Professor Eric Avenel, dean of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Rennes 1 (Rennes 1), France, arrived at Jinan University (JNU) on December 14, 2015 for his second visit to the International School（IS）. Professor Avenel was hosted by Professor Wang Liwei, dean of the International School and Professor Tang Shuze, the former dean, who initiated the partnership with Rennes 1.

As a result of Professor Avenel’s visit this time, the two universities reached a cooperation agreement. Starting next fall, IS will send five students to Rennes 1 for one semester’s exchange study and the Faculty of Economics as Rennes 1 will send three exchange students to JNU for a year. Rennes 1 will also recommend one or two candidates to IS for its Master’s degree program in China studies. Both sides are also planning a summer program 2016 for French students to come to China and JNU students to go to France. The possibility of short-term exchange for faculty members was also agreed upon in this meeting.

This collaboration with Rennes 1 is the sixth tailored exchange program for IS students and faculty members. IS is also sending exchange students to partners in USA, Canada and Germany.

The University of Rennes 1 is one of the two universities in the city of Rennes, France. The University of Rennes 1 has been in existence since 1969, but its heritage stems back to the days of the Breton university founded in 1461. In Rennes, the University is split into three major campuses with all facilities. It also has several departments outside of Rennes, in Brittany. The University currently welcomes about 26,000 students (including about 3,400 from abroad), plus more than 2,500 in continuing education, all surrounded by 1,800 teachers and full-time researchers and about 1500 administrative and technical staff.

Revised by Diane