Chinese Connection at Dominican High School

will forge an international connection with China next year through a partnership with China Education and Research Network.

CERNET, an agency of the Chinese government’s Ministry of Education, is a widely acknowledged international education program.

CERNET establishes relationships with education institutions in the United States in an effort to provide international students an opportunity to participate in a college-preparatory program that will help prepare them for the demands of higher education in the United States.

In a news release, Dominican Head of School Colleen Brady said the partnership will be a unique cultural learning experience.

“We are excited about this opportunity not only for the Chinese students but for our students. It has always been the mission of Dominican School to provide students with as many opportunities as possible to live and be active participants in a global society.

In December 2011, CERNET partnered with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to offer international students a college-preparatory program known as the Wisconsin International Academy (WIA). The WIA program is modeled after the successful program CERNET implemented in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts in 2008.

While CERNET has offered a preparatory program at the collegiate level, the WIA program at Dominican High School will be the first program to be offered at the high school level. The WIA programs will launch at both UWM and Dominican High School in the fall of 2012.

"This partnership with CERNET will provide our students with insight into the Chinese educational system and some of the cultural differences between our countries. We also hope that we will be able to have cultural and educational exchange programs in the future for both students and teachers.”

Dominican High School administrators will travel to China this month to attend education expositions and visit middle and high schools in an effort to promote the academic program offered at the school. Dominican anticipates between ten and fifteen students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, to enroll for the 2012-2013 school year. 

CERNET will provide participating students a transition program including language and cultural courses, living facilities, supervision and guidance.