Chinese universities strengthen ties with IES Abroad and SAF through visits to London and Vienna centers

In a significant step towards deepening international collaboration, IES Abroad recently hosted delegations from three prestigious Chinese universities: Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) in Vienna, and Southeast University and Tongji University in London.

These visits provided an invaluable opportunity to feature the extensive variety of academic programs and customized experiences that IES Abroad, along with SAF, offers through its centers in these vibrant European cities.

During the London visit on August 5, four key IES Abroad London staff members – Angela Ellermeier, Associate Director & Dean of Faculty; Zosia Rutkowska, Assistant Director and Head of Customized Programs; Miranda Hale, Direct Enrollment & Orientations Coordinator; and Emma Blundell, Head of Student Affairs & Wellness – joined forces with Carol Carmody, Senior Associate VP of SAF. 

This exceptional team of global education experts presented to the visiting groups from Southeast University and Tongji University, sharing the ample academic opportunities available to Chinese students at the IES Abroad London Center, located on Gray's Inn Road in the stylish enclave of Holborn. 

“I believe our guests came away with a clear understanding that IES Global centers are hubs of academic activity which are poised to partner with universities around the world in limitless ways," says Carmody. 

This visit underscored the potential for dynamic collaboration between IES Abroad, SAF and Chinese universities, reinforcing both organizations’ position as a leading provider of international education.

At the IES Abroad Vienna Center, the GDUFS envoy was warmly welcomed by Dr. Saskia Stachowitsch, Center Director, along with her team: Gintė Wilson-Stankeviciute, Academic Program Manager; Kimyana Scherer, Customized Programs Coordinator; and Nika Protic, Internship Coordinator.

The team guided the delegation through every aspect of the study abroad experience, from the finer details of enrollment forms to broader concepts like curriculum content, learning materials, and the expected outcomes for students at the IES Abroad Vienna Center.

Both sides engaged in lively and in-depth discussions about student exchanges, the potential for collaborative research, and how students are supported in securing internships with international organizations following their studies.

Visits like these highlight the strong partnership between IES Abroad and SAF, showcasing their shared dedication to expanding global learning opportunities. Hosting these groups gave IES Abroad and SAF a chance to not only introduce their diverse academic programs but also to strengthen their function as a bridge connecting Chinese universities with the global academic community.

The partnership between IES Abroad and SAF plays a key role in nurturing these important international relationships. This means that students from China and beyond can look forward to even more opportunities for cultural exchange, academic growth, and professional development.

Whether you're a university representative exploring global opportunities for your students, or a student curious about studying abroad, we invite you to learn more about what SAF and IES Abroad have to offer. Contact us to see how our programs could be a great fit for your academic and cultural journey.