This study aims to assess the evolution of international cooperation and exchange within private colleges and universities situated in Jiangsu Province, China. The 1990s marked a period of substantial international development propelled by economic internationalization. This trend became an important aspect of the international education sector, garnering widespread attention. China’s higher education system mirrored this international trajectory by actively embracing diverse perspectives while refining existing ones. The fulfillment of China’s educational and economic potential relies on a strategic commitment to internationalization. Private colleges and universities in Jiangsu Province, operating as subsystems within the broader educational framework, play an important role in this context. As microcosms reflecting the overall strength of educational institutions, these subsystems consist of various internal components and external influences. The quality of operations in private establishments manifests on two levels: the extension level, encompassing factors like student enrollment, graduate numbers, and teaching infrastructure; and the connotative level, directly impacting overall educational quality. The study reveals a heightened interest among professionals and researchers in higher education regarding the internationalization efforts of private colleges and universities. Recent years have witnessed a significant surge in attention to this aspect, underscoring its importance in the broader discourse on international education. A notable contemporary example of educational internationalization is the rapid expansion of education services across multiple countries, highlighting the international interconnectedness of higher education institutions. This research emphasizes the crucial role played by private colleges and universities in Jiangsu Province in fostering international cooperation and exchange, contributing to the ongoing discussion on the internationalization of higher education.