Globalby Joan Brzezinski
The University of Minnesota has a long and deep history with China, starting in 1914 when the first Chinese students enrolled. We were one of the first American universities to enter China and establish partnerships when it opened to the West in 1979. The University of Minnesota community currently hosts more than 3,000 students and scholars from Greater China. In addition, our research and exchange partnerships with some of China's top universities allow our faculty to collaborate with their Chinese counterparts to address some of the world's most pressing problems.
It is on the basis of this rich and successful history that the University of Minnesota opened its first official international office in Beijing in 2009. The mission of the China Office—which is a unit of the long-standing UMN China Center—is to enhance educational collaboration, support prospective and current students, and engage with alumni.
Having a physical presence in China, staffed by professionals we know and trust, is a huge asset for the University. It allows us to respond to opportunities that may arise more promptly, makes it more convenient for prospective partners to engage with us in their native language, and supports our efforts to build stronger relationships than we could only from afar. The director of the China Office is Fran Liu, and as a graduate of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, she is able to represent the University and its interests on the basis of deep familiarity and a strong sense of loyalty.
The office’s services and space are available to University faculty, staff, and departments to support their work in China. Office staff can provide advice and support for visits to China, provide counsel and vetting of prospective partners, and assist with promoting initiatives and academic programs to the Chinese market in a culturally appropriate manner. Examples of specific campus support have included the promotion of academic programs through WeChat and arranging in-country pre-departure sessions for incoming students.
Another major role of the office is to engage prospective and current students and our thousands of alumni in Greater China through local events and a robust social media strategy. It’s extremely helpful for students and parents to have an in-country connection to answer questions, and alumni chapter leaders appreciate the ongoing and timely support from local staff.
Since 1979, the University’s China Center has worked to build the bridge of understanding, friendship, exchange, and cooperation between the U.S. and Greater China. The China Office in Beijing is an important component of this work. We look forward to working with our campus partners to expand our connections, create new opportunities, and share our interests in China.
Joan Brzezinski is Executive Director of the University of Minnesota China Center