Benha National University has concluded its participation in the Summer School organised by Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (NJUCM) in the People’s Republic of China, with nine students from different disciplines taking part from 6 to 21 September 2026. The programme was held as part of the academic, cultural and student exchange cooperation between the two universities, under the patronage of Prof. Tamer Samir, President of Benha National University, and under the supervision of Prof. Hazem Eliwa, Supervisor of the University’s International Relations Sector.
The students took part in a varied programme combining lectures, practical sessions, and academic and cultural visits. The programme gave them an opportunity to gain first hand insight into aspects of traditional Chinese medicine, engage with the academic and cultural environment at NJUCM, and learn more about Chinese society and its cultural heritage.
The programme included a range of sessions introducing students to traditional Chinese medicine, covering its basic principles and the concept of Yin and Yang, as well as an introduction to Chinese herbal medicine and therapeutic nutrition. Students also explored Qigong and traditional Chinese health exercises and took part in practical activities related to meridians and acupuncture points, acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping, giving them direct exposure to a range of traditional practices through a combination of learning and practical experience.
The programme also included a number of academic and field visits, including a visit to the Jiangsu Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where students explored its collections and learned about the history and development of traditional Chinese medicine. They also visited Jiangsu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, gaining an insight into aspects of its clinical environment and medical practice, as well as the Yangtze Pharmaceutical Group, where they learned about aspects of pharmaceutical manufacturing related to traditional Chinese medicine.
On the cultural side, the students took part in activities introducing them to the Chinese language and culture, including an introductory Chinese language experience and activities exploring elements of China’s intangible cultural heritage. The programme also included cultural visits, including a visit to Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing, providing the students with an opportunity to experience Chinese culture and everyday life at first hand.
The students’ participation in the NJUCM Summer School followed the first phase of the programme, during which Benha National University hosted a delegation from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine in Egypt. The two phases reflect the reciprocal nature of the cooperation between the two universities and its development into practical programmes that provide students from both institutions with opportunities to benefit from shared academic and cultural experiences.
Benha National University views the Summer School as a valuable educational and cultural experience that broadened the students’ understanding of traditional Chinese medicine and provided opportunities to learn and engage beyond their usual university environment. It also supported the development of their communication skills and encouraged greater openness to different cultures and educational experiences.
The participation reflects Benha National University’s commitment to expanding opportunities for international exchange and making effective use of its partnerships with international universities and academic institutions to provide students with valuable educational and cultural experiences. Such opportunities contribute to preparing students to engage confidently with different academic and cultural environments and to benefit from international experiences.
With the conclusion of the Summer School and the students’ return to Egypt, cooperation between Benha National University and Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine continues to develop, supporting further academic and cultural exchange and creating opportunities for additional joint programmes and activities that benefit students and strengthen academic ties between the two universities.