Washington University in St. Louis will welcome undergraduates from Fudan University in Shanghai, China, to the university’s Danforth Campus this July for the university’s inaugural five-week Fudan at Washington University Summer Program (July 17-Aug. 19).
During the program, 28 Fudan University students, selected by both their home institution and WUSTL, will enroll in two regularly scheduled courses in the College of Arts & Sciences’ Summer School, where they will study alongside their WUSTL counterparts.
The Fudan students will stay in WUSTL residence halls, enjoy social and cultural opportunities at the university and in St. Louis with other students from around the world, and take part in a number of special tours and events, such as a trip to Hannibal, Mo., home of the famous Missouri writer Mark Twain.
“Washington University is dedicated to challenging both its faculty and students to seek new knowledge and greater understanding of an ever-changing multicultural world,” says Robert E. Wiltenburg, PhD, dean of University College, the professional studies and continuing education division of Art & Sciences, and Summer School.
“Since the 1950s, Fudan University has been a leader in international student enrollment,” Wiltenburg says. “Washington University is pleased to offer students of Fudan University the same opportunity to experience academic enrichment in the United States.”
The program is the Summer School’s first formal international program, says Rebecca Copeland, PhD, Summer School director and associate dean in University College.
“The Summer School hopes eventually to expand the program to include other overseas universities,” Copeland says.
WUSTL students also have opportunities to study at Fudan University through summer and semester-long programs. WUSTL students can attend an eight-week, intensive Chinese language program at Fudan during the summer. This fall, WUSTL will launch a semester-long study abroad program at Fudan, through which WUSTL students study Chinese language and culture.
In both cases, WUSTL students live either on or near campus in international student housing and interact with Fudan students as language partners.
For more information about the Fudan at Washington University Summer Program, contact Rebecca Zurovec, coordinator for summer programs at University College, at (314) 935-4807 or zurovec@wustl.edu. For more information about WUSTL programs at Fudan, contact Mark Beirn, associate director of Overseas Programs, at (314) 935-6527 or mbeirn@wustl.edu.
Fudan and WUSTL
Founded in 1905, Fudan University is one of the most prestigious universities in China with an international reputation for excellence in academics and scientific research. Fudan has an enrollment of more than 26,000 full-time students, approximately 3,500 faculty members and 17 schools. It is actively engaged in international student and faculty exchanges.
WUSTL and Fudan University are partners in several academic endeavors, including the Olin Business School’s Executive MBA program, ranked No. 1 in mainland China since 2005 by the Financial Times; intensive language programs for undergraduates; and the McDonnell International Scholars Academy.
The McDonnell Academy brings together exceptional international graduate and professional students from its 27 partner institutions worldwide to pursue a world-class education and research while forging a strong network with one another. The program is designed to prepare them as future leaders knowledgeable about the United States, other countries and critical international issues.
The academy also encourages other initiatives, such as faculty collaboration across institutions on global issues, including energy, the environment, cultural understanding, human health and economic and social development.