Students can obtain two Computer Science degrees: one from Simon Fraser University and the second from Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China
Simon Fraser University’s School of Computing Science dual degree program received the 2012 British Columbia Council for International Education’s (BCCIE) award for “outstanding program in international education.” This province-wide award was accepted by Dr. Rob Cameron, the associate dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences on June 26. This was BCCIE’s third annual International Awards Banquet, which coincided with their annual Summer Seminar in Kelowna. The award is described by the BCCIE as recognizing “high quality and highly creative programming in international education.”
The program was introduced in 2005, and was Canada’s first dual degree program offered to undergraduate students studying computer science. This program allows students to obtain two degrees in computer science; one degree from Simon Fraser University, and the second degree from Zhejiang University (ZU) in Hangzhou, China.
Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province, southwest of Shanghai. Zhejiang University is known as one of the top three universities in China, and in 2011, the ZU computing science team won the championship in the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest World Finals.
Chinese and Canadian students who complete the dual degree program not only obtain a degree in computer science from each university, which gives them a competitive advantage, but also gain a unique cultural experience from both Canada and China.
Danyu Zhao, coordinator of the dual degree program at SFU, stated that the program “will benefit students’ personal and professional growth.” Zhao also said that “the program is preparing students with cross-cultural skills, and the ability to navigate different cultures effectively, and experience working in the IT industry in a foreign country.”
Most dual degree programs in North America consist of a one-way exchange of students. Zhao therefore considers SFU’s computing science dual degree program to be “one-of-a-kind” in the sense that both sides of students from each university study at both SFU and Zhejiang University. Zhao also stated that the dual degree program at SFU has had a significant role in fulfilling SFU’s vision of “Engaging the World” by providing students with the opportunities to travel abroad.
In 2011, this same award was presented by BCCIE to Thompson Rivers University for their International Days, which showcases an array of cultures and international experiences. BCCIE accepts nominations for their International Education Awards Program from colleagues working at recognized independent schools, designated public and private post-secondary institutions, EQA-designated language schools, and public school districts within BC. Winners are selected by a peer committee, and are invited to the BCCIE’s annual Summer Seminar to accept their award.
