On the morning of October 20th, Themis Christophidou, Director-General for Education and Culture of the European Commission, visited Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China (RDCY), delivered a speech entitled the status and prospects on higher education cooperation between China and Europe and had a lively exchange with students on the spot. This event was presided over by Yang Qingqing, Assistant to the Dean of RDCY. The lecture was attended by Gianpaolo Suriano, Deputy Director of the Education, Audition and Culture Executive Bureau of the EU and Cheng Xin, the Deputy Chief Librarian of Renmin University of China.

In her speech, Themis Christophidou mentioned the results of the current cooperation in the field of education, referring to several China-EU higher education cooperation projects. She also emphasized the internationalization and diversity of education, the cultivation of students' ability and the importance of multilingualism, the establishment of a mutually-recognized diploma program within the EU, and a prospect for China-EU future cooperation in education. At the end of her speech, she also mentioned that “I hope everyone will live for their dreams and try your best”, encouraging the students to go out and be educated on a higher platform.

During the session of discussion, the students actively raised questions, and Themis Christophidou also answered the questions patiently and shared some experiences with the students. She mentioned that there are great differences in the education system between China and EU, international students may need much time to adapt. However, studying abroad will help the students learn some new knowledge, make friends with others from different cultural backgrounds, and know yourselves better. In general, studying abroad benefits you a lot. In addition, Themis Christophidou talked about the efforts EU has made in education to help refugees integrate into the new environment.

At the end of the lecture, Yang Qingqing expressed her gratitude to Themis Christophidou and the contributions EU has made in education. She also introduced the Silk Road School of Renmin University of China and hoped that exchanges and cooperation could be strengthened between the two sides in higher education. Finally, Themis Christophidou presented souvenirs to the students, and the lecture ended in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

Themis Christophidou, of Cypriot nationality, graduated from National University of Athens with a degree in civil engineering in 1986 and once studied at Business School of Harvard University. Christophidou started working in European Commission in 2001. She used to serve as Assistant of Director of Regional Policy Department, Director, Deputy Director of Vasiliu Education and Culture Commission, Director of the Office of Ocean Affairs and Fishery Commission, Director of the Office of Humanitarian Relief and Crisis Management Commission, etc. She has been the Director of the Department of Education and Culture since March 2018. She has a good command of Greek, English and France. She has been actively promoting the exchange mechanism for dialogue between China and Europe since she took office.