A delegation from DePaul University recently traveled to China to expand international academic collaborations, engaging with several prestigious universities and exploring new opportunities for student exchange, joint programs, and research initiatives. The visit was led by Dr. GianMario Besana, Associate Provost of Global Engagement; Dr. Jennifer Muller, Dean of the College of Education; and Dr. Ning Du, Associate Director of Regional Initiatives – China. One of the highlights of the trip was attending the 75th anniversary celebration of Hainan Normal University (HNU), a longstanding partner of DePaul.
Expanding Partnerships in Early Childhood Education
Hainan Normal University, a leading Chinese public institution with over 20,000 students, collaborates with DePaul on a 3+1 early childhood education program, which allows students to complete three years at HNU before transferring to DePaul for their final year. Since its launch in 2020, the program has welcomed five cohorts, with seven students continuing their studies at DePaul. This collaboration provides students with a unique opportunity to experience both Chinese and American educational systems while preparing for careers in early childhood education.
During the visit, the delegation met with HNU leadership to discuss the program’s progress and explore ways to further enhance student learning experiences and academic support. Additionally, Dr. Besana delivered a presentation on the foundations of liberal arts education to the university assembly. His talk emphasized the importance of critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and adaptability—key principles that are deeply embedded in DePaul’s academic approach. The presentation helped enrich academic dialogue between the two institutions and provided HNU faculty and students with valuable insights into the liberal arts tradition in the United States.
Collaboration in Finance and Emerging Technologies
The delegation also visited the Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE) in Beijing, where they were warmly received by the Vice President and representatives from the Office of International Cooperation. CUFE is a leading institution in finance and economics in China, making it an ideal partner for DePaul’s growing international initiatives in business education.
Discussions at CUFE focused on the FinTech Summer Camp, a program designed to enhance students’ practical skills and global perspectives. This initiative will provide students with hands-on experience in financial technology, allowing them to engage with emerging trends in digital finance, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. The FinTech Summer Camp represents an exciting opportunity for students from both universities to develop cross-cultural competency while deepening their technical expertise in a rapidly evolving field.
Exploring Innovation and Global Mobility
At Shenzhen University, located in China’s tech hub—often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of China"—the delegation explored potential collaborations in international virtual exchanges, faculty research partnerships, and student study abroad programs. They met with the Dean of the College of International Exchange and the Vice Dean of the Shenzhen Financial Technology Institute to discuss future joint initiatives.
A key feature of the visit was the delegation’s engagement with the College of FinTech, which offers cutting-edge programs in Financial Technology, Management and Financial Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence. These disciplines align closely with DePaul’s focus on technological innovation in finance, and the discussions opened new possibilities for student and faculty exchanges.
Strengthening Language and Cultural Exchange
During their visit to Tianjin Normal University, the DePaul delegation met with the Vice President, the Director of the International Exchange Department, and the Dean of the School of Foreign Languages to discuss ongoing and future collaborations. DePaul currently maintains an international virtual exchange program, known at DePaul as a Global Learning Experience, with Tianjin Normal University and is committed to expanding these initiatives to further enrich cross-cultural learning experiences.
The two institutions explored opportunities for language immersion programs and collaborative coursework, which would provide students with the chance to participate in both virtual and in-person exchanges. Strengthening language studies is an important step toward building a more globally connected academic environment and providing students with enhanced cultural competencies.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Global Engagement
The visit reinforced DePaul University’s dedication to strengthening its global partnerships and expanding international learning opportunities. With promising developments in student exchanges, joint programs, and research collaborations, the university is poised to further deepen its ties with these esteemed institutions.
While the current geopolitical environment may put the United States and China in a situation of conflict and competition, Global Engagement is committed to offering opportunities for people-to-people experiences that strengthen intercultural awareness, deep appreciation for difference in worldviews, and mutual enrichment through dialogue.