`We received an invitation from the Chinese professor in Architecture and Art Design, Yi Xiao,' says Eger, `She was guest lecturer at the UT in February this year, and she came to me and my colleague JW Drukker to talk about the possibilities for a further exchange. We wanted to attend, but in China there are seven ways to say, “yes,” and we didn't know which one Yi Xiao meant. She kept answering our e-mails though. In the end their answer was “yes, yes” as well.'
Yesterday the professors organized an information meeting for students. `The exchange of two and a half months is meant for master's students in Industrial Design Engineering who follow the Design and Styling track. Next to that students of the Architectural Building Components Design track are eligible.'
Students can earn 20 study credits. `The first two are for following an introductory course on being abroad.' Egers laughs, `We want them to behave of course! And they have to guide a Chinese student for three more credits.' In Beijing the participants follow three courses of five credits each. Those are: traditional Chinese architecture, product design for a Chinese company and urban design. `During the last course five teams of four students - two Chinese and two UT-students - design a residential area. In preparation for the course, we will visit the Roombeek (the area that was blown up during the fireworks disaster eight years ago, after which the entire area was redesigned) in Enschede.'
The professors went to Jiaotong University three weeks ago to confirm the exchange program with a contract. `We were welcomed most pleasantly,' laughs Eger. `They picked us up from the airport and took care of us the entire period. We were pampered for a week! My colleague and I have dined alone twice; everything else was taken care of and paid for by them. Every morning another present laid waiting. Apparently they want us very badly!'
The exchange program is the beginning of further cooperation like lecturer exchange, guest lectures and joint research. `Jiaotong University is comparable to the UT: a technological university with a definite social sciences part. The institute is among the top ten ranking Chinese universities. They have a very good architectural education program with elements like graphic design, art design and interior design. We must have students who want to go there in the future.'
The exchange was settled on mutual terms, says Eger. `Tuition fees and lodging are paid for and only the trip, food and drink need to be paid by the students. I think it's a top offer. The foreign experience is an enrichment, and you can follow interesting courses -a once in a lifetime opportunity.'
