Dr. Dongyan Blachford 

 Prof. HAO Shiyun(right) is meeting Dr. Dongyan Blachford(left)  

 Seminar on Internationalization in Canadian Higher Education 

 Group photo at the CASS IEA 

    On 2nd of September 2008, Dr. Dongyan R. Blachford, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, Associate Professor of University of Regina in Canada, was invited by the Chinese National Academy of Social Sciences(CASS) to have a lecture on Internationalization in Canadian Higher Education and the Impact of Chinese-Canadian Professors.  

    Dr. Dongyan Blachford’s talk begins by providing an overview on internationalization in Canadian higher educational institutions including the contexts, the rationales, definitions, approaches and its impacts on both the Canadian society and globally. The information shared on the research project about the impact of Chinese-Canadian professors in the processes of internationalization in Canadian universities through their reflections on what their experiences mean to them and how these experiences have influenced their perspectives and their personal and professional lives, as well as the development of their identity.  

    Professor Blachford emphasised that how Chinese-Canadian professors’ experiences have contributed to the change and development of their home society, in this case, China and the Canadian society that they have chosen to remain in. The discussion also includes how these professors have served and continue to serve as bridges and champions for future policies and practices in internationalization, particularly on the relationship between Canadian and Chinese educational institutions as well as the two societies. The methodology included surveys, focus groups, and individual in-depth interviews. The research framework is based on the related literature. Although the experience of the University of Regina used as examples, the research conclusion focus on the implications of the research on issues regarding Canadian and Chinese relations as well as issues regarding internationalization of higher education in other parts of the world.  

    Dr. Dongyan Blachford’s areas of research include language policy and education, technology in teaching, social justice and gender issues. She is a member of the Board of the Immigrant Women of Saskatchewan, Regina Chapter.

    (Provided by DU Fachun, CASS)