China's education exchange initiative creates opportunities for American youth, scholars say

Noting that the university is at the forefront of Sino-American educational connections and engagement, Gregory Mandel, Temple's senior vice president and provost, said "We're eager to work with the consulate and our partners in China to continue to strengthen and create new and exciting initiatives as we look into the future."

"Our strong collaborations in China remain a fundamental part of our university mission," Mandel said, citing the Chinese idiom "Tao Li Man Tian Xia" to describe Temple's fruitful cooperation with its Chinese partners.

Mandel said it is often by experiencing another culture and getting educated in another country can people better understand their own culture and make insightful decisions. "As educators, we take great pride in developing connections, building those relationships... It's an important part of our commitment to developing relationship between our countries," he said.

Emilia Zankina, vice provost for global engagement, said the university has over 400 students and 55 scholars from China across its 17 schools and colleges, over 60 partnerships with China's higher education institutions and tens of thousands of Chinese alumni.

"We only hope that our mutual understanding will increase, and we will see even more Chinese students in America and American students in China," she said. "By educating our students to like each other, to understand each other, to be together, we are building this common future of peace, understanding and mutual growth."