Presidents and experts of world prestigious universities all praised Chinese higher education characteristics and expressed willingness to promote cooperation with Chinese universities.
They said at the on-going Chinese-Foreign University Presidents' Forum held in Beijing that the characteristics of Chinese higher education include the emphasis on fundamental education, Chinese government's strong support for higher education and the extreme diligence of the students.
President of Cambridge University Alison F. Richard said Chinese education is comprehensive with incredible ambition and drive. Chinese students are very bright and hard-working, she said.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University William D. Macmillan said, "The western governments should learn from the Chinese government, which has a broad participation, vision and the determination in developing China's universities."
"What is most impressive to me is the dedication of the students. They consider it a great privilege to go to university, because it can change their life." said Macmillan.
Professor Martin Carnoy of Stanford University saw "a strong will of discipline among Chinese students, families and the whole society".
The presidents and experts also appreciated the reforms made by Chinese universities and their great changes in human resources management, increase of financial support and laboratory facilities.
They said the changes have promoted the development of Chinese higher education and encouraged cooperation with Chinese universities.
President of Japanese Waseda University Katsuhiko Shirai said Chinese universities' teaching quality and research level have both got better. He saw Chinese universities as the major partners in Waseda's Asia intelligence center. Waseda University has many cooperation programs with China's Peking University and Fudan University.
Cambridge University has a post-graduate cooperation program with Peking University. "We want to find more opportunities of cooperation with Chinese universities, including student and research exchanges." said Richard.
As a program with Peking University, Stanford University has built a campus in Beijing. The campus will start enrollment this year. Stanford is also cooperating with Shanghai Normal University, according to Carnoy.
(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2004)
