Vice-Chancellor visits China to mark 18th anniversary of UEA-INTO partnership
By: Communications
The University of East Anglia (UEA) and global education partnering organization, INTO University Partnerships, are celebrating the upcoming 18th anniversary of their collaboration that pioneered public-private partnerships to transform higher education.
Formed in February 2006 to support UEA’s internationalisation goals, the partnership has shaped the academic and career success of thousands of international students. Through its dedicated centre, INTO UEA, located on UEA campus in Norwich, the joint venture delivers programs that prepare international students for long-term success.
The trailblazing partnership won the Queen's Award for Enterprise (International Trade), the United Kingdom's highest honour for any business, in 2016.
To mark 18 successful years of partnership, UEA Vice-Chancellor Professor David Maguire and Sir David Eastwood are embarking on a week-long visit to China this week.
Chinese students formed the first cohort of international students at INTO UEA and have continued to be the single largest group enrolled at various academic programs at the Centre, including the highly popular Newton A Levels program launched in 2009-10.
China continues to be a significant source market for international student recruitment. The two education leaders will engage with recruitment agents and representatives of educational institutions during their visit.
Vice-Chancellor Prof David Maguire said: “Chinese students are a vital part of our university. They bring a rich cultural perspective that enriches our student community.
“The INTO UEA partnership has had a hugely successful 18 years in bringing talented students from China into higher education in the UK, so it’s a real privilege to be able to visit Shanghai and Beijing to discuss further development opportunities for UEA, speak to students and partners, and witness first-hand some of the important joint engagement work.”
Prof Sir David Eastwood, Non-Executive Chair of INTO’s Board, said: “The INTO and UEA partnership, from the outset, has been a partnership of equals. The joint venture we formed was based on a fifty/fifty partnership.
"The University brought outstanding academic vision, quality, and governance while INTO brought the best-in-class recruitment and innovation, and constructed a state-of-the-art dedicated building. Since then, the world of international higher education has never been the same.”
Sir David has previously served as UEA’s Vice Chancellor and was awarded Knighthood for his services to education in 2014.
The trip will commence in Shanghai before the pair travel to Beijing, attending two separate joint celebration dinners alongside local educational institutions and recruitment agents.
Welcoming students from more than 100 countries, UEA continues to expand its global reach with INTO’s support, sharing an ongoing commitment to creating a diverse culture and strong sense of global community on campus.
Over the last ten years, a combined 2,355 students from China, Hong Kong and Macau region, have graduated from INTO UEA.
Qinglin completed his master’s degree in marketing through the pathway program and has now progressed to further study at CEIBS (China Europe International Business School), where he will be studying the EMBA program.
He said: “Studying at UEA, I have acquired advanced knowledge at a higher level and learned to approach various issues with critical thinking and a more open and inclusive mind. UEA’s spirit of ‘Do Different’ has inspired me to be diligent in thinking, brave in breaking through, and practice lifelong learning in my work.”
Students who enrolled through the pathway program have reported an overwhelming 95% satisfaction rate with the support received and 94% with the overall learning experience, according to the INTO Annual Student Survey 2022.
Recruitment agents echo the sentiment expressed by international students. Bo Sun, Director of the UK & Ireland Program Management Center at EIC Education Group, China said: "Over the years, we have assisted scores of students in studying at UEA. I keep receiving unanimously positive comments from students about the University's environment, study experience, and outcomes, far exceeding their expectations. Students who choose UEA truly go further with their money and returns on their investment."
Throughout INTO and UEA's years of collaboration, INTO's pathway program has helped more than 90% of students successfully progress to their chosen course with this figure reaching an impressive 100% since 2022.
Karen Blackney, Associate Director at UEA Global, the international office of the University, said: "Our 18 years of partnership with INTO has provided an invaluable pathway to degree study at UEA, widening the participation of students from around the globe. The INTO UEA Centre is a highly supportive environment set within UEA’s beautiful campus – a great preparation for students to prepare for and succeed in their university studies. We very much look forward to our continued collaboration in the years to come.”
Karen Bridges, Centre Director, INTO UEA, said: "INTO UEA is very proud of its 18-year partnership with the University of East Anglia. Together we foster a genuine sense of community - within the INTO Centre, across the amazing university campus, in our fine city of Norwich and beyond. Our students' aspirations are our goals and dedicated staff from across the academic, professional services, recreation and facilities teams ensure every student is treated as an individual."
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