Yarmouk University today welcomed a high-level academic delegation from the Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA), comprising a select group of faculty members and department heads from various disciplines within the academy. This visit comes within the framework of the cooperation initiative between Chinese and Arab universities, aiming to explore opportunities for expanding academic and research partnerships between the two institutions and enhancing the exchange of artistic expertise in the fields of theatre education and performing arts.
This visit is expected to contribute to establishing the foundations for strategic cooperation that supports scientific and intellectual development and strengthens the presence of art and creative education in both friendly countries.
The President of Yarmouk University, Dr. Malek Al-Shrairi, welcomed the visiting delegation, emphasizing that this visit represents a continuation of the strong relations that bind the university to Chinese higher education institutions and a significant step towards enhancing avenues for joint academic and research cooperation. Al-Sharairi noted that the university is working diligently to solidify the presence of Chinese culture on campus by building effective partnerships with prestigious Chinese academic institutions. This contributes to enhancing cultural exchange, launching Chinese language programs, supporting joint research projects, and providing scholarships and specialized academic training. He explained that these efforts are part of the university's vision to broaden students' and researchers' horizons in understanding China and its contemporary culture, and to build lasting bridges of cooperation and understanding between the two sides, thus serving the university's goals of international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Dr. Al-Sharairi explained to the delegation that Yarmouk University's geographical location in the heart of Irbid gives it a significant competitive advantage for both local and international students. It offers easy access to essential services, transportation, and accommodation, and enhances the university experience thanks to the city's vibrancy and the hospitality of its people, making it a preferred choice compared to many other universities.
Al-Sharairi also noted that the university hosts a group of Chinese students studying Arabic as a foreign language, emphasizing that their presence constitutes an important bridge for cultural and intellectual exchange, and an effective means of intercultural dialogue with diverse intellectual and civilizational backgrounds. He explained that exposing Chinese students to the components of Arab culture, and linking this to language learning, not only opens up professional and cultural horizons, but also contributes to strengthening ties between the two countries and solidifying avenues of academic and cultural cooperation, reflecting the importance of this exchange in building sustainable bridges of understanding and mutual collaboration.
For their part, the president and members of the Shanghai Theatre Academy expressed their delight at visiting Yarmouk University, commending its cultural openness and its pioneering role in promoting dialogue among civilizations. They affirmed that Yarmouk University represents Jordan's academic and cultural face in the region, playing an active role in disseminating the values of understanding and knowledge exchange, within an institutional vision that believes in the importance of building a comprehensive educational environment that encourages intercultural dialogue and deepens international partnerships.
The delegation also reviewed the most prominent achievements of the Academy, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive arts university encompassing theater, traditional Chinese opera, dance, film, and television, and offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in these various fields.
The delegation members emphasized the Shanghai Theatre Academy's readiness to deepen cooperation with Yarmouk University in the arts, particularly in theater, contributing to the development of joint academic programs capable of anticipating future needs and fostering innovation in arts education between the two institutions.
The visit concluded with an exchange of commemorative plaques between the two sides in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual appreciation, underscoring the depth of the academic relationship between Yarmouk University and the Shanghai Theatre Academy.
The delegation also toured the archaeological museum at the Faculty of Archaeology before concluding their visit at the Faculty of Fine Arts. There, they were accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Ali Al-Rabeeat, the Head of the Department of Fine Arts, Dr. Mohammed Salem, and Professor Munther Al-Atoum. During the tour, the delegation received a detailed explanation of the various departments within the faculty, their academic and artistic role in preparing and training students, and the programs and initiatives through which they contribute to community service and the development of art education at the university.
At the end of the visit, members of the delegation and university representatives took group photos to commemorate the occasion, which reflected the spirit of cooperation and the shared desire to strengthen academic and artistic partnerships between the two institutions.
