During the winter vacation of 2013, Beijing-Dublin International College successfully organized 24 students to visit UCD for a short-term study exchange, which achieved good educational results and received positive feedback from both institutions. In the 2013-2014 academic year, with the approval of the college's Joint Management Committee, the college specifically established the 'Experience Ireland' Outstanding Student Scholarship to fund outstanding freshmen to go to UCD for short-term exchange studies. This year, the college provided over 330,000 yuan in funding for this scholarship, with an average award of over 11,000 yuan per student, and five students received full scholarships.
During the 11-day activity, the 30 students successfully completed group tasks exploring Dublin city, learned about the Irish language, dance, and unique sports, and visited the Newgrange site and the Guinness Brewery. The students also toured the UCD campus, participated actively in professional cognitive and expansion activities, and established a good communication platform with UCD faculty and students. Notably, the 30 visiting students were invited to the residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin. Mayor Oisín Quinn attended the college's 2013 freshman opening ceremony and had friendly conversations with the students, becoming friends with them. During this visit, the students seized the opportunity to communicate with the mayor, speaking fluently in English and leaving a deep impression on him. Additionally, the visiting students were guests at the residence of UCD's new president, Andrew J. Deeks, becoming the first visitors to his office. The new president specifically awarded scholarship certificates to the students and answered their questions one by one, greatly inspiring and encouraging them.
Liu Yuchen, a participant in this exchange visit, told reporters: 'Compared to Chinese universities, Dublin University places more emphasis on students' extracurricular cultural and sports development, which is something Chinese universities need to learn from. Irish students are very friendly, and their enthusiasm for learning is evident. I was also deeply impressed by the friendliness of the locals. In stores, regardless of whether you buy something, the staff will smile and serve you or ask where you are from and chat about your impressions of Dublin.'
On the afternoon of March 20, a report meeting on the results of the study exchange in Ireland was held in the auditorium of the Yifu Library at Beijing University of Technology, which was their final task. At the meeting, the 30 visiting students reported on their gains and achievements from the visit.
The participating students expressed that through this exchange activity, they deepened their understanding of Irish culture, expanded their knowledge of UCD campus life and related majors, and stated that they would continue to work hard in their professional courses, improve their English communication skills and application abilities, and strive to become high-level talents with an international perspective and competitiveness, giving back to their alma mater and college, and making greater contributions to social development.
It is understood that Beijing-Dublin International College at Beijing University of Technology (referred to as Dublin College, BDIC) is an international college jointly established by Beijing University of Technology and University College Dublin (UCD). The college is both a formal teaching institution of Beijing University of Technology and a branch of University College Dublin in Beijing. The Joint Management Committee, co-chaired by the presidents of both universities, is the highest management body of the college, responsible for decision-making on major matters such as the college's strategic development, personnel appointments, operational management, and talent cultivation.