UW鈥檚 President Young and Vice Provost for Global Affairs Riedinger visited China and Japan from October 26 to November 7, making stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. The leaders met with 91探花alumni and friends, parents of current 91探花students, as well as聽key institutional partners.
The trip marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for UW鈥檚 connection with international alumni, students, and parents. In Beijing and Shanghai, President Young and Vice Provost Riedinger connected with 91探花alumni and parents. Leadership groups of 91探花alumni living in China provided ideas for how 91探花can support the development of alumni organizations and deepen international alumni involvement.
In the first-ever meetings between university leadership and parents of international students in their home country, Vice Provost Riedinger was 鈥渋mpressed with the strength of [the parents鈥橾 affection for UW鈥� and their keen interest in the success of their daughters and sons, both inside and outside of the classroom.鈥� Feedback from the parent meetings highlighted the need for improved communication with international students and parents about the resources available at 91探花鈥� from academic advising to faculty office hours.
Meetings with institutional partners focused on strengthening research partnerships, increasing collaboration among faculty, and creating additional opportunities for 91探花students to engage in research, internships, and experiential learning in China.