From June 9 to 10, entrusted by the Ministry of Education, the expert panel from the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) visited Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (BUCEA) to conduct the on-site review for Higher General Education Accreditation for International Students in China (initial accreditation). Chairman of the BUCEA’s University Council ZHENG Yu, President ZHANG Dayu, and Vice President CHEN Zhaohui participated in the review. On the morning of June 9, ZHANG Dayu presided over the entry briefing for the expert panel.

ZHENG Yu, Chairman of the BUCEA’s University Council, delivering a welcome speech

 At the entry briefing, ZHENG Yu extended a warm welcome to the experts. He emphasized that international student education has always been an integral part of the university’s internationalization strategy, incorporated into the university’s overall development plan. Through the in-depth implementation of the “Study in BUCEA Project,” BUCEA has established a comprehensive education system covering bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs for international students. A distinct pattern has been formed, featuring English-taught master’s programs and a multi-track cultivation model. In recent years, BUCEA has continuously enhanced the quality and global impact of international education through initiatives such as launching the Belt and Road Architectural University International Consortium (BRAUIC) and building overseas practice bases for talent development. He stated that BUCEA will take this accreditation as an opportunity to comprehensively review its outcomes, optimize its training system, and further focus on cultivating international talents in urban development.

AN Yan, Deputy Secretary-General of CEAIE

 On behalf of the CEAIE, AN Yan expressed gratitude to BUCEA for attaching great importance to the Higher General Education Accreditation for International Students in China. She acknowledged the achievements of BUCEA in this field and noted that this Accreditation is a key initiative to bring out the full potential of higher education. She emphasized that BUCEA possesses rich internationalization resources and that the Accreditation demonstrates the university’s strong confidence and determination.

SHEN Jie, head of the expert panel, outlining the review plan and expectations

 SHEN Jie introduced the scope and requirements of the review. He stated that the panel would conduct a comprehensive assessment of BUCEA’s international student programs after entering the campus. He emphasized the hope that university departments would collaborate closely with the panel to identify problems, summarize experiences, and provide scientific recommendations for the sustainable development of international student education.

Vice President CHEN Zhaohui introducing BUCEA’s international education and self-assessment work

CHEN Zhaohui reported on BUCEA’s international student education and the progress of self-assessment and reform. She introduced key aspects such as student enrollment scale, program structure, training models, and distinctive practices. She stated that the university will focus on building a “comprehensive external affairs” framework, expand its overseas base network across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and improve the standardization of international education.

During the two-day on-site review, the expert panel conducted field visits to the library, the large multifunctional vibration testing laboratory, the Engineering Practice and Innovation Center, and the “one-stop” student community. They gained an in-depth understanding of specific measures, management models, and outcomes in international student training, and conducted a detailed evaluation of the university’s performance in teaching, student management, and academic development.

At the feedback and exchange session held on June 10, the expert panel affirmed that BUCEA has clear objectives and a sound system for international education, based on its unique position as an architecture-focused university. The panel highlighted BUCEA’s achievements in engineering talent cultivation, practical teaching base development, and the integration of Chinese and international students. The panel offered targeted suggestions: 1. Strengthen top-level design and improve collaboration between the administration and its departments; 2. Optimize the student recruitment structure by expanding efforts in key regions such as Central Asia and Southeast Asia, and develop source base networks through BRAUIC universities; 3. Enhance the development of international faculty; 4. Deepen alumni engagement by establishing overseas alumni networks through cooperation with industry and enterprises.

Expert panel making comments

ZHANG Dayu, President of BUCEA, giving a response speech

ZHANG Dayu expressed his gratitude to the expert panel. He stated that the on-site review for the Higher General Education Accreditation for International Students in China is not only an important evaluation of BUCEA’s international education efforts but also a critical opportunity to enhance the quality and efficiency of its internationalization strategy. He noted that the expert feedback provides valuable guidance and practical insights. He said that the university will follow up in four ways: 1. Unify thinking and immediately mobilize to carry out corrective actions; 2. Strengthen accountability by improving problem lists and rectification records; 3. Address both the root causes and symptoms by enhancing the long-term governance mechanism for international education; 4. Focus on distinctive features and build a large platform for international educational exchange and cooperation.