UPEI signs MOU to provide education students with practicum opportunities abroad

The University of Prince Edward Island signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) this week to formalize an agreement between UPEI's Faculty of Education and Advanced Knowledge Database (AKD) International Inc in China. The agreement will provide opportunities for education students to teach abroad in a K-12 school in China during a six-week practicum.

The agreement was signed by Miles Turnbull, UPEI's Dean of Education; Christian Lacroix, Interim Vice-President Academic; and Andy Truong, Executive Director, AKD International Inc.

'Today, we are very pleased to meet and work with representatives from AKD International in China,' said Lacroix. 'This MOU is an excellent opportunity for UPEI in many ways. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.'

Turnbull agreed with Lacroix. 'The agreement will provide an excellent opportunity for education students who choose to complete a six-week practicum experience in a K-12 school operated by AKD International in China,' he said. 'International education and the opportunity to learn and teach in another country are key features of our teacher education program at UPEI. This opportunity in China will help us to expand horizons for future teachers who will graduate from UPEI.'

'Having the University of Prince Edward Island Faculty of Education interns on our campus in China will strengthen our pursuit for twenty-first century learning for our students,' said Truong. 'These quality UPEI interns will enhance their horizons for endless opportunity back in Canada or around the world. Classroom dynamics and geographics are ever changing and international experience will put these interns at an advantage.'

AKD is a parent company that operates 10 schools in China in the K-12 groups. It includes Beijing Concord College of Sino-Canada, Anhui Concord College of Sino-Canada, and Concord College Sino-Canada in Shenzhen. AKD also collaborates with the University of New Brunswick, University of Alberta, and Crandall University.