The annual exchange of minds features professors, associate professors and lecturers from across China.

They are visiting La Trobe to practise their language skills in an English-speaking community, as well as learning teaching methods from local academics and to share their techniques with the university.

Manager of International Research Development Julian Zhang said the 54 scholars already had good English, but lacked practise with fluent English speakers.

“They need to get confidence to speak to their students, in English in China, so we put them in homestays,” he said.

“The homestay environment is very good because it improves their English very quickly.”

The program has eight weeks of intensive language practise and three weeks of academic exchange involving La Trobe and other universities in Victoria.

Scholars come from across the academic spectrum and represent five universities, including institutions from Shanghai and Beijing.

La Trobe University said it is rapidly becoming an important and popular event every year with benefits going well beyond the borders of the city’s campus.

Acting Executive Director of the Bendigo Campus Dr Andrew Harvey said it was an example of the university’s cultural and knowledge exchange initiatives.

“It not only increases our exposure to Chinese culture, but also the knowledge the academics bring from their home universities.

“It underlines the attractiveness of Bendigo as an international destination, with the homestay component a great connection between the university and the community.”

Associate Professor Yuhao said he was very happy to be in Bendigo.

“Bendigo is very beautiful and the people are friendly and honest,” he said.