Chongqing is one of the most dynamic regions in China, a country that has become a major player in the global economy and in post-secondary education. Laurier was the first Canadian university to establish an office in southwest China, and our leadership recently inspired the City of Waterloo to enter a “Friendship City Partnership” with Chongqing that will benefit both Laurier and the surrounding community.

Destinatation for Internatational Studies
The community of Waterloo has become a global centre for studies in international affairs, and Laurier is playing a leadership role in building that reputation. The university is a founding partner in the Balsillie School of International Affairs, a unique academic centre involving Laurier, the University of Waterloo and the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). In 2008, Laurier was awarded a second five-year term as host institution for the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS), an international association focused on multilateral relations and global governance. Laurier is also home to the Laurier Centre for Global Relations, whose director — alumnus Paul Heinbecker — is a former ambassador and permanent representative of Canada to the UN. A number of Laurier faculty members have cross-appointments to CIGI and the Balsillie School, and many Laurier students benefit from scholarships and research opportunities associated with these two world-class centres.

International Experience
As Laurier’s mission statement says, the university “challenges people to become engaged and aware citizens of an increasingly complex world.” We also value experiential learning. That’s why we have exchange agreements with universities in more than 20 countries, providing students and faculty with the opportunity to enrich their lives by studying and working abroad.

International Development
Many in the Laurier community are driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the world. Alternative Reading Week is a great example. Teams of students, staff and faculty devote their winter break to helping others, from restoring a school for special-needs children in Mexico to helping clean up in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.