A delegation from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) recently gathered at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a sustained partnership between GDUFS and the University of Maryland regarding the Master of Professional Studies in Public Administration (MPS-PA) program. GDUFS is widely recognized as a leading Chinese university excelling in foreign languages and cultures, overseas economy and trade and international strategies.
Dean Robert C. Orr, UMD Associate Vice President Ross Lewin of the Office of International Affairs and SPP Associate Director of Cohort Programs Michael Goodhart were present at the signing.
The history of collaboration between UMD and GDUFS dates back over a decade. It began with a series of agreements that brought GDUFS graduate students to UMD to serve as translation and interpretation interns at the UMD Office of China Affairs. Over time, the School of Public Policy began hosting cohorts of students from GDUFS in its MPS-PA program. To date, the program has matriculated more than 100 students, with graduates consistently securing coveted positions in organizations such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund.
Orr has played a crucial role in fostering connections with the leadership at GDUFS. This latest MOU serves as an umbrella agreement under which additional collaborative programs can be explored and developed.
Speaking about the signing, Orr said, "This MOU signing marks an exciting new chapter in our partnership with Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. It reaffirms our shared commitment to fostering global understanding and knowledge exchange. We are not just building connections between institutions. We are laying the foundation for a brighter, more collaborative future."
The MOU signing represents a significant milestone in the academic partnership between GDUFS and the University of Maryland. As both institutions commit to furthering their collaboration, this partnership is anticipated to yield valuable opportunities for academic exchange and international cooperation in the field of public administration.