Prof. Zhang Shaogang, Vice president of the Open University of China, together with Prof. Liang Xiaoqing, Director of Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language Center, and Prof. Li Yawan, Director of International Cooperation & Exchange Division paid academic visits to CIBT and other institutions like Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Sprott-Shaw Community College, Faculty of Business Administration in Simon Fraser University, British Columbia Institute of Technology in Canada, Thompson Rivers University, seeking opportunities for collaboration and negotiating with the counterparts about the content and format in collaboration in

the field of distance education and mutual culture exchanges. Then the delegation went to the United States to participate in the Executive Advisory Board Meeting at Confucius Institute of Michigan State University. After the meeting, Chinese delegates flew to the University of Phoenix On-line, conducting a visit to Learning Resource Center, Data Center, and Call Center and discussed with VP, Corporate Development in China and North Asia from Apolo Global. The visit has been proved very productive and meaningful through profound discussions and good views exchanges. The next step is to follow up collaboration and specify the relevant procedures.

1. Prof. Zhang Shaogang, Vice president of the Open University of China, together with Prof.Liang Xiaoqing, Director of Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language Center, and Prof.Li Yawan, Director of International Cooperation & Exchange Division paid an academic visit on the 21st of October, 2009 to Emily Carr University of Art and Design, talking with Dr. Ron Burnett, President and Vice Chancellor for further collaboration.

2. On the 22nd of October, 2009, President and Chief Executive Officer of CIBT, Toby Chu and other top-management from Sprott-Shaw Community College meeting the delegation from the OUC headed by Prof. Zhang Shaogang, Vice President of the Open University of China.

3. On the basis of seminar in Beijing for the joint research project of PLAR, three delegates from the OUC: Prof. Zhang Shaogang, Prof.Liang Xiaoqing, and Prof. Li Yawan had further discussion on how to  launch the joint research work on PLAR with President Roger H. Barnsley, Associate Vice President Gordon Tarzwell, Interim Associate Vice President Vera Wojna, and Director of PLAR on October 24, 2009.

4. On the 26th of October, 2009, the Executive Advisory Board Meeting was held at Confucius Institute in Michigan State University. Prof. Zhao Yong delivered an annual summary report to the board members. Dr. Lou Anna K. Simon, President of Michigan State University and other members participated the meeting.

5. A fruitful discussion was taken place between the OUC and Apolo Global. Both sides exchanged views and ideas for further strategic development on Chinese teaching in the U. S. at the headquarters of Phoenix on October 28, 2009.