Founded in Shanghai in October 1951, East China Normal University (ECNU) is one of the most prestigious universities in China. Since China opened up to the outside world in 1978, ECNU has developed rapidly into a comprehensive research university. At present, the University has 4 faculties, 30 full-time schools, 4 colleges, 8 advanced research institutes, one college of further education, and one national training center for secondary principals.