IF all goes as planned, Pacific Islanders could study journalism in one of China’s top universities.

Renmin University of China School of Journalism and Communications vice Dean Meng Bin said there were plans “to be more international”.

She made the comment in response to Pacific Islands News Association president Moses Steven’s comment at the welcome ceremony of 12 Pacific Island journalists at the university in Beijing on Monday.

Mr Stevens said while he was happy that Xinhua news agency had an office in Suva and that China was making its presence felt in the region, he was hopeful it would open a door for Pacific Islanders to study journalism in China.

Professor Meng said the university had an exchange program but she would focus on the long-term program — co-operating with schools from other universities for a summer school program.

She said summer school began in July and if any Pacific Islander was interested they could apply in May and June.

Prof Meng said the courses were taught in English and ranged from development of China, reforms and economics among others.

She called on the journalists to relay the message to universities in their countries that Renmin was willing to work with them.