With open and distance education and modern information technology as its feature of its internationalization, Shanghai Open University has been actively exploring international exchanges and cooperation profoundly and extensively so that the multi-dimensional framework of international exchanges and cooperation system with characteristics could be established and the internationalization path of open universities with Shanghai characteristics could be developed.

It brings the role of UNESCO Chair on UNITWIN Network in Distance and Open Learning into full play. By hosting large-scale international academic conferences and Serial International Training Workshops of UNESCO Chair on UNITWIN Network in Distance and Open Learning the University is trying to set up an international brand and important platform for global exchanges of distance education between China and foreign countries.

It actively emerges itself in the international arena extensively involving in academic exchange and cooperation organized by global and continental professional organizations, such as International Council for Open and Distance Education and Asian Association of Open Universities.
It endeavors to extend international exchanges and cooperation projects. For instance, it has established strategic partnership with overseas first-class open universities such as the Open University in UK and has launched successfully certain joint education programs, such as Sino-Japanese Comic and Animation Program and Sino-Australia Business Management Program. It has also introduced a variety of quality international educational resources.

It strives to create an environment for international development. On the one hand, overseas training programs for elite staff have been organized for ten consecutive years; on the other hand, serial innovation programs for the exchange of international teachers and students have been launched, such as International Visiting Scholar Program and Summer Camp for International Students of Open Universities, so designed as to promote the exchanges and dissemination of traditional Chinese and foreign cultures.