The opening of the school in 2015 will enable around 500 students, one-third being Chinese and others being foreign students selected from more than 80 countries, to live and study together, enjoying the unique UWC experience. In addition to foreign students selected by UWC national committees, UWC Changshu China will admit a limited number of expatriate students living in China.
UWC Changshu China is an independent, not-for-profit school established by UWC alumni with the strong support of the Changshu City government. Having received preliminary approval from the UWC International Board in 2013, the school will be the second UWC in China, with the first being opened in the presence of Prince Charles in Hong Kong in 1992.
Ms Jill Longson, Vice Chair of the UWC International Board, speaks at UWC Changshu China's groundbreaking.
Mayor Wang Yang of Changshu City Government has spoken of the future school’s relevance to education in the city, saying, “UWC is a highly diverse and open school, its modern and inclusive education philosophy will help drive the internationalization of education in Changshu and China”.
Mark Wang, Chair of the UWC National Committee of China and the main driver of the school’s founding, emphasizes, “The founding of mainland China’s first UWC school is very significant. For Chinese students, they will have an incredible opportunity to live with and learn from friends from over 80 countries, all on Chinese soil. For young people from overseas, they will have an equally incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in China and to learn from Chinese students in a multi-cultural and inspiring environment”.
Xiaohang Sumner, Director General of UWC Changshu China, agrees with the sentiment. “UWC schools are unique in the world. They deliberately bring together students from diverse backgrounds and more than 80 countries to live together so that the value of diversity and international understanding is planted deep within them. A UWC education is for life – our students’ thirst to make the world a better place will be lifelong”.
First United World College in mainland China breaks ground
UWC Changshu China held its groundbreaking ceremony in Changshu, Suzhou on the 29th of March, 2014. The ceremony was attended by UWC representatives, alumni and supporters from all corners of the globe, as well as the city leaders of Changshu and Suzhou.