AUC Welcomes High-level Delegation from the Communication University of China

The Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT) at The American University in Cairo (AUC) recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Communication University of China  (CUC). The visit was led by Professor LIAO Xiangzhong, chair of the University Council at CUC, who was accompanied by a group of deans, faculty members, and directors from the university.

The visit was initiated through the  Global Design Thinking Alliance, an international network in which both AUC and CUC are active members. The primary objective of the visit was to engage in deep discussions regarding educational innovation and the academic integration of design thinking. Both institutions explored various avenues for collaboration, including project-based learning and the development of student exchange programs, with a specific interest in expanding opportunities for Arabic Language Learning.

The Communication University of China holds a distinguished position in the global academic landscape. Founded in 1954, it was the first media university established after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. CUC is recognized as one of the first universities included in the “Double World Class Project” administered by the Ministry of Education and is a key institution of both the “211 Project” and the “985 Advanced Discipline Innovation Platform.” Formerly known as the Beijing Broadcasting Institute, the university officially changed its name to the Communication University of China in August 2004.

During their time on campus, the delegation participated in an extensive tour of the School of Sciences and Engineering labs, which included the Virtual Reality Lab, Computer Science Labs, the Robotics Lab, and the ElToukhy Learning Factory. These visits allowed the guests to see the practical application of AUC’s technical resources and the ways in which students engage with cutting-edge technology.

The tour continued with visits to the AUC Venture Lab and the Innovation Hub, as well as the Office of International Programs and Services and the Journalism and Mass Communications studios. Throughout these locations, the delegation was presented with a showcase of project-based learning examples. This highlighted AUC’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning and student-led innovation, providing a clear view of how students translate theoretical knowledge into real-world solutions.

The visit concluded with a strong emphasis on the future of this international partnership. “This represents an exciting opportunity for collaboration between AUC and CUC as partners and members of the global community of universities centering experiential learning at the heart of their mission and vision,” stated Professor Hoda Mostafa, director of the Center for Learning and Teaching.