From June 2nd to 6th, President Yan Xiangbin led a delegation from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) to visit the University of Maryland (UMD), where the Joint Educational Agreement between GDUFS and UMD was officially signed, elevating the collaboration between the two universities to a new level. The delegation included Yang Li, Dean of the Graduate School; Xie Wenxin, Director of Human Resources; Zhao Longyue, Dean of the School of International Governance Innovation (SIGI); Tang Jing, Deputy Director of the Academic Affairs Office; and Lu Lu, Deputy Director of the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation. During the visit, the delegation met with GDUFS students currently studying at UMD, listened to their opinions and suggestions, and made fruitful achievements from the visit.
Embarking on a New Journey
Group photo of the delegation member
On the morning of June 4th, 2024 (EST), the GDUFS delegation visited the School of Public Policy and the Business School of UMD, engaging in extensive exchanges with experts and scholars.
Speech by President Yan Xiangbin of GDUFS
President Yan Xiangbin highlighted the long-standing collaboration and significant achievements between the two universities, emphasizing GDUFS’s commitment to the partnership. He pointed out that the experiences of GDUFS students at UMD have greatly enhanced their intercultural communication skills, enabling them to contribute more effectively to society in the future. The mutually beneficial research collaborations based on shared interests have not only strengthened talent cultivation but also played a pivotal role in promoting people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and the United States. Citing President Xi Jinping’s remark that “the foundation of China-US relations lies in the people, and its strength comes from their friendship,” GDUFS adheres to the instructions of President Xi and dedicates to advancing China-US educational exchanges and cooperation, fostering new opportunities and showcasing new features to lay a solid foundation for future bilateral relations. Drawing from the School of Public Policy’s motto, “Change the World”, we hope that both universities would leverage their strengths and deepen cooperation in various fields to cultivate more young people who are familiar with both Chinese and US contexts, so as to contribute to global development.
Speech by Robert Orr, Dean of the School of Public Policy, UMD
Dean Robert Orr of the School of Public Policy acknowledged the fruitful collaboration between GDUFS and UMD, noting the similar development trajectories of both institutions, characterized by entrepreneurial spirit and promising future. As their international influence grows, both universities aim to strengthen ties with prominent international organizations and promote academic and policy cooperation between China and the US. It is worth mentioning that the achievements of the two universities in talent cultivation are fully reflected in their students, with a growing number of jointly cultivated students who have joined international organizations and taken up important positions. These students, who possess a profound understanding of the contexts of both nations, are making significant contributions on the global stage. Both GDUFS and UMD take pride in these achievements and hope to see more US students and faculty members studying in China in the future.
Official signing of The Joint Educational Agreement
During the meeting, both sides expressed a shared commitment to enhancing complementarities, pooling high-quality resources, and accelerating the establishment of Sino-foreign cooperative education institutions. The Joint Educational Agreement between GDUFS and UMD was officially signed, marking a new chapter in their partnership. Both sides pledged to use the agreement as a stepping stone to explore more substantial collaborations, elevate their partnership to new heights, strengthen Sino-US friendship, and build bridges to advance bilateral relations.
Soaring Aspirations and Shared Responsibilities
Speech by Dr. Joseph Scholten, Associate Director of the OIA, UMD
Dr. Joseph Scholten, the Associate Director of The Office of International Affairs at the University of Maryland, provided the delegation with an overview of UMD’s history and current status. Founded in 1856, the University of Maryland is a prestigious public research university and a globally renowned institution. As the only large, comprehensive public university in the Washington, D.C. area, UMD not only bears the responsibility of cultivating talent but also plays a vital role in driving societal progress. Currently, UMD enrolls over 40,000 students, including 30,000 undergraduates and 10,000 graduate students. Over time, UMD has evolved from an institution primarily focused on science and engineering into a comprehensive university with 13 colleges. It is dedicated to addressing global challenges, meeting societal needs, enhancing teaching methodologies, and prioritizing student development. The collaborative partnership with GDUFS aligns closely with UMD’s long-term strategic goals.
The Beauty of Harmony Lies in Embracing Diversity
During the visit to the United States, the delegation also met with Shen Xuesong, Minister-Counselor for Education Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on key issues such as educational innovation and talent cultivation between China and the U.S. Shen highlighted the current state and future prospects of educational exchange and collaboration between the two countries, commending GDUFS for its proactive efforts in internationalized education. She encouraged GDUFS to continue leveraging its strengths, seek new opportunities for cooperation, and further promote deeper exchanges in education and culture between the two nations. President Yan Xiangbin expressed GDUFS’s commitment to open education and its active role in advancing China’s high-level opening-up strategy. He emphasized the university’s intention to further expand partnerships with U.S. universities and related research institutions to jointly explore new opportunities for development.
Even Dim Sparks Can Form Radiant Flames
Group Photo of the Event
On the evening of June 4th (EST), President Yan Xiangbin visited the GDUFS Alumni Association in New York, warmly greeting alumni representatives and engaging in a lively exchange. President of the Association Guan Jianfei and Honorary President Yan Weigang and other alumni extended an enthusiastic welcome to the delegation.
President Yan inquired about the alumni’s lives and career development in the U.S. with genuine care. He also shared updates on recent achievements of GDUFS in academic research, faculty development, and industry-academia collaboration, highlighting significant progress made in these areas. He provided an overview of the university’s future plans, expressing confidence that, despite challenges, GDUFS would achieve new milestones and write a new chapter of excellence. President Yan encouraged the alumni to continue supporting their alma mater with concrete actions and expressed his hope that they would serve as ambassadors for friendly exchanges between China and the United States, contributing to the stable and long-term development of bilateral relations with the strength of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.
