Stanford to open Asian branch in Beijing

BEIJING, May 26 (UPI) -- Stanford University and Beijing University signed an agreement Wednesday for Stanford to open its first Asian campus in the Chinese capital in September.

The official Chinese news agency Xinhua said the agreement calls for Stanford students to study at Beijing University, taught by professors from both schools.

Beijing University has had exchange programs with Stanford since 1994, with American students traveling to China to learn the Chinese language.

Stanford President John Hennessy said the university has sent students to study abroad for more than 30 years. In recent years, an increasing number of students have elected to study in Asia, he said.