On 5 September, the 8th Coffee Time in 2023 themed “Get to Know ANU College of Science Better” was held in Linglong Auditorium with a purpose to enhance the JSC students’ understanding of Australian National University (ANU) and broaden their vision. Prof. Kiaran Kirk, Dean, ANU College of Science, Prof. Craig Mortiz, Director, ANU Research School of Biology, Prof. Sasha Mikheyev, Associate Dean (International), ANU College of Science, Dr. Abhishek Bhardwaj, Fellow, ANU Mathematical Sciences Institute, Mr. Jay Poria, Head, International Relations and Partnerships – STEMM and other ANU delegation members, as well as Prof. Kong Haiyan, Director, International Office, SDUW attended as guests. The 2021 cohort mathematics and applied mathematics major, applied physics major and applied chemistry major students participated. Prof. Chang Xiaomei, Vice Dean, JSC hosted the event.
Prof. Kiaran Kirk gave a general overview of the Australian National University and College of Science first. He also told of the JSC students’ study and life at ANU and spoke highly of them. Then Prof. Craig Mortiz, Prof. Sasha Mikheyev and Dr. Abhishek Bhardwaj shared Australian culture and custom and gave advice on living and studying in Australia based on their own experiences. In the interaction with the ANU guests the participating students asked questions actively one after another concerning major study, teaching method, cultural difference, geography and humanities such as how to improve efficiency of mathematics study, how to choose major courses in master programme, popular sports in Australia, the influence of AI development on disciplines, career development of mathematics major. To each question the guests responded patiently in detail. The whole session went on in a warm and lively atmosphere. Speaking of his impression of the two cohorts of JSC students studying at ANU, Prof. Kiaran Kirk praised them for their excellent performance. Their willingness to explore a new environment and new knowledge surprised and encouraged him greatly. He expressed his warm welcome to more JSC students going to study at ANU.
By making full use of the advantage of cooperative education between Shandong University and Australian National University, SDU-ANU Joint Science College tries to build a platform for multicultural exchange and communication between the teachers and students of the two universities, which lays a good foundation for improving JSC students’ academic experience and cross-cultural quality while deepening the cooperation between the two partners.
