New Opportunities: ICEF Hosts China’s SWUFE Delegation
On May 22, ICEF HSE hosted a delegation from the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics’ Research Institute of Economics and Management (RIEM SWUFE) in Chengdu, China, led by RIEM Executive Dean Professor Dong Yan.
During the meeting, the parties exchanged signed copies of a cooperation agreement for the joint delivery of a Double-Degree Bachelor Program in Economics and Finance. They also discussed future prospects for cooperation in areas such as joint Master’s program, research, student and faculty exchange, summer schools, and joint research projects.
Vadim Radaev, HSE University, First Vice-Rector
“ICEF has been one of the leading faculties here, it has always been on the frontiers of research and teaching in the Higher School of Economics. And I am happy that they found a partner among China’s highly ranked universities – RIEM SWUFE. I believe this double-degree program will be successful.”
Sergey Yakovlev, ICEF Director
“It is very important for HSE University to expand its academic partnerships with leading universities in Asia. This new double-degree program with China’s SWUFE represents a significant step in this direction, offering exceptional opportunities for student education and faculty collaboration while bolstering HSE’s global standing. Designed around symmetrical mobility, the program allows students to experience two distinct academic environments, spending two years studying in Moscow and two years in Chengdu. “
Yan Dong, RIEM Executive Dean
“I think we have a lot of similarities. You began introducing a more internationalized system of Economics education in Russia in the 1990s. We were established in 2006 because we needed to catch up with the world and upgrade our education in Business and Finance. For RIEM, this partnership with ICEF is an important milestone.”
The Executive Dean of RIEM expressed her gratitude to ICEF for its efficient work on launching this double-degree program in economics and finance. The new program aims to achieve a level of prestige comparable to existing successful partnerships between SWUFE and renowned institutions such as the University of Birmingham, the University of Alberta, Texas A&M University, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Glasgow.
In discussions with ICEF faculty, the delegation explored a range of collaborative opportunities, encompassing joint research projects, co-supervision of theses, participation in conferences and seminars, and the potential expansion of the partnership to master's program.
A highlight of the visit was a dynamic meeting between the RIEM SWUFE delegation and ICEF students, who have been accepted to ICEF-RIEM double-degree program or are planning to go on exchange or join the summer schools in SWUFE, as well as the Chinese students who are doing their bachelor’s or master’s at ICEF.
The students were particularly interested in SWUFE’s curriculum, teaching style, exams, and student life. The delegation provided detailed answers, highlighting aspects like guaranteed single-room accommodation for international students and the university's impressive sports facilities. In addition to basketball, football, and volleyball teams, RIEM offers opportunities for tennis, chess, and participation in various international student associations.
Professor Dong Yan provided a captivating overview of Chengdu, fondly known as "the panda city" for its proximity to the renowned Panda Base. She also shared insights into the RIEM campus, home to 1,000 students, including 150 international students. With two campuses boasting amenities like five canteens, laundries, supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants, SWUFE ensures a comfortable and vibrant experience for its students.
ICEF's brightest and most motivated students, those pursuing the double-degree track with SWUFE, will retain the opportunity to continue their studies towards a University of London degree as individual learners while in China. This challenging yet rewarding path will provide a unique international study experience and the chance to graduate with three degrees. One inspiring example is Egor Malakhov, currently on exchange at RIEM, who successfully completed his University of London examinations online from Chengdu.
This series of productive meetings with RIEM marks a significant step towards strengthening the partnership between ICEF HSE and this esteemed Chinese university.
