On September 24, the Center on Chinese Education (CoCE) and the Office of Global Engagement (OGE) at Teachers College (TC), Columbia University, hosted a meeting with the Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) delegation. The meeting kicked off with welcoming remarks from Dr. Henan Cheng, the Executive Director of CoCE.

Dr. Henan Cheng is delivering welcoming remarks to the audience

Next, Professor Dongmei Yin, Chair of the SISU University Council, outlined SISU’s interest in future collaboration with TC, focusing on student and faculty exchanges, joint international training, and research projects. Professor Yin emphasized the importance of identifying shared goals and interests to ensure effective cooperation between the two institutions. In response, Mr. Amine Mechaal, Director of OGE, expressed TC’s enthusiasm for co-developing a study abroad program with SISU and highlighted the goal of establishing an institutionalized and regular exchange program between SISU and TC. Dr. Cheng added that CoCE is eager to facilitate communication between SISU and OGE and assist in the implementation of international programs.

               Professor Yin and Mr. Machaal are exchanging thoughts on SISU-TC collaboration                                    

     CoCE Group Photo with SISU and OGE

Two days later, on the afternoon of September 26, CoCE welcomed a delegation from Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) for an in-depth discussion on future collaboration in the field of education. The meeting began with a warm welcome to the BFSU delegation, delivered by Professor Hervé Varenne, the Acting Director of the CoCE and the former Chair of the Department of International and Transcultural Studies. Following this, Amine Mechaal, Director of the Office of Global Engagement (OGE) at Teachers College, introduced the foundation of Columbia’s collaboration with Chinese institutions and outlined future international cooperation strategies. Dr. Cheng then shared the development journey of Teachers College and expressed her enthusiasm for further collaboration with BFSU in the field of education.

Professor Varenne is delivering a welcoming speech

Professor Dinghua Wang, Chairman of the University Council at BFSU and renowned professor of comparative education and global education policy, provided an overview of BFSU’s development, particularly in the construction of its education disciplines. He expressed eagerness to deepen cooperation with Teachers College through faculty exchanges, student programs, and co-hosting academic events.

          Professor Wang is introducing BFSU’s development

Professor Wang was accompanied by various deans and directors of schools and offices under BFSU. They joined discussions with faculty members from TC to foster constructive conversations on educational exchange. Together, they explored opportunities for future cooperation in the global education area.

                           CoCE and BFSU exchange gifts to each other                           

   TC Faculty Representatives and BFSU Delegation Group Photo