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Newton, Kan.
China Educational Exchange faces increased government scrutiny


Despite a 20-year history in China, the inter-Mennonite program China Education Exchange is currently facing increased scrutiny. MBMS International, the global mission agency of Mennonite Brethren churches in Canada and the US, is one of the supporting agencies of the program.

CEE sends English teachers from North America to universities and technical schools throughout China, and also facilitates exchanges that allow Chinese scholars and teachers to spend time at Mennonite educational institutions in North America.

The State Foreign Experts Bureau, an umbrella organization that loosely oversees foreign educational programs, in Beijing, has informed CEE administrators that CEE can no longer officially send English teachers to China. Specific reasons for this suspension have not been given.

CEE’s educational and church partners in China have encouraged CEE teachers to remain in the country on individual contracts that they sign rather than having CEE do it on their behalf. New teachers can still go to China with CEE but now will need to make their own visa applications and other arrangements.

“Despite the recent difficulties, universities and CEE partner agencies in China remain very supportive and continue to welcome English teachers from North America,” said CEE director Myrrl Byler.

Sometime this fall, CEE staff will deliver a written report on its activities to the State Foreign Experts Bureau, as requested, after which there could be a reversal of the suspension. “More information on the suspension may be forthcoming, but it is also possible that the true reasons will not be made known,” Byers said.

Meanwhile, the supporting agencies of CEE plan to have 36 teachers in China for the coming academic year, Byler said. Exchange professors will continue to come to North America, and other programs and activities will continue.

 – General Conference Mennonite Church News Service

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Last modified October 10, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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