QCC to Partner with Massachusetts International Academy

WORCESTER, Ma. – Quinsigamond Community College and the newly formed Massachusetts International Academy, owned by the China Education and Research Network (CERNET) have entered a partnership to work together for the mutual benefit and advancement of local students and MAIA students seeking to study abroad in the United States.

CERNET, China’s largest national academic network, will soon be opening a preparatory school in Marlborough for Chinese students studying abroad. MAIA plans to help Chinese students prepare to enter U.S. colleges and universities via a preparatory program that addresses cultural acclimation, language skills, and career selection. This will be accomplished through the MAIA curriculum and support through the partnership with Quinsigamond Community College.

QCC is offering to “host” and work with MAIA students to become involved in campus-based student activities, including excursions to museums, outings, and clubs, and provide custom programming that will enhance cultural awareness, immersion, and interchange. The international students will also have the opportunity to take part in QCC courses and programs that could lead to career certificates, associates degrees, and pathways to four year institutions. QCC will also work with MAIA to support online course access through UMassOnLine infrastructure for those MAIA students who may return to China for a time before coming back to Massachusetts. This will give MAIA students a jump towards attaining their degrees on their return.

“We are excited to be partnering with MAIA to explore greater opportunities for collaboration on educational options for our international students,” stated QCC President Gail Carberry.
On Thursday, May 21 at 9:00am, the President of MAIA, Mr. Yidong Zhu, and QCC President Carberry, will hold a joint signing ceremony on campus to officially announce the partnership.