CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - January 20, 2011) - North Park University has reached agreement with five Chinese universities that will establish cross-cultural learning and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and faculty. Formal memoranda of understanding have been signed with each of the institutions, committing North Park University and the institutions to promote student and faculty exchange, make available degree completion opportunities for Chinese students seeking to study at North Park, and identify programs of mutual interest for all students. The five institutions include:
- Beijing Union University (College of Arts and Sciences), Beijing
- Jianwen University, Yantai
- Anhui University of Finance and Economics, Bengbu
- Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou
- Leshan Normal University, Leshan
"North Park University is delighted to expand its international higher education opportunities with China," said North Park University President David L. Parkyn. "With the resources available through our faculty and the city of Chicago, North Park will feature programs of study in collaboration with Chinese universities that will enhance the learning opportunities available to our students and prepare these graduates for a world in which dialogue and exchange are valued ideals."
"North Park University and Chicago have strong relationships with China that have culminated in these formal relationships with a small number of Chinese universities," said North Park University Provost Joseph Jones. "Chicago is the only city outside Washington, D.C. that was visited by Chinese President Hu Jintau this week, and Chinese is the second most popular language of study in Chicago public schools. North Park has hosted numerous faculty exchanges and student exchange programs in the past, and we already have a large number of Asian faculty and students. With the signing of the recent formal agreements, the opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration will expand rapidly."
The memoranda were signed recently on an overseas trip by President Parkyn, Provost Jones and Dr. Timothy Lin of North Park University. Details of both short-term and semester-long study programs and other programs are being developed.
About North Park University
Located in Chicago, North Park University is a Christian comprehensive university that serves nearly 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students of all faiths and diverse multicultural backgrounds from around the country and the world. North Park offers a values-based education to students through more than 30 undergraduate majors and an adult degree-completion program, as well as graduate and continuing education in business, nonprofit management, nursing, education, music, and theology. By integrating faith with learning and service -- as it has done since its founding in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church -- North Park University continues to focus on the important task of preparing students for lives of significance and service. More information is available at www.northpark.edu.
Contact Information:
Media Contacts:
For interviews with Dr. Parkyn and Dr. Jones, or other information, please contact:
Steve Carr
North Park University
(312) 780-7211
scarr@dresnerco.com
Joshua Taustein
North Park University
(312) 780-7219
jtaustein@dresnerco.com