Judson forges ties with China, Japan

Judson University has a history of involvement in the Third World, drawing its inspiration from namesake Adoniram Judson, who established a lasting American Baptist presence in Burma.

But the Christian liberal arts college has only recently begun to forge links to the developing world — countries with rising wealth and middle classes that are growing markets for American goods and investment.

The Elgin university has identified five countries where it eventually hopes to provide educational opportunities for its students: China, Japan, South Korea, India and Brazil.

Judson recently announced partnerships with universities in two of those countries, partnerships that could lead to a more visible international presence on the campus as early as the fall of 2011.

Judson and the Yancheng Teachers University (in northeast China) signed an agreement this month to open a China Center at Judson by Aug. 1, 2011. The China Center will provide classes in Chinese languages and cultures — opportunities that as yet have been unavailable at Judson.

“We've always had a strong international commitment,” University President Jerry Cain said. “We are expanding our global commitment to ascending nations.”

That commitment also includes a partnership formalized this month with Shokei Gakuin University in Japan.

While the Japanese partnership is not yet as robust as that with Yancheng, both relationships should result in more students attending Judson from China and Japan starting next year.

Those students will be able to pursue bachelor's or master's degrees as well as study abroad opportunities, adding to an international presence at Judson that includes students from more than 30 countries.

Cain says similar opportunities should be available for American students through Judson in about three years.

“We're ready to receive their students,” Cain said. “They are not quite ready to receive our students. They are not teaching enough in English.”