Interview Record: Harbin Institute of Technology

Host: Greetings to all of our subscribers, this is China Education Network and Chiwest’s co-sponsored interview about the admission of foreign students in China. Last year, there were a total of 23 million international students who came to China to study. And it is expected to increase more by the year 2009. Chiwest aims to give the world answers to all questions regarding study in China and is also providing an online application system for anyone who would like to study in China. Thousands of Chiwest users wishes to interact with the teachers on-line to obtain first-hand information, so we have especially invited hundreds of Admissions FAQ teacher for you, log on www.cucas.edu.cn. Today, Harbin Institute of Technology’s head of the international student’s office Lu Xiaowei is here to discuss about their university, Hello teacher Lu.

Lu Xiaowei: Hello everyone. I’m so glad to be here.
 

Host: So, can you tell us about Harbin Institute of Technology.

Lu Xiaowei: Harbin Institute of Technology was established in 1920, it is a technical university in the city of Harbin and is also a member of the Project 211 and Project 985. It is widely recognized as one of the top universities in China, ranking 9th nationally in China in 2008.
 

Host: What are the special characteristics of the colleges and teaching staff of the university?

Lu Xiaowei: Harbin Institute of Technology is composed of 20 full-time schools, wherein one of these schools has 20 bachelor's degree programs. Now, appraising a university, mainly look at this school’s number of key disciplines, Harbin Institute of Technology has 8 level key disciplines and is on the front row among China’s university. Moreover, it has 23 academy, there’s one national key laboratory, and also another two are presently under construction.

Mr. Lu Xiaowei, Head of the international student’s office, Harbin Institute of Technology in CHIWEST's Interviewing Office.

Host: Are there courses taught in English?

Lu Xiaowei: Many students are concerned about the school and whether or not there are English courses. All of our doctorate degree can be taught in English, masteral degree selected 8 that may carry on English classes. There should be at least 5 or more students to open a class.
 

Host: Could you introduce to us the current status of foreign students in your university.

Lu Xiaowei: Up until September 18, the toatl of internation students are 832 distinctively from 71 countries, where 473 are taking bachelor degree which is about 57.19%. There are also 187 students taking their master’s and doctorate degree here.
 

Host: The international students are mostly from where?

Lu Xiaowei: Well, of course Koreans stand 40% of the students population, followed by Russians since Harbin is near their country then followed by Americans, Japanese and Mongolians. There are also few Thai, Vietnamese and from other countries.
 

Host: When it comes to learning Chinese language, do you have like special method on how you will categorize the students according to their level?

Lu Xiaowei: We have 9 levels, from the zeroth order up to the ninth highest level. We divide them into A, A+, B, C, C+, then D, E, F, G, the G class.
 

Host: Are there any scholarship that can be offered to the students?

Lu Xiaowei: Our university has set up our own scholarship program which are given to those outstanding students. This scholarship mainly apply as the exchange student from other school. Aside from this, we also have received Chinese Government Scholarship. Last year, 55 scholars came to our university to study. Our university has the right to choose which students can be accepted. There are also 80 other scholarship given by our university directly to some students.
 

Host: There’s an extremely famous concept studying at your university. Can you explain the origin of “two high two low” concept.

Lu Xiaowei: Harbin Engineering University is a national famous university, it is one of the nine best universities. Our school is situated at the Beijiang River, the weather is slightly colder than the south. Although the school is very famous, we offer low matriculation, making the threshold easy to reach. It’s easy to get and but hard to get out.
 

Host: What about the accomodation? Environment?  

Lu Xiaowei: Our university is located at the center of the city. It is convenient for anyone to go almost anywhere around the city. We have public transportations all over the place. Our university also has canteens and other restaurant. The dormitory fees are also very cheap compare to other school. You can also live outside campus if you wish to.
 

Host: After finishing their study in your university, are there arrangements that may help them for their future?

Lu Xiaowei: As I said awhile ago, Our university has two high two low. One who was raise with high quality of education will get high employment probabilty
 

Host: Good answer there. Anything else you want to tell our viewers?

Lu Xiaowei: Harbin Instite of Technology is a vey famous university. We welcome everyone to enrol to our university. We promise to give satisfaction to your educational desire and expections. Plus, you may get to know the city of Habin too. Thank you very much and hope to hear from all of you.
 

Host: Thank you teacher Lu, and thank you everyone for supporting Harbin Institute of Technology.