A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Successful Exchange Programs

The session opened with Yasir Ansari, CEO and Founder of Simpled, who took the stage to share details about the upcoming Higher Education Partnership Conclave. He spoke about the need for more intentional, structured international collaborations and how this event aims to facilitate that. Yasir emphasized the value of focused, actionable dialogue between institutions, rather than broad, unfocused networking.

He then introduced the Third Edition of the Simpled Higher Education Partnership Conclave, which will take place on 16–17 September 2025 in Goa, India. This edition will continue to build on what’s worked in previous years—offering one-on-one meetings, interactive sessions, and expert-led workshops to help institutions lay the groundwork for sustainable academic partnerships.

Vincent J. Amoia - Executive Director of Sino-American/European Cooperation at CCIP

Vincent J. Amoia took the spotlight next. He opened by discussing the benefits of exchange programs for students, emphasizing that a Western diploma boosts employment opportunities, and the American degree remains highly valued globally.

He explained how English-taught courses serve as a strong academic foundation, especially for students planning to study further in the U.S. Beyond academics, he highlighted the value of immersive experiences—helping students build confidence, adaptability, and a global mindset. Vincent also pointed out the cost-efficiency of these programs, which offer international exposure without the expense of a full four-year degree abroad.

Unregistered Partnerships (MOU-only) 

 VS. 

 Registered Partnerships (MOE/Provincial Approval of the Articulation)

Why Are Registered Partnerships More Successful?

In the webinar, we highlighted why registered partnerships are often more successful, particularly in the context of internationalization. One of the key impacts is on the rankings of Chinese institutions and the career progression of university leaders.

Quantitative success is seen in student transfer rates and graduation rates, which directly reflect the effectiveness of international collaborations. Qualitative success, on the other hand, includes improved academic performance, better opportunities for graduate school admissions, higher research involvement, and greater participation in international competitions.

Why are students in a MOE-approved partnership better prepared to study in the US than students from unregistered articulation partnerships?

Benefits for the US Institution

Requirement and Opportunity

MOE Registered Partnership Rules/Cost

• No upfront/consulting expenses for CCIP - Partners don't need to pay any initial or consulting fees to participate in the China Cooperative Institutional Program (CCIP).

• One application per partner per application window with MOE - Each partner institution can submit only one program proposal per Ministry of Education (MOE) application cycle.

• 4-year waiting period for resubmission - If an application is rejected, the same program can't be resubmitted for another four years.

• Maximum of 6 partnership articulations (including 3 majors in a 4+0) - Each institution can have up to 6 official partnership programs, with a maximum of 3 full-degree (4+0) majors.

• 1/3rd rule satisfied by Curriculum Internationalization or Overseas Faculty Placement - To meet the MOE’s “1/3rd foreign input” requirement:

  • Curriculum Internationalization: At least one-third of the program uses foreign (partner) curriculum, typically through shared syllabi, textbooks, or course design.

  • Overseas Faculty Placement: At least one-third of the program is taught by faculty from the foreign institution, either onsite or online.

Course Mapping & How to Introduce Courses?

• Share U.S. curriculum & select 9-14 courses.

• CCIP drafts proposal for Dean/Chair review.

• Finalize mapping & submit MOE application.

• Faculty recruitment

• CCIP Support

MOE Registered 3+1 

Provincially Approved Junior College Articulations

Most Popular Majors

• Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Biomedical)

• Computer Science/Big Data/Data Analytics

• Accounting

• E-Commerce

• Arts (Digital Media Design, Animation, Game Design)

Changes in the Chinese Educational Landscape:

• Updated MOE Guidance

The Ministry of Education has introduced new policies focused on improving program quality and aligning education with national development goals. These updates include stricter oversight of international partnerships, curriculum enhancements, and an emphasis on innovation and practical outcomes.

• Graduate Employment Pressures

China faces mounting pressure to ensure meaningful employment for its growing number of university graduates. In response, the government is promoting skills-based learning, expanding vocational pathways, and encouraging closer collaboration between universities and industry to better match graduate skills with job market needs.

Changes in MOE Guidance

• No more 2+2’s

• 4+0’s most desired

• 3+1 with direct course offering is preferred

• 3+1 with only course introduction is

• Global ranking is a top priority

  
  

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  What is Partnership Conclave?

A highly focused B2B networking event designed exclusively for academic institutions seeking meaningful partnerships. The conclave brings together institutions serious about engaging in academic collaborations under one roof to accelerate the process and save institutions valuable resources. 

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