To promote international academic exchange and cooperation, Beijing Open University (BJOU) is pleased to launch the 2026 International Visiting Scholar Exchange Program. The program is now open for applications, with two positions available for teaching, research, and related professionals from open universities and higher education institutions worldwide. Focusing on "Lifelong Education" and "Artificial Intelligence," the program aims to build a sustainable platform for international collaboration, foster knowledge sharing, and advance collaborative innovation. Through in‑depth academic interaction and practical engagement, we look forward to working with global peers to explore technology‑enabled, inclusive, and open pathways for lifelong learning systems and to address shared challenges in the global education transformation.

I. Program Dates

• Period of the Program: September 13rd – September 19th, 2026 (1 week)

• Application deadline: 2026 June 30th, 2026

II. Essential Requirements for Candidates

a. Relevant working experience in open and distance learning.

b. Possessing a master’s degree or above, or demonstrate relevant expertise in teaching or research.

c. Applicants must have good communication skills in English or Chinese; non-native speakers of English or Chinese should provide proof of language proficiency.

d. Applicants must provide a certificate from their home institution or a recommender confirming a clean academic record.

e. Being in good health to participate in local events.

III. Required Application Materials (in English)

a. Curriculum Vitae (including a list of representative achievements).

b. A detailed research proposal for the program, covering specific arrangements in teaching, research, training, or other exchange activities. The proposal should align with BJOU’s practical needs and may involve research on BJOU itself or comparative studies between BJOU and the applicant’s home institution. Suggested research areas include, but are not limited to:

- AI-Enabled Open Education and Teaching Innovation (1) Smart learning environments and pedagogical innovation (2) Learning analytics and educational data mining (3) Generative AI applications in education

- Lifelong Education Systems and Urban Service Integration (1) Pathways and institutional innovation for learning cities (2) Enhancement of community education and childcare services (3) Digital elderly education models and curriculum development

- Educational Quality Assurance and Teacher Development in the Digital Era (1) Teachers’ digital literacy and professional development mechanisms (2) Online course quality evaluation and international comparison (3) Design of intelligent learning support and service systems

c. A letter of recommendation from the head of the applicant’s home institution

IV. Benefits and Support

a. A formal invitation letter for visa purposes

b. On-campus accommodation during the visit

c. Breakfast and lunch on weekdays

d. Office space with internet access

V. Personal Safety and Health (If applicable)

a. Each scholar is responsible for obtaining and paying for all necessary insurance, such as travel insurance.

b. Each scholar is responsible for maintaining personal health, safety, and belongings during the visiting period.

c. Medical coverage is not provided. Therefore, the scholar must make appropriate arrangements.

VI. Activities and Responsibilities at the BJOU

a. The nominated candidates should maintain regular electronic contact with the BJOU to inform the visa application process and travel plans. The BJOU will provide a formal invitation letter for visa purposes but is not responsible for obtaining visas for the selected scholars.

b. BJOU will provide accommodation and meals during the visit; travel expenses, living costs, comprehensive medical insurance, and other personal expenses are the scholar’ own responsibility.

c. The scholars are expected to give a presentation based on the research conducted during their stay at the BJOU. The presentation will also include an introduction to their own institution.

d. The scholars must complete the agreed-upon work outlined in their proposal as required by the host department, deliver an exchange report related to the program’s themes during the visit, and submit a final report of minimum 3,000 words to BJOU at the end of the program.

e. The scholars may access university facilities such as the library and gymnasium, and participate in academic conferences, public lectures, and other relevant on-campus events.

f. The scholars are expected to report on time while on campus and may not engage in off-campus part-time work or accept external invitations without prior authorization.

VII. Deferment

The successful applicants must complete the program by September 19th, 2026. No deferment will be allowed beyond this date unless relevant approval has been given.

Contact Information:

Ms. ZHOU Nan, Ph.D.

Office of Research and International Affairs, Beijing Open University

Email: wsc@bjou.edu.cn

Telephone: +86-10-82160889

Address: No.4A Zaojunmiao Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China.

Website: http://www.bjou.edu.cn/