The partnership will allow UIBE to create a collaborative curriculum at its Qingdao campus starting in the summer of 2018, while the first cohort of UIBE students is expected to arrive in Miami in August.

“[UIBE] is the top university in China in the fields of economics, finance and management business”

It will also enable FIU to establish a stronger presence in China, where its Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management in September 2006 began partnering with the Tianjin University of Commerce as part of the Marriott Tianjin China Program.

While at FIU, UIBE students will have the opportunity to earn degrees in international business and finance at the Chapman Graduate School of Business.

Dean of FIU’s College of Business Joanne Li described the partnership as “the beginning of a new era of cooperation” between both institutions.

“In the coming years, we will work together to take the relationship to the highest levels to benefit students, faculty, and alumni in our local and global communities,” she added.

As part of the three-year agreement, FIU will also have a strong brand presence in China, while a building on the Qingdao campus will be co-branded UIBE-FIU.

It is expected that the FIU-UIBE partnership will extend to collaborations and exchanges in FIU’s Healthcare MBA and PhD programs.

FIU and UIBE will also work closely on innovation in areas related to programs exploring the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data.

“UIBE is a national key university jointly-sponsored by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Commerce,” added Li.

“It is the top university in China in the fields of economics, finance and management business.”

A delegation from UIBE, led by the dean of UIBE Qingdao Campus visited FIU in January 2018 and finalised the partnership.