The College of New Caledonia (CNC) has become the first post-secondary institution in Canada to form a partnership with the Zhejiang Australian International Career Centre through the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Friday.
Involved with more than 20 vocational schools in the Zhejiang province of China, Zhejiang AICC will prepare Chinese high school students for a post-secondary education at CNC through this agreement.
"We're honoured to be Zhejiang AICC's first Canadian partner," said CNC director of international education Barb Old. "This MOU lays the foundation for the development of a Chinese-Canadian education program that further diversifies CNC's international student body."
The first intake of students from this Chinese-Canadian education program is expected to arrive at CNC in three years.
Starting in the 10th grade, Chinese students work with Zhejiang AICC for three years developing skills, such as English proficiency, to prepare them to study abroad at CNC. Zhejiang AICC will support students through their entire international education experience including Visa applications and relocation to Canada.
CNC international education operations coordinator Tony Mei said Zhejiang AICC also plans to open an office in British Columbia to be able to further support the students it brings to Canada.
"This is a new model for international education," Mei said. "Chinese students and families are comforted by the ongoing support from familiar faces they receive throughout their studies."
This Chinese-Canadian education partnership also opens professional development opportunities for CNC instructors to travel to China and experience how particular areas of study are approached in a different culture.
"Participating in a hands-on intercultural exchange is a valuable experience for any CNC instructor," Mei said. "When that knowledge is applied in the classroom at CNC then students benefit as well."
