October 2 , 2007

SFU Women’s basketball players and translators with Renmin University players, teachers and coaches and Dr. Ian Andrews, Director of International Programs, Faculty of Education.

An agreement between China and Canada was signed in 2005 resulting in the SFU Women’s Basketball team traveling to China last summer and the women’s basketball team from Renmin University traveling to SFU this year. SFU Student Services, through the Office of Associate Vice President, Students and International, as well as Recreation and Athletics, SFU International, and the Faculty of Education were all involved with facilitating the visit.

Over the two weeks, the Chinese students played basketball with teams from UCFV, SFU and Langara College and traveled around the Lower Mainland soaking up the sights and culture of Canada.

“The academic experiences of both students and faculty members from Renmin were very well received by the Renmin delegation,” says Ian Andrews, Director of External Programs and Internal Initiatives. “Most importantly, the students appreciated the educational value of the visit and the impact that will be felt when they return to Beijing.”

The connection with Renmin University provides an opportunity for the Faculty of Education to explore collaborative initiatives with the Chinese post-secondary institution and it is hoped such exchanges will continue.

International Programs has successfully delivered programs in partnership with universities in Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and North America.

For more information about International Programs in the Faculty of Education, go to www.educ.sfu.ca/intled

To read more about the Women’s SFU Basketball team in China, go to http://www.educ.sfu.ca/news/womens-basketball.html