History

International College Beijing (ICB) began in 1994, a time when joint educational programs between countries were not the norm. Through persistence and patience – and the fortunate timing of a chance dinner meeting – visionary educators from the University of Colorado Denver and China Agricultural University were able to bring to life the inherent potential of this promising U.S.-China partnership program.

A trial program began with a dozen students, followed by formal program approval. It resulted in ICB becoming the first joint program of its kind to be approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Serving as a model to other universities worldwide, the ICB program offers economics, communication, and dual degrees to Chinese students; these allow for study on both the Denver and Beijing campuses. American students on study abroad programs may also study in Beijing, fostering a truly global classroom for future world leaders.

As one the main founders and a former dean, Meng Fanxi explained, “The reason why we cooperate is because we believe the curriculum designed by the United States at CU Denver is very good.”

In 2024, celebrations were held in both Denver and Beijing to honor the 30th anniversary of International College Beijing. The ICB program is a beacon of opportunity for students who aspire to navigate the increasingly interconnected global landscape. It offers them a life-changing experience, preparing students with a global mindset and practical skills for an ever-evolving workforce and a changing world.

Learning an American liberal arts curriculum in China and in the U.S. empowers ICB students to hone their critical thinking and communication skills. CU Denver and CAU work effectively together in recognizing future trends and in designing programs accordingly. Minors are offered in Economics, Communication, Math, Philosophy, Public Health, and International Studies.

Considered to be among the top cooperative educational programs in China, ICB demonstrates how international partnerships can succeed through trust, adaptability, and shared purpose. Its graduates continue to shape industries, communities, and nations.

The ICB students, who earn grade point averages of 3.5 and higher, have continued on into prestigious graduate schools such as Yale, Cambridge, Tsinghua, Boston University, George Washington University, London School of Economics, Rutgers, and the University of Colorado Denver.

They have built successful careers as the next generation of global citizens, as innovators, communicators, policy makers, leaders, and as valuable members of society. Their work has contributed to well-recognized companies and organizations including China National Geographic, CGTN America, World Bank, Amazon, China Aerospace Construction Group, Google, and more.

Today, ICB has more than 3,400 alumni.

Alum Fan Zhang explained, “I like to regard Denver as my second home. I really want to experience the communication education China, but also in the United States, and become a global communicator.”

From learning in campus classrooms in Denver and Beijing to exploring museums, restaurants, and professional sporting events to snowboarding and skiing in Colorado’s scenic Rocky Mountains, ICB students enjoy a rich, fulfilling academic, cultural, and social experience during their college years.