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As the central office responsible for coordinating the University’s international activity, the International Programs Office (IPO) has the mission of integrating a global perspective into the teaching, research, and public service programs of the University and reaching the goals of diversity and globalization imperatives of Vision 2020. IPO’s overall strategic goal is to make Texas A&M University one of the most internationally oriented of the ten best public universities in the United States. The University currently has formal research agreements with more than 135 institutions in 45 countries. It enrolls over 4,400 international students

from about 125 countries, and is ranked 17th in the nation in the number of international students enrolled (Institute for International Education’s Open Doors report). In 2007-2008 over 1,900 students participated in an international experience abroad and was ranked 18th nationally among doctoral/research institutions for the number participating in short term programs abroad. It maintains three overseas centers in Italy, Costa Rica and in Mexico. Texas A&M operates a branch campus in Doha, Qatar of fer ing four undergraduate engineering degrees in Chemical,

Electrical, Mechanical and Petroleum engineering. In addition, a research center and graduate programs will soon be established at the Qatar campus. The University is also a part of the network of 27 federally funded national centers for International Business Education and Research, maintains an Office for Latin American programs and an Institute for Pacific Asia and has received funding from the European Commission (EC) to support the European Union Center. For more information visit the IPO website at: http://international.tamu.edu.

Emily Y. Ashworth Executive Associate Vice President for International Programs 4251 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-4251 (979) 845-3086

Departments International Programs for Students International Faculty and Scholar Services Office for International Outreach Office for Latin American Programs Institute for Pacific Asia European Union Center of Excellence Qatar Support Office

Overseas Branch Campus and Centers Texas A&M University at Qatar Santa Chiara Study Center in Italy Texas A&M University Center in Mexico City Soltis Center for Research and Education, Costa Rica

Strategic Priorities IPO’s strategic priorities are guided by the Vision 2020 goals to make international education one of the many traditions that make Texas A&M unique among its higher education peers. Five overarching goals guide IPO’s strategic priorities: (1) Provide students and faculty with international opportunities; (2) Increase support for international students, faculty, and scholars;

(3) Forge strategic global partnerships that build on Texas A&M’s strengths; (4) Enhance resource development efforts; and (5) Achieve national and international recognition.

Academic and Research Programs

Outreach and Services Effort

The Qatar campus, in its sixth year of operation, has moved to a new engineering building. Student enrollment has grown to 336 and graduate and research programs are slated to begin in August 2009.

IPO received funding from the Chinese Ministry of Education to establish the Confucius Institute, which provides Chinese language and culture programs on campus and to the community through training public school teachers.

IPO received a $750,000 grant to offer Chinese and Arabic language immersion programs for Corps of Cadets students, and has been asked to develop additional Chinese immersion programs in China for all ROTC students around the U.S.

In the fall of 2008, the Texas A&M University Center in Mexico moved to a new location. The 6,500 sq. ft. space is donated by Pablo and Barbara Marvin and will continue to serve as the headquarters of Texas A&M’s presence in Mexico. A grand opening was held in June 2009.

IPO and the Vice President for Research are collaborating on the fourth China-U.S. Conference in Beijing, China in October 2009.

The new Soltis Center for Research and Education in Costa R i c a b e c a m e

operational in January 2009. The Center provides study abroad, field trips, research and service learning opportunities for Texas A&M students and research programs for faculty. A grand opening was held in June 2009.

What’s New

The Bush Excellence Awards in International Teaching and Research, established in 2002, and the Presidential Award of Excellence for Faculty Service to International Students rewards faculty while encouraging others to emulate their success. Such recognition is critical to promote international teaching, research and service as well as development of international awareness and worldwide linkages. In addition, the Outstanding International Alumnus Award honors Texas A&M graduates who have achieved career prominence while continuing to be loyal to the mission and goals of the University and thereby providing a positive role model for international students. Enhancing the welcoming atmosphere of Texas A&M and the local community to international faculty, scholars and students is a high priority for IPO. Linking with the local communities to provide information for a Welcome Handbook, hosting an Annual Welcome Barbeque and Holiday Reception, while providing educational opportunities for citizens to learn more about the rich diversity their international neighbors bring has proven very successful. IPO assisted in the creation of an International Faculty and Scholar

W o r k i n g closely with the Colleges and Vice President of R e s e a r c h , IPO has assisted in b u i l d i n g s t r a t e g i c partnerships in targeted regions. This includes the

5-year Collaborative Research Programs between Texas A&M and CONACYT (Mexican National Council on Science and Technology) with joint funding of $1 million. Since 2001, it funded over 92 research projects between A&M and Mexican collaborators. A China - U.S. bilateral conference program started in 2003 in College Station, Texas continued in 2006 in Peking, China and then in Washington, DC in 2007. It generated great interest for long-term research and exchange collaboration between Texas A&M and

Chinese institutions. The European Union Center, one of ten such official centers in the United States and the only one in the Southwest, plays an important role by sponsoring and supporting conferences and lectures, publications, curriculum development and programs, annual graduate student and faculty research grants and scholar-in-residence, and visiting scholars. IPO also provides enhancement funds to infuse an international perspective into academic programs through the Faculty Abroad Seminar (FAS) in the Texas A&M University Center in Mexico. FAS, in its 13th year, is A&M’s longest faculty development program and one third of CONACYT research grant recipients were FAS participants. Since 1995, 85 faculty members have been awarded international curriculum development grants that assist them in creating new or revising existing courses with an international emphasis. Since 1996, over 210 faculty members have received international research travel assistance grants to facilitate developing research projects with their foreign counterparts. The Academy for Future International leaders provides interdisciplinary study of global issues and leadership development for Texas A&M University undergraduates.

