Officials from Beijing Polytechnic, one of China’s leading vocational colleges, visited Conestoga’s Cambridge and Doon campuses on March 17 for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions that will create new opportunities for students and contribute to Conestoga’s growing internationalism.
Officials from Beijing Polytechnic visited Conestoga’s Cambridge and Doon campuses on March 17. The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provides a framework for collaboration to allow Beijing Polytechnic students to complete their degree studies at Conestoga.
“We look forward to building the partnership between our two Institutes of Technology as we prepare students to compete in the global marketplace and deliver quality programming that supports students from all over the world,” said President John Tibbits.
The Memorandum of Understanding provides a framework for collaboration that will allow Beijing Polytechnic students to gain international experience and complete their degree studies at Conestoga.
“We appreciate the efforts of Conestoga in making this partnership happen,” said Hui Wang, director of Beijing Polytechnic’s International Cooperative and Exchange office. “Our students are encouraged to pursue degree studies internationally after completing their diplomas at home in order to meet the needs for a skilled workforce to support economic transformation and upgrades in Beijing.”
A number of dignitaries as well as community leaders participated in the formal signing ceremony at Conestoga’s Cambridge campus.
Xue Bin, Consul General of Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China, welcomed the Beijing delegation and congratulated both schools on the new agreement, describing it as “a welcoming reminder of the eagerness of Canadian and Chinese post-secondary institutions to expand their cooperation and partnership.”
The delegates were welcomed to the community by Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. Tony LaMantia, president and CEO of the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation, provided the visitors with an overview of the region’s diversified economy and strong innovation focus.
Other special guests included Pavel Peykov, senior policy advisor with Ontario’s Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities as well as Art Sinclair, vice president of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
International education is a growing area of focus at Conestoga. Currently, more than 1,600 students from a total of 76 countries are enrolled in Conestoga programs. The college provides a full range of dedicated services to ensure smooth and successful transitions for international students and provide ongoing academic and social support throughout their studies.
Conestoga’s focus on internationalism also includes a growing number of international exchange and study abroad programs and faculty exchange opportunities to enhance the learning experience and prepare graduates for success in the global economy.
For more information, visit www.conestogac.on.ca/international