UMass Global Visits Shanghai to Develop Cultural/Educational Partnership

ALISO VIEJO, CALIFORNIA (July 3, 2025) — University of Massachusetts Global forms partnerships with school districts, corporations, and other organizations to extend its education offerings to a wider audience. To kick off one of the university’s newest partnerships with Shanghai Open University, 12 UMass Global students, alumni, and partners recently spent 10 days in China observing K-12 education systems in a series of schools and engaging in Chinese cultural activities.

As a fully online university, UMass Global is expanding its global presence with recent expansions into Latin America and India. This exchange with Shanghai Open University is a kick-off to future delivery of University of Massachusetts Global’s online education in China.

Dr. Erika Saito, Director of Strategic Partnerships, PK-14 Education at UMass Global, worked with her Chinese counterparts to put the trip together. “The opportunity for this overseas partnership was a collaborative space that grew organically from a conversation into a reality,” she explained. “As educators, we understand the needs to connect and through this experience we are investing in the development of future global leaders within our classrooms.”

Saito said the goal of the June 9-20 Shanghai trip was to create a cultural bridge for education leaders in understanding K-12 systems in China. The trip had specific focus on practices in special education, visual and performing arts, English language instruction, bilingual education, and STEM.

“As UMass Global becomes more and more of a global institution,” Saito added, “these types of authentic opportunities to connect are incredibly important. This is how our university can become more integrated in China, understanding the unique needs of that nation’s education system.”

Trip participants spent their days visiting various Shanghai schools: a primary school, a middle school, an international bilingual school, a community college, and a special education school. One afternoon the group headed to the Shanghai Natural History Museum to explore STEM-based outdoor teaching and IT applications in science education. There were also cultural events — a visit to the Jiading Confucian Temple, making dumplings, an exploration of traditional Chinese medicine, among others — sprinkled throughout the 10 days. 

Irene Geivett, a current UMass Global student pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (Ed.D.), described her experience on the Shanghai trip. “What began as a professional opportunity quickly evolved into a transformative experience that broadened my worldview and deepened my passion for inclusive and transformational education,” Geivett said. “The warmth, hospitality, and professionalism of our hosts at Shanghai Open University made every session meaningful. From exploring Shanghai’s vibrant blend of tradition and innovation to engaging with Chinese educators on topics like special education, technology, and community involvement, every moment was filled with purpose and inspiration."