On November 28, 2019,Dr. Robert Smiley, the CIO and Director of International Education Program of the School District of Janesville (SDJ), Wisconsin, USA, visited International Education Association Shanghai accompanied by Director Zhang of China Representative Office. The Secretary-General of International Education Association Shanghai, Li Weiping and Deputy Secretary-General Chen Qiong extended a warm welcome to Dr. Robert Smiley and his party.

After a brief introduction by both parties, Dr. Robert Smiley and Deputy Secretary-General Chen Qiong had a discussion. Dr. Robert Smiley proposed on behalf of the AESA that he hopes to establish a friendly and cooperative relationship with the International Education Association Shanghai. Both parties conducted in-depth discussions on the possibility of this cooperation and how to implement the cooperation.

At the meeting, Dr. Robert Smiley expressed the hope that the two sides can reach a good cooperation and carry out substantive activities and projects to provide diversified and convenient communication opportunities for Chinese and American students. Deputy Secretary-General Chen proposed that the two sides can first develop online activities through the Internet and further develop offline activities when certain experience and achievements are obtained. Dr. Robert Smiley agrees with this form.

Dr. Robert Smiley presents souvenir to Secretary Li

Later, Deputy Secretary-General Chen shared some of the more successful educational exchange programs in Chinese schools, and stated that if the two parties cooperate, they can sum up experience from these successful examples, take precautionary measures in advance, and avoid some common problems.

Dr. Robert Smiley presents souvenir to Deputy Secretary-General Chen

During the discussion, Dr. Robert Smiley also introduced special education in the United States, such as robotics projects. Deputy Secretary-General Chen said that such a project will also be very helpful for Chinese students, which can improve their practical skills and cultivate interest in science. In addition, the two sides also discussed whether they can share some of their educational resources. If effective educational resource sharing can be achieved and the role of shared resources can be brought into play, then this will be of great benefit to the educational development of both parties. After the meeting, Dr. Robert Smiley presented souvenirs to Secretary General Li and Deputy Secretary General Chen, and warmly invited them to visit in Janesville.

Group Photo