Group photo of faculty and student representatives from Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology with Indonesian faculty and students. (Photo provided by the university) 

Pingtan, an international tourism island off the coast of Fujian province and the closest location on the Chinese mainland to Taiwan Island, recently welcomed eight Indonesian students. The students arrived at the Pingtan Campus of Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology on September 2. Hailing from Bali State Polytechnic, they will embark on an 18-month study program under a dual-degree joint training project.

Indonesian students visiting the training center

On the morning of September 3, the new Indonesian students wandered around the campus—taking photos of the buildings, savoring delicious food in the cafeteria, and visiting the training center. As they chatted, they broke the ice and gradually familiarized themselves with campus life while sharing their initial impressions of the new environment.

One of the students, Thanesa, has completed two semesters of Chinese courses and passed the HSK Level 1 exam. She expressed her excitement, saying, "I really love this school. The campus environment is beautiful, and everything here feels new to me. I hope to learn more about Chinese culture, master professional knowledge, improve my Chinese proficiency, and make more friends."

At 3 p.m. on the same day, the students attended the opening ceremony held at the College of Cultural Creativity and Tourism. Li Hongda, vice president of Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology, stated, "Over the next one and a half years, the students will acquire professional knowledge here while experiencing Chinese history, culture, and local customs. I hope they not only gain knowledge in class but also accumulate rich life experiences, which will help strengthen the friendship between our two schools."

Deng Jie, a Chinese teacher from Bali State Polytechnic who has lived in China for five years, is visiting Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology for the second time. She said, "I am very happy to communicate with so many teachers here. These exchanges have given us more plans and ideas for advancing the dual-degree joint training project." To help the students better adapt to their study and life in Pingtan, Deng Jie will provide real-time online translation services. She added, "During the 18-month study period, we will stay in regular contact with their counselors to understand their academic progress and daily life, and offer timely assistance whenever needed."

In December 2024, Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology and Bali State Polytechnic jointly discussed the joint training plan for professionals in hotel management and digital operation, and inaugurated the "China-Indonesia Maritime Silk Road College" at Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology. In the first year of this dual-degree twinning program, a work-integrated learning model is adopted. Students will systematically learn hotel management and hospitality skills as well as digital operation techniques, while simultaneously enhancing their Chinese language abilities. In the second year, they will participate in a six-month internship at star-rated hotels through a school-enterprise cooperation program—aimed at improving both their practical skills and professional competence.

Li Meihui, director of the Tourism Department of Bali State Polytechnic, commented, "I hope that in the future, not only our students can come here to study, but also students from Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology can go to our school for exchange programs. This will further deepen the communication and cooperation between the teachers and students of the two institutions."