In a bid to secure overseas study and exchange for 20 percent of its students during their time on campus Shanghai Jiao Tong University is seeking more international partners in the hope of providing such opportunities.

 

The plan was revealed at the 2006 Conference of Asian University Presidents held at Jiao Tong's Xuhui campus at the weekend. Presidents from 12 Asian universities, including Waseda University of Japan, the National University of Singapore and Mahidol University of Thailand, attended the annual conference.

 

The overseas exchanges range from short-term study trips of less than a week to months-long study or research exchange programs from which students can earn academic credits. Officials didn't provide a specific timeline for when the target should be met only saying it should happen "as soon as possible."

 

"The school's development presents an increasing demand for students with broad global vision. They're expected to bring back advanced experience for their personal development and university management as well," said Yao Yi with Jiao Tong's Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan affairs office.

 

So far Jiao Tong has set up partnerships with more than 150 universities throughout the world but fewer than 400 students take part in overseas exchanges each year. This is accounts for about one percent of the student body.

 

In return foreign universities are expected to send an equal number of students to study at Jiao Tong. That would help to improve the university's international reputation, officials said.

 

(Shanghai Daily November 27, 2006)