Building on our successful bespoke programme delivered in 2016, The North Leadership Centre (NLC) and Newcastle University International Office have recently completed the delivery of a complex programme for 30 administrative staff from Xiamen University. The programme was titled Xiamen University Administrative Staff Development Programme, and the delegation was headed by Kevin Zhong. The aims of the programme were to get an overview of how Newcastle University functions, as well as to develop English language and leadership skills.
Dr Xenia Xu of the International Office and Francis Barber of the North Leadership Centre collaborated to ensure the programme’s success, and teams from both departments supported the provision of this programme. Delivery was also supported by a team of final-year student interpreters from the School of Modern Languages.
The delegates undertook a two-week English Language programme through the North Leadership Centre, supported by CELTA-qualified staff Eleanor Gordon and Mark Pearson from NLC, and Ilaria Spiga and Rob Thompson. As well as language, this aspect of the programme covered UK culture and focused on speaking and practical English.
The programme incorporated cultural excursions for the delegates including visits to local places of interest and trips further afield. The delegates were also able to explore Newcastle and the rest of the UK.
Delegates participated in a five-day programme in leadership with Dr Anna Reid of the North Leadership Centre, which covered a range of themes including trust, collaboration and communication.
The programme included visits to a wide range of university departments, and our thanks go to those departments for their willingness to participate and the quality of input that they delivered for the delegates.
Keynote presentations were given by Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Day, Registrar Dr John Hogan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Engagement & Internationalisation) Professor Richard Davies, and René Koglbauer, Director of the North Leadership Centre. During the formal welcome and closing speeches, keynote speakers from both Newcastle and Xiamen Universities emphasised the value and importance that both institutions place on the continuation of this highly successful partnership.
We all look forward to further future successes of this partnership, and hope to be able to welcome more delegates from Xiamen University in future.
