The international educational program, Winter Archaeology Project, has commenced successfully and is ongoing, with 30 students participating along with their professors from the Department of Archaeology at Zhejiang University in China.
The event is organized by the School of Tourism, Hospitality Management, and Business of the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK) in Paphos.
Zhejiang University is ranked among the top forty universities globally, according to international ranking lists.
The group was welcomed by the academic and administrative staff of the School, and speeches highlighting the importance of education, research, and the exchange of cultural elements were delivered by Dr. Androula Athanasiou, Head of the Language Center, and Dr. Dimitrios Boglou, Head of the “CUTing Edge” Innovation Center, both at CUT.
Professor Anastasios Zopiatis, in his inaugural lecture on the topic of Cyprus’ tourist hospitality industry, emphasized the island’s climate and natural beauty, focusing on the operation of hospitality and tourism units.
The professor discussed how the tourism industry significantly contributes to the national income. During the discussion with students, concepts such as service quality, tourism planning, motives for tourism, and the supply and demand in tourism were addressed in the context of global events, economic crises, wars, etc.
The lecture by archaeologist Dr. Annita Antoniadou focused on excavation issues on the island, milestones for global research, and the management of Cyprus’ archaeological heritage.
Mention was made of excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries by foreigners, whose findings ended up adorning major European museums and private collections.
The day concluded with an educational visit to the Prehistoric Settlement of Chalcolithic Lemba (3500-2400 BC). The program aimed to involve Chinese students in a lively dialogue with Cypriot culture through lectures, workshops, and educational visits.
The archaeologist introduced them to prehistoric life in Cyprus through experimental replicas of homes built in the prehistoric way, highlighting the conditions of the period and the lifestyle of the inhabitants.
The students showed great interest in the worship of the woman-mother-earth, prompted by the reference to the most significant idol of this society, the “Lady of Lemba.”
In the coming days, the group will attend Greek language classes and traditional dance lessons, visit archaeological sites such as the Tombs of the Kings, Hellenistic Theater, Apostle Paul’s Pillar, Roman Mosaics in Paphos, Ancient Kourion, Archaeological Museums of Limassol and Larnaca, Medieval Castle, and more.
The program will conclude on January 31 with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the two universities at the TEPAK Rectorate building, which has become a strong academic partner for the state in critical areas.
