UW-Superior To Start Exchange Program With Chinese University

University of Wisconsin-Superior has signed an agreement with a Chinese school, Beijing Wuzi University, that establishes an exchange program focused on transportation.

The two universities are set to begin the program in the fall of 2015.

Richard Stewart, director of transportation and logistics at UW-Superior, said there’s a lot the two schools can learn from each other.

“For example, we don’t have bullet trains in Wisconsin, and now the students can go to China and study the rail system, which is focused on passengers,” said Stewart. “The students from Beijing Wuzi can come here to study the freight rail system.”

Salvador Carranza, director of international engagement and partnerships for the UW System, said there has been an increase in the number of exchange programs and agreements in the system, “in particular with countries that have been very involved in promoting study abroad for their students.”

The system has also signed two agreements with universities in Russia and France in the last month. Carranza said that growing countries are looking for people with skills to support their economies.

Zhang Xufeng, dean of the logistics school at Beijing Wuzi University, said it’s important students have firsthand knowledge of trade between China and America.

“It’s the global economy, so we need transportation and logistics. Logistics is very important to push the economy,” Xufeng said.

Carranza said they want more opportunities for faculty and student exchange, as well as joint research. To that end, UW-Superior and Beijing Wuzi University are holding preliminary discussions about a joint research center.