Monday, March 17, 2008

• For doing courses in English
• First batch came in December

MADURAI: A good number of college students from China may come to Coimbatore this summer to do English courses at Bharathiar University before taking up jobs back home.

Following the response from 20 Chinese students, including girls, who are undergoing a course in English proficiency at the university, a team of Bharathiar University left for China on Sunday to attend to the 500-odd enquiries received from various places, including Beijing and Shanghai. “We have arranged for videoconferencing between parents and their children who are now studying in Coimbatore. That will be the best way to attract more students,” Vice-Chancellor G. Thiruvasagam, who is leading the delegation, told The Hindu here.


The first batch came to Coimbatore in December under a specially-tailored dual degree under which they are pursuing regular undergraduate/postgraduate courses in English literature with a focus on English for communication.

Dr. Thiruvasagam said the academic council gave its nod for admission of Chinese students after which special arrangements were made for accommodation, classrooms and teaching methods.

10-day visit
During the 10-day visit, the team, including principals of affiliated colleges, would interact with heads of institutions in Shanghai, Beijing and other places, besides Chinese Government representatives. “Mainly, the enquiries are from Huaihua University, Hunan Province. We will utilise the opportunity to extend our reach,” the Vice-Chancellor said.