The program invites leaders from different sectors to mentor students in developing their leadership skills. And students from around the world can take field trips around China to see more of the country and better understand its culture.

This autumn, Tsinghua University celebrated the opening of GIX (global innovation exchange) institute building in Seattle, focusing on technology innovation.

The first dual master's degree program there, Connected Devices, integrates design thinking, information technology and entrepreneurial skills to train students integrating resources and leveraging the innovation ecosystem to change the world.

"This is a process to introduce faculty and students to globalization and the ecosystem of global knowledge and global study," says Gao. "We also want to contribute to the internationalization of higher education."

While offering students overseas experience and resources, the university has also been encouraging international institutions across the globe to diversify their campuses.

With more than 3,000 international students from 116 countries and regions on campus, Tsinghua also offers 20 graduate programs taught in English and invites scholars from around China and abroad to give lectures.

In recent years, Tsinghua University has signed more than 280 agreements with universities from 49 countries and regions around the world.

"Eventually, we want to prepare our students to be responsible citizens in an everchanging world," says Gao.