The George Washington University has launched a partnership with Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) in Jiangsu, China, to offer advanced degrees to Chinese students.
The new educational opportunities will be provided initially through the GW School of Business and within the SIP’s Suzhou Dushu Lake Science Education and Innovation District.
SIP Administrative Committee Chairman Barry Yang Zhi Ping, GW President Steven Knapp, GW Provost Steven Lerman, GW School of Business Dean Doug Guthrie and Chinese and District of Columbia government officials took part in a ceremonial signing yesterday in Suzhou.
“We are committed to establishing an enduring presence in China,” said Dr. Knapp. “This agreement between the George Washington University and Suzhou Industrial Park is an important step in that direction.”
With the industrial park’s support, GW will cooperate with local Chinese universities to develop academic programs. The industrial park, a model of cooperation between the Chinese and Singaporean governments, has developed into one of China’s most competitive development zones in the past 17 years.
“The George Washington University School of Business is interested in developing a deep relationship with the Chinese government and ministry of education on multiple levels,” said Dr. Guthrie. “This new partnership will increase the university’s growing educational presence in China and will significantly expand educational opportunities for Chinese students.”
GW has multiple partnerships with insitutions in China. GW’s School of Business is also collaborating with Renmin University International College to develop master of finance and international master of accountancy programs. In addition, GW’s Sigur Center for Asian Studies, an international research center, has awarded more than $1 million to students and faculty for intensive language study and field research in Asia. Academic exchange opportunities in China include Fudan University in Shanghai, Peking University in Beijing and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.