The delegation of Southwest Jiaotong University of China visited University of Alberta February 24, 2010, facilitated by Canadian National Education Exchange Centre. Southwest Jiaotong University, one of CNEEC’s partners in China, is one of the key universities of China’s Ministry of Education; while University of Alberta is one of Canada’s leading research and teaching institutions, with world-class facilities and world-renowned professors. The cooperation of the two universities brings about opportunities for both universities.

Chairman of Faculty of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Dr. Horacio J. Marquez presented to the delegation the University’s strength and development on electronic and computer engineering. Then the delegation visited several laboratories of Faculty of Engineering, and have a friendly discussion with the Vice Provost, Britta Baron on the prospects of the cooperation between UA and SWJTU. The talk between the two universities are open and straightforward, and both of them saw prospects of cooperation in several field. They reached preliminary agreement on cooperation of post graduate programs. The delegation also took some time to meet with GSP alumni. President of SWJTU, Chunyan Chen, and Director of International Office, Dr. Yanjun Qiu, asked the GSP students about their study at UA, and concerned about the transition from SWJTU. The students have given a high appraisal to the General Study Program, and they are doing well at UA. President Chen encouraged the students to work hard for better achievement, and he expressed that the University will give more attention to the GSP, in order to provide opportunities for more Chinese students with the intention of studying overseas.

 Regarding further development of the General Study Program, the delegation has an in-depth discussion with Dr. Lawrence Zhang, Chief Education Officer, Shirley Huang and Sophie Jin of CNEEC. The two sides reached broad consensus, hoping the General Study Program to make new progress and educate more and better talents. CNEEC is devoted to promoting Canadian education export and bridging Canadian universities with international educational institutions. This is a successful approach.