UWC常熟世界联合学院

1973

UWC and China

The history of the UWC movement in the mainland of China dates back to 1973, when Premier Zhou Enlai nominated 15 students to attend UWC Atlantic College. These were the first group of Chinese students who went abroad to study in the West after the founding of the People's Republic of China. During the following years, a steady stream of Chinese students were selected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and a number of affiliated schools and organizations to follow in the footsteps of these pioneers to represent China at UWC colleges.

Changshu is located in the Yangtze Delta and blessed by a mild climate. The yearly abundance of its harvests is what gave Changshu City its name -‘Changshu’ ( 常熟) a reference to the perennial ripeness of its produce. this 3,000-years-old city has been recognized nationally for its rich cultural heritage. It also boasts a picturesque landscape and UWC Changshu China is fortunate to be located on the banks of the largest lake, Kuncheng Lake. It is also easily accessible by highspeed train and car from Shanghai.

TIMELINE

1973

First group of students who went abroad to study in the West after the founding of the People's Republic of China.
The history of the UWC movement in the mainland of China dates back to 1973, when Premier Zhou Enlai nominated 15 students to attend UWC Atlantic College. These were the first group of Chinese students who went abroad to study in the West after the founding of the People's Republic of China. During the following years, a steady stream of Chinese students were selected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and a number of affiliated schools and organizations to follow in the footsteps of these pioneers to represent China at UWC colleges.
Photo：1973年，First group of Chinese students at AC
1992

Opening of UWC LPC at HK SAR
Prince Charles (then President of the UWC movement) officially opened Li Po Chun UWC of Hong Kong.
Photo：1992年，Prince Charles at UWCLPC opening
2000

Start of a 15 year journey
Upon graduation from Red Cross Nordic UWC (RCNUWC), Jiapeng Mark Wang’s dream of establishing a UWC in China gained support from the founders of RCNUWC – Tom Gresvig and Magne Bjegne.
2003

First attempt
With the support from RCNUWC and Sabina Brady, the first draft of the feasibility report and the application letter to the UWC International Board were submitted.
2004

Special task force visits China
A special task force led by Board Vice Chair Derek Blackman (former Director General of the International Bacclaureate) and comissionsed by the UWC International Board visited China for the first time for a UWC China evaluation.
2009

Second task force commissioned
The UWC International Board sent its second task force to China led by Colin Habgood to review the possibility of establishing a UWC in Beijing and later in Changshu and Suzhou.
2010

Establishment of UWC National Committee of China.
The UWC National Committee of the mainland of China was established and took over the role of selecting students to attend UWC Schools and Colleges. Jiapeng Mark Wang (UWCRCN 98 - 00) became chair of the committee.
UWC 50th anniversary and signing of Letter of Intent of UWC Changshu China Project
Party Secretary Hui Jianlin, Mayor Wang Yang, other leaders of Changshu Government, some UWC alumni in China and founding members of UWC National Committee of China took part in the UWC 50th anniversary and signing ceremony of Letter of Intent of the UWC Changshu China Project.
2013

22nd April, signing of UWC Changshu China Project Cooperation Agreement
The Agreement officially kicked off the Project.
Group photo of all ceremony attendees
2014

29th March, ground breaking ceremony
The construction of UWCCSC started.
24th November, Final Approval
24th November, Final Approval from the UWC International Board to UWC Changshu China to admit students from 2015.
2015

8th May, World IB School Status
8th May, IB world school status awarded by International Baccalaureate Organization
September, construction completed
September, phase one construction of UWC Changshu China complete
30th September, founding year students arrival day
The founding year cohort consists of 127 students from 54 countries and regions.
7th November, Grand Opening
HM Queen Noor of Jordan and over 500 guests from across China and the world celebrated the Grand Opening of United World College Changshu China.