NAFSA is pleased to announce a new sponsor for the Chinese Pre-departure Orientation Web site. Effective February 1st, 2007, the American International Education Foundation (AIEF), a nonprofit organization based in California, will host the site at http://www.china-nafsa.aief-usa.org. NAFSA is appreciative of AIEF’s contribution to sponsoring the site, as well as its commitment to continuing to provide timely, pertinent information to Chinese students (and others) coming to the United States. Following the transfer of the Chinese Pre-departure Orientation resources to AIEF’s new site, a link to the site will be maintained on NAFSA’s Web site. 

Since 1992, AIEF has worked with educators, school representatives, business leaders and government officials worldwide on programs that bridge the information gap between international students and U.S. academic institutions. NAFSA extends its gratitude to Stephen Smith, Director of AIEF’s Washington Metro Area Office, and chair of NAFSA’s China Member Interest Group, for his efforts to facilitate an uninterrupted flow of information to Chinese students and scholars.

NAFSA oversaw development of the site, and is grateful to the original sponsor, SMBC Global Foundation, and the volunteers who assisted in the design and development. Gang Wang, associate director of the Office of International Students and Scholars at Yale University (U.S.A.) designed the site. Gary Althen, retired director of the Office of International Students and Scholars at the University of Iowa (U.S.A.) wrote the material. 

The site, available in both English and Chinese, is intended for people in China who have been admitted to a college or university in the United States for use before leaving China. International educators can share the link with Chinese students to help assure that they do everything possible to enhance their travel and study experience. Students can also refer to the site after arriving in the United States to help them achieve their objectives and avoid problems. Students from other countries may also find much of the information helpful.