KSR and Beijing Sport University launch first dual-degree program

Cen Huang, vice-provost and associate vice-president from University of Alberta International (UAI), and Kyra Pyke, dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, with Beijing Sport University President Zhang and Dean Jiang, unveiled the Beijing Sport University Alberta International School of Recreation, Sport and Tourism on Sept. 25, 2023.

In a significant step towards enhancing international collaboration, the University of Alberta's Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation and Beijing Sport University (BSU) unveiled the Beijing Sport University Alberta International School of Recreation, Sport and Tourism on Sept. 25, 2023. This partnership comes at a time when internationalization in the field of sport and tourism is gaining momentum. 

In a weeklong visit Sept. 20 to 27, five delegates — including Kyra Pyke, dean of the faculty, and Cen Huang, vice-provost and associate vice-president from University of Alberta International (UAI) — made their way to China to take part in this groundbreaking partnership. This collaboration promises a rich exchange of knowledge and offers students in China a world-class education where they can earn a dual degree. 

"Participating in the opening ceremony for the first class in (the faculty's) dual degree with BSU was an honour and a pleasure,” says Pyke. “It represents the culmination of over a decade of relationship building and is an important international partnership. It was inspiring to meet the first cohort of students at the International School who will earn our bachelor of arts in recreation, sport and tourism degree as well as a degree focused on recreation or tourism management from BSU. These students will learn important concepts related to improving quality of life across two cultures."

Huang emphasized that "in this era of rapid change and uncertainty, it’s partnerships like this that remind us of the enduring importance of commitment, community, collaboration, and the pursuit of our shared goals.  This opportunity not only allows us to commemorate great achievements we have accomplished but also to eagerly anticipate a brighter future and work towards the betterment of society for both Canada and China through the collaboration of our new international school in recreation, sport and tourism.”

Associate professor Brian Soebbing shares, "This trip was momentous, not just because we're launching a new partnership, but because (the faculty) had meaningful in-person connection with their counterparts at BSU. It's refreshing to finally meet in person after years of video calls."

While the program is still in its infancy and students are just beginning to navigate their new academic environments, there's palpable excitement about what the future holds. On the first day of class, Soebbing says, “students had a great deal of enthusiasm, curiosity, and plenty of questions.” 

The synergy between the U of A and BSU is evident, with both institutions sharing a long history of excellence and collaboration in research. "We've had connections and partnerships in various ways, from research to professor exchanges. Over time, the idea of this school emerged as a natural progression," says Soebbing.

Students enrolled in this program will earn two degrees: one from the U of A and the other from BSU. Graduates must meet both universities’ admission requirements and the program is jointly taught. Soebbing believes partnership benefits will be multifold. "Initially, our focus is on fostering connections between students across the two institutions. Over time, research collaborations and other forms of academic exchange will naturally fall into place."

When asked about integrating local culture into the curriculum, Soebbing pointed out the unique position of the Lingshui International Education Administration Pilot Zone, Hainan, China, where the campus is located. The area hosts several western institutions in collaboration with Chinese universities, all in their budding stages. "The growth of this zone will undoubtedly offer more opportunities for incorporating local culture and providing internships for students in China," he noted.

The Pilot Zone provides all the buildings and space for teaching, research and administration, campus service facilities, residence, libraries and recreation facilities for all five international schools housed in the zone. Conveniently, the beach is a mere 25 minutes away, giving students an enriching experience.

The dual degree will enhance the collaboration between the two universities, setting a transformative educational path for future leaders in sport, recreation and tourism. The pilot program also opens doors for faculty international teaching opportunities, with two U of A professors teaching in China in early 2024. As the first cohort begins, the Faculty and UAI are eagerly awaiting the innovative ideas and global perspectives they will bring.

From left, Kyra Pyke, dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR); Cen Huang, vice-provost and associate vice-president from University of Alberta International (UAI); Jingjing Gui, KSR assistant teaching professor; Jill Cameron, manager of international and community education in KSR; and Brian Soebbing, associate professor and KSR director of the Beijing Sport University Alberta International School of Recreation, Sport and Tourism all took part in the official celebrations.