The initiative involves 15 Chinese universities that will partner with the five new American institutions in a proven academic program that enables Chinese students to obtain dual degrees through attendance for two years at a Chinese campus and two years at the American counterpart. Students spend their first year at their native school, study for two years in the United States, then return to China for the their final year—hence the “1+2+1” designation.
Humboldt State expects to welcome its first complement of Chinese students under the program during the Fall 2008 semester.
Dr. Liz Grobsmith (Provost) and Dr. Steve Wright (International Programs Director) of Northern Arizona University, an existing partner in 1+2+1, will visit Humboldt State Feb. 22 and 23 to share their experiences with HSU in preparation for the Arcata campus’s new role, which is buttressed by a 96% a visa success rate for Chinese students who enrolled in the dual-degree program’s first phase.
Besides HSU, the four other United States institutions named for the second phase are the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Mansfield University, Salem State College and Georgia South Western State University. The first phase included Ball State University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Troy University, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Eastern Washington University, Northern Arizona University, George Mason University, and California State University - San Bernardino.
The new partnerships between the Chinese institutions and the AASCU will contribute to Humboldt State’s goal of internationalizing the campus. The University expects to benefit from the AASCU’s long experience in that regard.
The AASCU has 430 public college and university members from the United States, plus Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Its charter includes strengthening academic quality, generating professional development opportunities for high-ranking academic leaders, analyzing public policy, and advocacy for member institutions and the students they serve.
Details of the Sino-American 1+2+1 Dual Degree Program are available from Dr. Guy-Alain Amoussou at amoussou@humboldt.edu or (707) 826-3380.