MUMBAI: BBC World Service has announced that its Learning English initiative has for the first time teamed up with China's major universities for a multi-media English University Tour.

The tour kicked off at Sichuan University in Chengdu a few days ago. The tour will then travel to universities in Nanjing and Tianjin, engaging Chinese students via radio, online and SMS texting. Members of the BBC Learning English team will discuss with the students British culture and the modern English language. Students will also be able to take part in activities ranging from a singing competition to drama performances in English.

BBC Learning English China team Alison Konieczny editor said, "The University Tour will give us a marvellous opportunity to meet our listeners and users of bbclearningenglish.com across China. The Chinese are passionate about learning English, and the tour will help us to further tailor our programmes to their needs." BBC Chinese business development manager Raymond Li said, "The BBC English University Tour is also a great chance to develop relationships with our radio and online partners in China. By meeting with them face-to-face, we will be able to explore the best ways to further expand our cooperation."

A prize draw will be held at an event in Tianjin. The first prize is a two-week trip to the UK including a tour of the BBC and an English language training course in London. The winner will be announced on 15 April via the BBC's online partner, enorth.com.cn. BBC's Learning English initiative offers education programmes for global audience, including English language teaching programmes and education series about major issues facing the world today.