IUPUI’s innovative and award-winning approach to international education has taken another step forward.
As part of its strategic alliance with Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) – southern China’s leading university – IUPUI is moving forward with a new program in which top Chinese students from SYSU will undertake a collaborative ‘dual degree’ program in media arts and science at the School of Informatics and Computing.
After studying for two years in China, the School of Informatics and Computing and IUPUI will become the home base for students’ junior and senior years. Students successfully completing their courses of study will receive a bachelor’s degree in media arts and science from Indiana University, as well as a degree from Sun Yat-sen University.
The first of the SYSU students could begin their studies in Indianapolis as soon as early next year. The so-called “two plus two” program in media arts and science is one of three such programs being launched between SYSU and IUPUI. An additional three dual-degree programs are also in the pipeline.
“The 2+2 program will greatly enhance the cultural exchanges between the students and faculty of our universities. The relationship is truly two-way, as the School of Informatics and Computing is now launching a study-abroad program in China for IUPUI students,” said Edgar Huang, associate professor of media arts and science at the School of Informatics and Computing.
A top-ranked Chinese University, SYSU is located in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. The South China region is one of the most significant drivers of the Chinese economy.
IUPUI and SYSU signed a Memorandum of Strategic Alliance in December 2009, culminating a two-year exploration of the feasibility of establishing a campus-wide partnership between the two universities.
Strategic alliances are long-term, comprehensive collaborations between two universities that advance the internationalization of each institution while also providing vital linkages for the communities in which these institutions are located. They cut across disciplinary boundaries, harnessing the full capacity of each institution for work that is of significant mutual benefit.
In this case, the strategic alliance is providing IUPUI students, faculty and staff with a direct connection and deeper understanding of China. It also links IUPUI to the significant research that is being done at SYSU in science, technology and development and a whole range of other disciplines.
A campus goal is to make IUPUI students from Indiana and other locations around the U.S. feel at home with students from around the world, whether they travel abroad or not, said Susan Sutton, outgoing associate vice chancellor of international affairs at IUPUI, and board member of the Confucius Institute in Indianapolis.
IUPUI is pursuing an innovative approach to international education that already has garnered a top award. The Institute of International Education (IIE) honored IUPUI with the Andrew Heiskell Award for International Partnerships. The prestigious Heiskell Awards were established by IIE to recognize and promote outstanding international higher education initiatives among its member colleges and universities.
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