Dr. AntonyDrew, Director of International Relations of the University of Newcastle, Australia (UNA) and Dr. Dai Wenqing visited the International College (IC) of Xiamen University (XMU) on the morning of July 5, 2016. Both sides conducted discussions regarding 2+2 bachelor programme, 3+1+1 master programme, distance international education programmes and other possible cooperation.

Professor Zheng Tongtao, President of Overseas Education College (OEC)/IC of XMU, and Vice President Huang Guanhua received the distinguished guests and had a panel discussion with them in B509, Kunluan Building together with directors of programme department, admission affairs office and distance education center. This was the second visit from UNA this year.

During the panel discussion, President Zheng extended his warmest welcome to the second visit by UNA and briefed about the recent development of OEC and IC. President Zheng hoped that both parties could expand their cooperation from 2+2 to SUGS 3+1+1, offering diversified pathways for Chinese students to study in Australia. Innovative cooperation patterns such as distance education was also proposed.

Regarding 3+1+1 master programme, Dr. Dai Wenqing mentioned that students from IC could come to study at UNA for their last year of undergraduate study and acquire a bachelor’s degree of UNA upon the completion of 6-8 required courses. They may continue to study for a master’s degree in UNA after graduation. Dr. Anthony Drew expressed his thought that further discussions regarding the details such as credit hours and courses may be conducted provided that the cooperation is under the criteria set by AACSB. He also invited President Zheng to visit Australia to finalize details of cooperation.

After the panel discussion, representatives from the UNA visited the studio, classrooms and distance data center of the college and were impressed by such excellent teaching support facilities.