Salem State University Provost David Silva, Vice Provost Julie Whitlow, and Xia He, Assistant Director China Program Coordinator in Salem State University's Center for International Education, traveled to China in June to meet with leaders of Salem State’s established and new Chinese partner universities and to attend the annual 2024 Sino-American CHEPD 1+2+1 Program Annual Conference and Graduation Ceremony.
The Sino-American CHEPD 1+2+1 Program, administered by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) in the U.S. and the Center for Chinese International Educational Exchange (CCIEE) enables Chinese students to study at partner schools in the USA during their sophomore and junior years of college. These students complete their first and final years at their home universities in China, allowing them to earn degrees from both their Chinese and US institutions.
The Salem State team also had the chance to visit with 12 Salem State students completing a four-week study-travel experience at Nanjing Normal University. This marked the first time SSU students have participated in such a program which was administer by the CIE and funded by the Chinese government and a SSU philanthropic donor. A reunion with over 60 Chinese students who have studied at SSU was also held in Nanjing.
The group's travels took them to several cities, including Nanjing, Taizhou, Zhenjiang, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Each city offered unique experiences and opportunities to strengthen relationships with university partners. Provost Silva enjoyed a memorable excursion to Chuansha Ancient Town near Shanghai, where the group wandered through narrow streets and historic buildings, feeling as though they were stepping back in time.
In Shanghai, the group visited the US Consulate, where officials discussed US-China relations and the significance of educational exchange programs like the 1+2+1 initiative. Provost Silva noted that their meeting with the Shanghai US Consulate leadership provided valuable insights into US-China relations and the role of educational programs in fostering positive international connections. They also learned more about US State Department-sponsored educational exchange initiatives.
In Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, the group attended the Sino-American Presidents’ Forum, part of the larger annual meeting.
“I was honored to have been asked to co-moderate the main panel discussion at this year’s President’s Forum on the topic of ‘Academic Collaboration and Partnerships Ensure Quality Programs for Student Success” said Provost Silva, who moderated the panel discussion of leaders from U.S. and Chinese universities. The discussion focused on sustaining long-term relationships between U.S. and Chinese institutions, the increasing role of technology in education, and the rise of Artificial Intelligence in academic settings.
Provost Silva shared that one of the highlights of international travel for him is experiencing diverse cuisines. Throughout their journey, they sampled various dishes, with noodle dishes and dumplings being personal favorites. “At each dining event, there were so many different dishes to try! I’m especially fond of noodle dishes and dumplings. At one restaurant in Guangzhou, we had this sublime mango pudding. It was amazing!” Provost Silva shared.
Salem State University, as a The Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University, remains dedicated to providing students with opportunities to engage with different cultures, offering various study-abroad options, short-term study-travel programs, and full-semester abroad opportunities. We also bring international experiences to campus through initiatives like the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program, the Global Engagement Seal. We also have over 200 students from more than 40 countries studying at SSU at the undergraduate and graduate levels and in our American Language and Culture Institute’s intensive English language program.
Salem State’s commitment to fostering global citizenship aligns with our goal of helping students become productive and engaged members of the international community. “My vision is for every Salem State graduate to leave with both a diploma and a passport, ready to make a positive impact on the world,” said Provost Silva.
This journey to China not only strengthened Salem State’s partnerships with Chinese universities but also reinforced our dedication to international education. The experiences and insights gained from this trip will continue to shape and enhance the opportunities Salem State provides to our students, ensuring they are well-prepared for a globalized world.