Gustavus Adolphus College

President Jim Peterson and Edmond Kwok signed a reciprocal student exchange agreement on Oct. 2.

Gustavus Adolphus College and United International College (UIC) in Zhu Hai, China, have entered into a four-year reciprocal student exchange program. Gustavus President Jim Peterson and UIC Executive Vice President Edmond Kwok signed the agreement at Gustavus on Oct. 2.

“This program will provide a unique learning experience, enhance academic and research opportunities, and promote greater cultural understanding between students at the two institutions,” said Patrick Quade, director of international education at Gustavus.

Twenty-five UIC students visited various private colleges in Minnesota last July, including Gustavus. Gustavus was the first of five Minnesota colleges to sign agreements with UIC. The Minnesota Private College council began negotiations with UIC two years ago leading to current exchange opportunities.

UIC is the first fully sanctioned liberal arts college to be created in China since the early 20th century. UIC opened in the fall of 2005 and has 1,200 students and 11 majors.