Exchange Visit to The Queen Mary University of London Engineering School, Northwestern Polytechnical University (QMES)
The information below is a brief overview and guide to the exchange programme planned for 1st -14th April 2024. The final details will be shared with successful candidates after the application deadline.
Previous exchange visits took place in 2019 and we are pleased to offer this opportunity again for the first time since the pandemic.
Location
QMES is situated within the campuses of NPU in Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province in central China. Xi'an is not only the cradle of Chinese civilization but also the terminus of the ancient Silk Road. The specific location of QMES is the Chang'an campus, which is located outside the city. Chang’an campus, resembling a small town, hosts over 20,000 students, all of whom are provided with on-campus accommodation.
QMES is situated within the campuses of NPU in Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province in central China. Xi'an is not only the cradle of Chinese civilization but also the terminus of the ancient Silk Road. The specific location of QMES is the Chang'an campus, which is located outside the city. Chang’an campus, resembling a small town, hosts over 20,000 students, all of whom are provided with on-campus accommodation.
Dates
We anticipate the exchange visit programme will be about one week, which will be during the Easter holiday period (1st -14th April 2024). Flights are due to be arranged once the successful students have accepted their placements.
Travel
Direct flights to Xi'an from the UK are available, but the routing may include layovers in either Shanghai or Beijing, depending on availability. Upon arrival in Xi'an, transportation will be arranged to take you to your accommodation, and the same service will be provided for your departure from the Xi'an airport. However, you are responsible for arranging your transportation to and from the airport in London.
Please note that group travel is mandatory and individual flight selection is not permitted.
What is included?
• Return flight from London (likely departing from Heathrow) to Xi’an.
• Accommodation in a private en-suite room at the hotel. in QMES campus
• Meals (Breakfast will be provided at the hotel, and you'll receive an allowance to cover the cost of lunch and dinner on campus.)
• Chinese Visa.
• Travel insurance.
• All activities outlined in the exchange timetable.
What is not included?
• Transportation to and from the airport within the UK.
• Transportation to and from the visa centre in London (situated at Bank station).
• Expenses exceeding the designated food allowance.
• Activities or socializing outside the scheduled exchange timetable.
• Any additional personal expenditures.
Safety
China is generally considered a safe destination with a focus on personal security, and Xi'an stands out as a well-developed and sizable city. A comprehensive travel insurance policy will be provided, and as part of the registration process, a risk assessment must be undertaken to ensure awareness of potential risks.
After the pandemic, China has fully reopened.
Throughout the visit, a Chinese-speaking member of the QMUL staff will be present, and there is a QMUL office with local Chinese staff located on the Xi'an campus. Additionally, a significant number of QMUL academics will be in Xi'an during the visit, ensuring ample support is available if needed.
Who is eligible?
All second-year students enrolled in the School of Engineering and Materials Science at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL):
It is essential that you are eligible to acquire a Chinese visa for your participation in this trip. If you anticipate any potential obstacles in applying for a visa, such as a criminal record or a previous deportation from China, please communicate this with us prior to submitting your application.
What is required of you?
• Act as a QMUL student ambassador.
• Participate in all scheduled activities.
• Interact with QMES students.
• Develop and deliver a concise presentation about yourself and your experiences in London/QMUL, lasting approximately 10 minutes, to be repeated 3-4 times for different class groups.
• Engage in classes alongside QMES students, which may include academic skills/English and lab sessions (approximately 4 sessions per week).
• Act as a student ambassador during the QMES summer school in London from 28th July to 10th August 2024. (You are not expected to help all the activities, but you need to have the full commitment.)
Application
To participate in this international exchange, kindly complete a concise application ( Deadline 12/02/2024) . Please reference the details outlined in this document as you articulate your desire to take part and elucidate the qualities that qualify you as an ideal candidate. Your response should be limited to a maximum of 250 words.
Contact: Dr Adijat Inyang and Chelsea Zhang-Anegbeh