An Exploration inEstablishing Successful
International Education Partnerships
Aige Guo, PhDOffice of Global InitiativesThe University of Toledo
China-US Higher Education SymposiumJune 15, 2011, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
In this presentation --
• International education partnerships• Models• Challenges / Obstacles• Key components for success
International Education Partnerships
• Internationalinvolving two or more countriesdifferent cultures, values, markets, systems, developing status, and languages
• Educationfocusing on academic improvement (faculty and students)
• Partnerships cooperation based on mutual interest and benefits
Models• Degree-oriented programs (exchange programs for students)
Regulation admission with special considerationsStudents coming to the other campus and taking the entire curriculum after completion of degree(s) in home institutions
“2+2” or “3+1” programsStudents attending the other institution about half way through study in home institutions
Short-term study with transferrable credits
• Faculty Development (exchange programs for faculty)
Teaching methodology / visiting scholarsTeaching in partner institutions for established curriculaPossible to be additional to degree programs
Challenges / Obstacles• Challenges
MOU signed, but not much activities;well-intentioned programs not being followed throughcurriculum adjustmentadministrative changes
• Obstacleslanguagepricinginternational competitors
Key Components• Identify needs and resources in home institutions• Find the right university and the right programs• Communicate expectations and understand
regulations and requirements• Appoint a key coordinator for international programs
in each institution and a key contact for each program: agreement – work – follow up
• Maintain multiple programs: initiate new programs at different points of time
