Interviewee Profile:

Dr. Tong Tao Zheng, doctoral student advisor, Dean of International College of Xiamen University; former member of University of Singapore, University of Australia, University of Canberra, Australian Defence Force Academy, etc. Also was a former Australian-China Parliament Advisor.

Studying in China, but getting Diploma from UK.

Press: China introduced HND program to multiple universities across the nation including your school. Would you tell us about your program and how is it different?

Dr. Zheng: HND programs definitely have its advantages. Students who graduated from HND programs receive the UK diploma approved by SQA which is also accredited by Commonwealth countries. International College of Xiamen University offers more than ten majors with flexible curriculum. Students have the options to decide whether they want to study abroad to the agreed schools or work after three years of studying in the program. To compare the cost of studying abroad our HND program saves parents about 400,000 RMB per student. “Low risk” is another advantage of our college. We offer a higher acceptance rate to ensure that students receive equal chances of quality education; however, students must meet the strict standards in our academic program to be awarded with a diploma.

Press: Will students receive Xiamen University diploma?

Dr. Zheng: They will receive the certificate of completion from Xiamen University. It is accredited by Department of Education of China, and welcomed by many private organizations as well.

Press: How is the parents’ and students’ of evaluation of the program?

Dr. Zheng: After many years of hard work and establishment, SQA HND program has been starting to be accepted, especially after several successful returnees from the program. This year is the first year that we have graduates; and out of 131 students, 122 students successfully completed the program. The rate of passing is 93.12%.

There are more than 30 students graduated and returned to China this year. They work in Government, banking, corporate, and education industries. The 150 students, who will be studying abroad, received at least 3 letters of admission. Despite the poor performance of the college entrance exam the first time, they have surpassed their peers in studying abroad at 95.2% admission rate. The three years of hardworking has made the turnaround for these students.

Press: How is your faculty?

Dr. Zheng: 95% of our teachers are returnees from oversea universities. We also use the original textbooks without translation, and except the first year, all classes are conducted in English. Also, returnee teachers have advantages over foreign teachers because they understand the cultural barriers better as well as the struggles of the students. Therefore, students usually perform better after leaving the country.

Press: Anything special about their teaching style?

Dr. Zheng: High acceptance rate with lower completion rate which is opposite to many other schools in China. We also adopt GPA system, and require the students to continue to retake the course until he or she fulfills the standards of the course.

UK sends their faculty to our college to oversee some of our co-signed classes. We have strict requirement of attendance. There is a 15% dismissing rate in our college.

I have personally spent 20 years oversea, I, therefore encourage students to study abroad, even just for a year or so because it will broaden their views.

Press: Except HND program, do you have any other program of recommendation?

Dr. Zheng: We currently have HND Pre-master 3+2, Japanese Program 2+2, France Program, Design Program of University of Southampton 2+2, Education Program University of Southampton 1+1, and so on. We also offer some part time program for working professionals.

Finally, I’d like to give a small reminder to parents. There are a great deal of knock-off HND programs in the country, please be aware.