The Institute of Economics organized a learning-exchanging class for Chinese and foreign college students on September 29, 2017. The class was organized by Zheng Hongmei, with strong support of Prof. Li Bangxi while Prof. Ying Lowrey directed the class. Fourteen students from Australia’s Macquarie University and 16 Tsinghua Chinese students discussed social-economic hot issues in both China and Australia.
The class proceeded in two stages. During stage one, participants were divided into groups. Each group conducted studying and discussing a designated or optional subject and sharing the discussion results. Within 60 minutes, students had to search for data and facts via the Internet, share ideas and prepare presentations. In the second stage, groups presented viewpoints prepared in the first stage and carried out heated discussions. Some groups analyzed the status quo and gave advice on future improvements concerning tourism, trade and education, while others analyzed the Belt and Road Initiative and Sino-Australia relations. They pointed out the advanced industrial structure of agriculture and service industries in Australia and that of manufacturing in China can be organically complementary. They also noted that China’s Belt and Road Initiative could further strengthen the partnership of mutual benefit between the two countries, as well as facilitate the development of multiple industries in Australia.
The class ended by exchanging gifts between Tsinghua and Macquarie students. The class attempted to help Australian students study about China’s economy, culture, education and international trade, while improving skills of Tsinghua students’ English language and academic and social exchange.
