UVic deepens ties with Chinese university in Victoria's twin city of Suzhou

In the spirit of fostering collaboration and global engagement, the University of Victoria strengthened its relationship with Soochow University this week with the signing of a third partnership agreement, to welcome 100 students every year from the university located in Victoria’s Twin City Suzhou to study economics at UVic.

“Soochow University is a critical Chinese partner for UVic and I am delighted that our deepened partnership now crosses three faculties at UVic," says UVic's Dean of Social Sciences Catherine Krull. "Their students rank very high in our courses; clearly Soochow University is preparing students well for studies abroad. International students studying in our community allow for an exchange of ideas across cultures and contribute to our local region.”

The new agreement allows Soochow University students who complete two years of study in Suzhou and then transfer to UVic’s economics program (for the remaining two years) to receive a double degree in economics from both Soochow University and UVic.

The visit to Victoria’s Twin City Suzhou was part of an eight-day mission led by Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps along with 18 delegates including UVic officials, with a goal of exporting innovation and furthering tourism and educational opportunities between Victoria and its twin city. This is the third “2+2” agreement between UVic and Soochow University; the first is in business, the second in chemistry.

“To seize the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century, global understanding and learning are critically important,” says Mayor Lisa Helps, who attended the signing. “This new relationship will see 100 students annually attend UVic and spend some time in our capital city.”

UVic launched a new International Plan this month to further enhance our global commitment in this era of heightened connectivity, complex geopolitics and increased international collaboration. Read the plan (PDF)

-- 30 --