GIA Expands China Education Programs

RAPAPORT... The Gemological Instituteof America (GIA) will offer remote learning to students in China, expanding its collaborationwith ShanghaiJiao Tong University (SJTU). The GIA's distance-educationprograms will allow participants to access equipment and gemstones in self-studystudent workrooms at SJTU, enabling them to complete the courses' practicalaspects. "Education is thecornerstone of GIA's mission to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry,and this initiative with SJTU brings us a step closer to providing moreaccessible gem and jewelry education to students around the world," said DuncanPay, vice president and chief academic officer at GIA. TheGIA began offering campus-based courses at SJTU in 2011, when it launched its GraduateGemologist course there. The cooperation now includes GIA's Jewelry Designprogram, as well as the accelerated Graduate Diamonds and Graduate ColoredStones programs. Morethan 500 students have received GIA diplomas from on-campus programs at SJTU.GIA's distance-education initiative is set to expand its reach, providing itsservices to a larger number of students across China. Image: Shanghai Jiao Tong University. (Pixabay)