On April 6th, the Center for International Medical Education(CiME) invited Dr. Xu Xiaoming, who just graduated from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands to give a lecture on “Creating a Conducive Learning Environment in International Higher Education” at Twin City Café. The event was moderated by Dr. Chen Weiying, Executive Director of CiME and Dean for Global Affairs and Student Recruitment. Nearly one hundred clinicians, students, and relevant faculty members attended online and offline.

Dr. Xu Xiaoming delivered a lecture to the audience

Dr. CHEN Weiying emphasized that our school has launched several training programs, including the International Aptitude Training(IAT) and the lectures by CiME, in response to the global efforts and innovation in the medical education. Under the “6i” global strategy, we hope that these efforts could see improvement in the six aspects: international concepts, international cooperation, international standards, international services, international eco-system, and international reputation. As a brand-new college, we are committed to collaborating with others in the field of medical education, learning from best practices, embracing innovation, benchmarking international standards, and accelerating the pace of reform.

Vice Dean Chen Weiying moderated the event

Dr. Xu Xiaoming shared her experiences of studying abroad. She gave an overview of doctoral research and delved deeply into the theory and practice of constructing an international learning environment, analyzing it from three dimensions: goal direction (language proficiency, academic competency, personal growth, intercultural competence and professional development), relationships(relationships with peers, relationships outside of study, relationships with teachers and staff, inclusion in the community and establishing social networks), and supporting services(academic resources, social-cultural resources, facilities and services, career support, initial transition support, psychological support, reputation and physical safety), which gives significant insights in advancing the internationalization of education at the International Medical Center in Yiwu.

Dr. Xu earned her doctoral degree from the University Medical Centre Groningen. She published multiple academic papers in prestigious international journals, including Educational Research Review, Medical Teacher, and Medical Education. Her research focuses on the internationalization of medical education and higher education. In addition, Dr. Xu was awarded the Top Publication Award from the SHARE Research Institute, which is given only to researchers who have published articles as first authors in the top 10% of academic journals in their respective research fields.

“The lecture inspired me to focus on creating a student-centered learning environmen for international students. When providing clinical training, we should not only pass through the knowledge and inspire them, but also establish positive relationships with students, and provide supports they need to meet individual student needs ”, said by Yang Yi, Director of Department of Nephrology.

The findings presented in this lecture have strong theoretical implications for cultivating an inclusive and supportive atmosphere where individuals can fully immerse themselves and flourish. This commitment to internationalization will benefit both the school and its diverse community, promoting a culture of excellence and global engagement.

Written by Han Qiqi

Photo by Han Qiqi

Edited by Chen Weiying