1. Leiden University to discover Henk Frencken, educational advisor ICLON, Leiden University, Michiel van Geloven, advisor, CHECK-IT. CEAIE- NUFFIC Sino-DutchHigher Education Forum, Rotterdam, 25th of June 2012. CHECK-IT a Sino-Dutch Living Lab in China

2. Leiden University to discover Is your only Chinese Ni Hao? Or dont you dare to speak English? Not so for a group of Dutch and Chinese Information Technology students. In China they do their internship assignments in joint groups. For that purpose, they and their teachers run the CHECK-IT Knowledge Center, located in the Software park of Xiamen in Southern China. Universities of Applied Science: Leiden, Zuijd, HAN, & the Hague, and Leiden University cooperate with Xiamen University Software School.

3. Leiden University to discover First impressions of CHECK-IT For a first impression we go to the website of CHECK-IT: www.checkitcenter.comwww.checkitcenter.com The program runs this website to attract assignments from companies in China and the Netherlands. The website also facilitates Knowledge Creation around intercultural IT development and research. CHECK-IT has a short promotion film on Vimeopromotion film

4. Leiden University to discover Main principles of CHECK-IT Competency Based Education Learning takes place in a professional context – students work on industry assignments – Check-it is run as a company Learning takes place in an international context – students work in international teams – many assignments of international companies Learning takes place in an intercultural context – students live and work together – intercultural exchange and learning is explicit in our program.

5. Leiden University to discover A short history…… In November 2007 a study trip to China was organized by ICLON, graduate school of teaching, Leiden University.ICLON A conference took place in Xiamen on Entrepreneurial Higher Education in China and the Netherlands, organized jointly with the Xiamen University Institute of Education.Institute of Education There the idea for CHECK-IT was born. In 2008 partners and formulated a project proposal. In 2009 a grant was received from the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Also contributed.

6. Leiden University to discover Current situation…… From September 2009 until now Dutch and Chinese students cooperate in IT development projects. Since February 2012 the sixth batch of students works at CHECK-IT. Supervision by Chinese and Dutch staff. Total number of Dutch students has grown to about fourty per year

7. Leiden University to discover CHECK-IT as a knowledge production center Run by students, monitored by Chinese and Dutch staff. Students work on their own projects but also for the Check-IT Center: give and take: Check IT website and office. Daily running of the Center. Organizing knowledge exchange seminars. Organizing China & Holland culture activities. Introducing new students and staff. Marketing and communication of the Center and acquisition of new internship projects. Learning Chinese language and culture.

8. Leiden University to discover Benefits for the students… Dutch students: exposure to China, Chinese students and Chinese culture. Chinese students: internationalization at home. Language learning: English and Chinese. Embedded internship in China. Support in finding challenging industry assignments. Learning to work in an international environment. Developing international and cross-cultural competencies. Work with Chinese and international companies.

9. Leiden University to discover Benefits for educational partners… Student mobility: embedded internships for students. Development of international and cross-cultural competencies. Staff mobility an staff professional development. Close contacts between Chinese and Dutch institutes and companies. Exchange of educational experiences: Competency based education Relation between education and industry Internship models Study program specific overseas experiences. CHECK-IT as an object for educational research and experimentation.

10. Leiden University to discover Utilization of up-to-date knowledge and skills of students. Mutual contacts through student exchange, building of trust. Exploring and understanding markets, demand and supply opportunities, outsourcing, etc. Contacts with students as potential employees. Use of and contribution to knowledge in the CHECK-IT Center. Benefits for industry partners…

11. Leiden University to discover Establish a clear educational and institutional embedding. Ensure support from the top of your institutions. Keep it simple, lean & mean. Reach a financial break even within two years. Screen students and staff on motivation, stamina and cultural sensitivity. Prepare students and staff intensively before departure/participation. Establish a clear and explicit company culture within the center. Help to spread the Check-it idea. Ensure ownership from all stakeholders. Recommendations for your own living labs….