{"id":6292,"date":"2026-02-23T16:47:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T16:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/?p=6292"},"modified":"2026-02-24T03:11:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T03:11:31","slug":"queens-engages-future-china-specialists-at-a-national-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/2026\/02\/23\/queens-engages-future-china-specialists-at-a-national-event\/","title":{"rendered":"Queen\u2019s Engages Future China Specialists at A National Event"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>On Tuesday 10 February, Queen\u2019s University Belfast took part in the 8th Schools and Universities Day \u2013 Chinese (and related) Learning Pathways, hosted by the UCL IOE Centre for Chinese Language Education. Bringing together 15 universities and over 400 school students and teachers from across England, the event was a vibrant space for sharing ideas, building connections, and inspiring the next generation of Chinese language learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6293\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-1-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-1.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Isabella, Liang and Thea (left to right) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr Liang Wang (Queen&#8217;s Language Centre) was invited to a round-table discussion on developing \u201cChina-literate\u201d talent, exploring how schools and universities can work together to strengthen progression pathways. He showcased Queen\u2019s innovative approach to intercultural learning through communities of practice, including initiatives such as the Chinese Culture Forum and Tandem Language Exchange Programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alumna Isabella Souza McLaughlin (Global Student Recruitment) shared her journey of studying Mandarin Chinese as part of her International Business degree. Speaking on a university student and alumni panel, she emphasised the value of adaptability and openness in intercultural contexts, while reflecting on the challenges of completing her work placement during the pandemic. She also spoke about the rewarding experience of working with Chinese colleagues in both the UK and China in her role at Queen\u2019s today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\" style=\"--aspect-ratio:calc(584 \/ 438)\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-6295\" data-id=\"6295\" data-aspect-ratio=\"584 \/ 438\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-7-1024x768.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-7-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-7-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-7-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-7-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-7-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-7.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-6296\" data-id=\"6296\" data-aspect-ratio=\"584 \/ 438\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-4-1024x768.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-4-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-4-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-4-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-4.jpg 1702w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-6294\" data-id=\"6294\" data-aspect-ratio=\"584 \/ 779\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-6-768x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-6-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-6-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-6-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-6.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Supported by student ambassador Thea Godfrey, the team also hosted an information stand throughout the day, engaging with prospective students and teachers. From course details and scholarships to life in Belfast, Queen\u2019s showcased the many opportunities available to students interested in combining Chinese with their degree and career ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\" style=\"--aspect-ratio:calc(584 \/ 779)\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-6297\" data-id=\"6297\" data-aspect-ratio=\"584 \/ 779\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-2-768x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-2-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-6298\" data-id=\"6298\" data-aspect-ratio=\"584 \/ 779\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-3-768x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-3-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-3-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/02\/Schools-and-Universities-Day-2026-3.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The outreach and engagement provided an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of Queen\u2019s and connect with the next generation of globally minded students in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong><em>About Schools and Universities Day<\/em><\/strong> (Click to expand)<\/summary>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>This free event offers a unique opportunity for school teachers and secondary-school learners of Mandarin to meet departments from universities across the UK. Through these dialogues, learners can explore the range of opportunities and pathways for continuing Mandarin at university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since its inception, feedback on the day has been overwhelmingly positive. It creates space for informed discussions between students and university representatives and facilitates connections between teachers and universities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/ci.ioe.ac.uk\/8th-schools-and-universities-day\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UCL IOE<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To find out more about the International Business with Mandarin Chinese degree at Queen&#8217;s, please click the button below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qub.ac.uk\/courses\/undergraduate\/international-business-major-mandarin-bsc-n1r9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>International Business with Mandarin Chinese<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On Tuesday 10 February, Queen\u2019s University Belfast took part in the 8th Schools and Universities Day \u2013 Chinese (and related) Learning Pathways, hosted by the UCL IOE Centre for Chinese Language Education. Bringing together 15 universities and over 400 school &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/2026\/02\/23\/queens-engages-future-china-specialists-at-a-national-event\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[68,13,161,42,1],"tags":[79,122,387,231],"class_list":["post-6292","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-business","category-chinese-language","category-education","category-student-support","category-uncategorised","tag-chinese-language","tag-lovequb","tag-schools-and-universities-day","tag-volunteering"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pa93ff-1Du","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6292","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/63"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6292"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6292\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6303,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6292\/revisions\/6303"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6292"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6292"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/mandarinchinese\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6292"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}