The 17th China Annual Conference for International Education was held in Beijing International Convention Center on 20-21 October 2016. Hosted by China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), the conference consists of three main sections, i.e., China International Education Forum, China Education Expo and International Symposium on Cross-border Education.
This year’s International Symposium on Cross-border Education gave a special focus on the quality and sustainable development of Sino-foreign Joint Venture (JV) education, with presence of senior representatives from education authorities, Sin0-foreign JV institutions and programmes, quality assurance institutions and foreign consulates in China. Discussions were held on how to enhance Sino-foreign JV education through integration and innovation contributing to the future development of world-class universities and academic achievements in China.
Professor Tian Weifeng, Vice-President of University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST) and Dean of The Sino-British College (SBC), USST, was invited to attend and speak at the symposium. Professor Tian spoke about the recent development of USST in the area of international education, in particular the Sino-British College and Sino-German College as approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education, including strategy, educational model and the new opportunities and challenges ahead.
Professor Tian was also invited to join the discussion on cross-border education and development of first-class universities with Professor Andrew Deeks, President of University College Dublin, and Professor Winnie Eley, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International & Advancement) of the University of Newcastle, Australia. Professor Tian shared her experience at USST and suggested that for high-quality Sino-foreign education, there are three levels of exploration that need to be undertaken. First, it should contain international elements to start with, such as internationalisation of the student body, teaching staff and teaching activities. Second, it should be equipped with international mechanism in management, such as strategies, educational model, governance and campus. Third, for functional development, it should be able to promote the role that universities, staff and students play in international communication and exchange.
During the conference, a number of activities were held in the area of cross-border education, including an education exhibition, which provided an excellent opportunity for peer discussion.
Led by Professor Linda Liu, Vice-Dean of The Sino-British College, USST, the recruitment team participated in the exhibition, showcasing the College and its achievement made over the past 10 years to over 600 guests from China and abroad.
Professor Liu said: “We are delighted to participate in this year’s Annual Conference. It is a very special year for The Sino-British College, USST as we are celebrating its first 10th anniversary. The College has been highly recognized for its success in Sin0-foreign education, cultivation of international talents and exploring of new collaborative models.”
