Expanding Educational Relations with China

Twenty eight students from China’s Hunan Normal University (HNNU) arrived on Hawk Hill in August. While it may have been some of the graduate students’ first time visiting the U.S., it wasn’t their first introduction to Saint Joseph’s University; the cohort (the program's second) are in their second year of a joint master’s in early childhood education program between SJU and HNNU, which launched in 2022.

The 1+1 program stems from a nearly decades-long partnership with HNNU, which began with the sponsorship of exchange students and visiting delegations from each institution. In fact, Saint Joseph’s celebrated over 25 years of collaboration with China this year, which was commemorated in March with a visit from Consul General Huang Ping from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in New York.

“Collaborating with our Chinese strategic partners, particularly esteemed institutions like HNNU, not only strengthens SJU’s global presence but also positions the University as a leader in U.S.-China educational collaboration,” says Julie Yu, PhD, assistant provost of China initiatives. “The presence of Chinese students enriches our diverse and inclusive campus, perfectly aligning with SJU’s mission to cultivate socially responsible, globally aware leaders. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our efforts to attract more high-caliber international students, and we are actively developing further initiatives to expand SJU’s engagement in China.”

Here’s a look back at how Saint Joseph’s and China have deepened their educational ties this past year.