The UMASS Express for Shida Middle School

Cooperation Review
The principal of Shida Middle School and the Vice Chancellor of UMASS-Boston are both experts in education procedures and teaching methodologies of China and the United States. They have conducted various educational dialogues in both China and the U.S. on faculties and teachers、facilities, application for students, etc.  These exchanges have given a great boost to the implementing of UMASS Express at Shida.


Principal Zhang Guoxi of Shida Middle School, Beijing talking to Vice Chancellor of Umass-Boston, Kathleen Teehan at Umass.


Principal Zhang Guoxi visiting MAIA having a wonderful talk with MAIA Principal Dr. Brenda Finn.




Principal Zhang Guoxi visiting MIT and Harvard


Mr. Lenhardt, deputy commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, visit Shida Middle School






Vice Chancellor of UMASS-Boston, Ms. Kathleen Teehan visiting Shida Middle School


The Signing Ceremony
The Initiation of UMASS Express for Beijing Shida Middle School

After frequent visits and in-depth communication on education concepts, Shida Middle School of Beijing and UMASS-Boston Signed their agreement of Cooperation Intentions on September 24th, 2011.

At the ceremony, Principal Zhang Guoxi addressed his decade-long dream to build the most exceptional school in Beijing that boasts a top-rate quality of education----something he has achieved with an international education system that is accredited in China. Shida’s cooperation with UMASS and MAIA is the first step the school has taken to realize this dream. He sincerely hopes the cooperation will be advantageous from all aspects to lay an “expressway” for students to study abroad: Shida + MAIA = Umass.

Ms Kathleen Teehan expanded on Principal Zhang’s dream, stating it is also the dream of UMASS and MAIA. They have discussed many times about planning international programs in Chinese high schools and have sought opportunities many in China. The educational concepts and goals of Shida perfectly match those of UMASS, making it an ideal partner for UMASS-MAIA. UMASS is dedicated to collecting its best educational resources to strive for the success of Shida’s International Department and the “Umass Express.”

The chief representative of UMASS-MAIA, Ms. Lily Sun also explained that the MAIA China office will fully commit to ensure the success of the UMASS-EXPRESS and make sure the program benefits students the most.

After the meeting, a correspondent from China Education Online interviewed Principal Zhang Guoxi and Ms. Teehan for their education concepts and plans about the international program.




Principal Zhang Guoxi addressing the ceremony


Ms Teehan delivering a speech at the ceremony


Shida delegation visits the U.S.
Objectives of the visit
After specific research during the visits to UMASS-MAIA by Shida officials, Shida Middle School determined to turn a new leaf in its internationalization process by confirming the cooperation with the UMASS Express program. The model of this program is 2 years study in Shida and 1 year in MAIA.

As the program’s American partners, UMASS and MAIA are what parents and students are eager to learn about. In the light of this, Shida organized a delegation to visit the U.S., in order to help get a better understanding of UMASS and MAIA, and in addition the American Education system.
1.Experience classes at MAIA in person
2.Dialogues with Dr. Brenda Finn, principal of MAIA, for a better understanding of MAIA’s Teaching and Managerial system
3.Communication with administrators of UMASS to gather information about majors、rankings, and other details
4.Talk with the Enrollment Counselor of UMASS to get familiar with the application requirements and procedures
5.Talk with students at UMASS for their feedback about studying abroad and living in the U.S.
6.Understand the UMASS Express program, i.e., how Shida + MAIA = UMASS
7.Experience the local culture and education, to clarify decisions

Distinguishing features of the Winter Camp
Tour top-ranked universities and colleges in the U.S, offering students the American higher education experience in person.
1.Tour Harvard、MIT 、UMASS and other 6 universities in Massachusetts, help students lay out future goals.
2.Cultural integrations:  Learning in American classes and interacting with local students. Visit American historical sites to get a better cultural understanding.
3.American Classes:  Distinguished with other tours, the winter camp offers students opportunities to sit in American classes for real lessons.
4.Across Country: The tour goes from the east coast to the west, those on the tour can enjoy a comprehensive visit throughout the country.