siena's strong commitment to fostering collaboration between the two institutions. Furthermore, they aspire to expand their cooperation through initiatives such as double degree programs, exchange visits for faculty and students, and short-term training during summer and winter holidays. At the end of the meeting, both sides exchanged gifts and took a group photo.
After the meeting, Professor Carla Bania gave an academic lecture entitled "The Spread of Italian in the World." The lecture was attended by the teachers and students of the Department of Italian at the College of Foreign Languages, as well as Italian students from the College of Chinese Language and Culture. Professor Carla Bania first briefly introduced the educational philosophy of the University for Foreigners of Siena, its major settings, and faculty members. She also introduced the spread of Italian in the world from the perspective of the linguistic landscape, encouraged students to learn Italian well, and welcomed them to go to the University for Foreigners of Siena for exchange study.
During the interactive session, the students and teachers asked questions enthusiastically. All attendees greatly benefited from the discussion in a warm atmosphere. The lecture concluded with thunderous applause. Students and teachers present took a group photo with Professor Karla Banya.
