Xiamen University (XMU) is in Fujian on the South East Coast of China, and South of Amoy. (Amoy is a subtropical island. Its mean temperature is 21°C. Therefore, its summers and winters are mild.) From XMU, you can visit the sea and mountains. XMU is also ranked 22nd among Chinese universities. Chung-Ang University (CAU) and XMU made contracts for exchange students relationships in November 2005. Now, let us show about XMU.
Introducing XMU
Tan Kah Kee, a well-known patriotic overseas Chinese leader, founded XMU in 1921. It was the first university in China founded by an overseas Chinese. At present it is the only key comprehensive university directly affiliated with the Education Ministry in any of the five special economic zones and is one of China's higher-level universities designated for the state’s key construction of the “211 Project” and the “985 Project”.
China’s 211 Project is a highly funded project of the Chinese Government in which 100 universities are given priority to solve China’s manpower issues that are needed to implement the country's national development strategies and in strengthening a number of key scientific and academic disciplines into the 21st century.
211 translates as 21st Century and 100 Universities. In addition, the 985 Project started in 1998, and is a 3-year fund awarded to Universities, who make the 211 project and need additional funds for quality improvements, such as paying higher salaries to lure western and Chinese academics living aboard.
Since it’s founding over 50 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) have studied or worked at XMU. With its 18 schools (Humanities, Foreign Languages & Cultures, Law, Public Affairs, Economics, Management, Arts Education, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Physics and Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Life Science, Computer and Information Engineering, Mathematics, Software, Medical College, Architecture & Civil Engineering, Overseas Education, Adult Education College, Professional Technical College) containing 45 departments and a group of research institutes, XMU, has become a comprehensive university in humanities, social science, natural science, engineering and technology, management, art education, and medical science.
At present, 13 different subject areas have been assessed and awarded as “The national key disciplines”, and 65 subjects have been awarded as “The provincial key disciplines”. In addition, 5 subjects (Chemistry, Biology, Life Science & Technology, Economics and History) have been designated as “National educational centers for talents”.
Merit of XMU
- CAU students do not need to pay double tuition fees if they chose to go to XMU. CAU students only pay tuition fees at CAU. In addition, dormitory rents are also free.
Start of exchange for CAU students
-September 2006
Number of CAU exchange students needed
-Two students per semester.
Number of students at XMU
- XMU has a total student body of around 30,000 full-time students on campus, including 18,989 undergraduates, 10,591 master students, and 1,810 doctoral students. In addition, the university has over 6,000 overseas correspondence students.
Dormitory
There are two dormitories in the center of the university. This makes for easy access to classes and to the beautiful seaside. There is also a very convenient traffic system around the university. The Dormitories also contain a Cafeteria, cafe shop, fitness center, and various shops within the building. Each dorm room has a telephone, TV, Air condition unit, and toilet.
If you are interested in learning more about XMU and being a foreign exchange student, contact Ms. Shin in the International Center at caudic@cau.ac.kr or call 820-6124