Network to provide opportunities for interactions, mentoring, as well as sharing their experiences with others in the community. IPO also works with student organizations and local community to sponsor an annual cultural week focusing on a specific country or region in the world. IPO also organizes the annual International Education week celebration to further enhance international awareness on campus and in the community.

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Providing students from both the U.S. and from abroad with a wide range of educational experiences through academic and professional training and by creating a global awareness through on and off campus programs. International Programs for Students is comprised of four offices: International Student Services, Sponsored Student Programs, Study Abroad Programs, and the Santa Chiara Study Center.

Mission

• Scholarship Administration Administers campus-based scholarships and advises students on applying for national awards. Some of these scholarships have been made available through the generosity of the Association of Former Students. • Study Abroad Program Liaison Services Coordinates pre-departure courses and activities, administers study abroad fiscal accounts, coordinates housing and logistics for overseas programs, and coordinates with overseas partners, international agencies, and other U.S. universities. • Student Advising/Resource Services Advises approximately 15,000 students annually on credit and non-credit opportunities abroad, maintains informational resources on study abroad and other international opportunities, provides travel and safety information, manages study abroad insurance, and advises students on insurance issues, and facilitates readjustment to the US. Oversees the university’s affiliation agreements with independent study abroad providers and advises on these programs. • Support Services for University Study Abroad Programs Provides support for centralized study abroad programs (e.g.,

assistance with accounting and fiscal processes and guidance on program development and administration); collaborates on administering reciprocal exchanges and in developing new international opportunities; collects and disseminates data on participation in international activities. • Academy for Future International Leaders (AFIL) Coordinates this intensive, interdisciplinary global leadership academic program designed for students from all majors. The year-long program provides each participant with mentors from among a pool of established international leaders; a semester-long seminar with renowned academic and business speakers on topics of global importance such as security, health, and sustainable development; and an optional international experience following the program. In addition AFIL outreach programs for freshmen include a Global Learning Community and the Dialogues with Global Leaders Dinner. • Santa Chiara Study Center The center, located in Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy, is the University’s focal point in Europe and hosts academic programs in many disciplines year-round. • Special Program Support Services Operates study abroad programs at Italian Study Center, administers Reciprocal Educational Exchange Programs, and collaborates on pre-freshman leadership focused Honors Program at the Texas A&M Santa Chiara Study Center in Italy.

Services for U.S. Students

• Facilitate Admission Processing for Sponsored International Students Advises sponsors and students on admission processes, assists sponsors and students in identifying appropriate academic programs, coordinates admissions process, tracks and reports status of applications to sponsors, and provides detailed budgets for sponsors of prospective students. • Advising Advises students on academic issues, cultural adjustment, socialization issues, health insurance and health care, personal and family issues, safety and legal issues, financial matters, contractual obligations, and employment restrictions. • Program Development Designs special cultural programs or short courses to enhance students’ academic programs, oversees and reports on students’ academic progress, facilitates identification of opportunities for developing partnerships and programs in regions best served by University’s academic strengths. Contractual arrangements with sponsors and facilitates departmental contacts and reporting requirements of sponsors. • University Contact for Sponsors Serves as the university’s centralized contact point for sponsors of international students, oversees contractual arrangements with sponsors and facilitates departmental contacts and reporting requirements of sponsors.

Bizzell Hall East 1226 TAMU College Station, Texas 77843-1226 http://international.tamu.edu/ips

Services for Sponsored International Students • Administer Financial Needs of Sponsored Stu-dents Arranges individualized bill-ing, assists in the preparation and disbursement of research funds, distributes checks from sponsors, provides accounting to sponsors and advisors on budgeted expenditures, negoti-ates contractual arrangements, and oversees contracts for sponsored students. • Liaison for Sponsored Student Issues Facilitates communication among the many partners in sponsored stu-dent programs, represents the interests of international sponsored stu-dents, provides assistance in accessing community and campus re-sources, and maintains data base and statistical information on spon-sored students.

Suzanne Droleskey Executive Director sdroleskey@tamu.edu Phone: 979-458-3575 / Fax: 979-458-3623

Services for International Students

• Immigration Services and Advising Issues Certificates of Eligibility (DS-2019 & I-20) to newly admitted students, provides education and counseling regarding federal regulations, oversees compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), represents the University on immigration matters, and serves as a resource about federal regulations that impact international students. Monitors eligibility for on campus employment of international students.

• Personal Advising Advises international students on cultural adjustment, socialization issues, academic concerns, University policies, health insurance and health care, personal and family tragedies, travel, transportation, banking and other settling-in needs, personal safety, and income tax and legal issues. • Liaison for International Students Represents the interests of international students, provides assistance in accessing community and campus resources, provides linkages with government, business, university and community officials, and facilitates conflict resolution • Community and Campus Outreach Advises International Student Association (ISA), assists with special programming for students and families of international students, provides secondary advising for international clubs, and coordinates outreach programs for local and campus com-munity. • Special Programming for International Students Provides orientation programming and workshops preceding the start of a semester, seminars on federal regulations for students with non-immigrant visas, joint work-shops with Career Center on employment issues, and income tax filing seminars and question/answer sessions. Coordinates a Host Homes program and various sociali-zation activities for students. • Administration of Scholarships and Loans for International Students Administers a variety of scholarships and loans for international students.

Paolo Barucchieri Santa Chiara Study Center Director stachiara@gmail.com Phone: 011-390-575-657-470 Fax: 011-390-575-680-191 http://studyabroad.tamu.edu/santa_chiara/

Jane Flaherty Study Abroad Programs Director jflaherty@tamu.edu Phone: 979-845-0544 Fax: 979-458-3623 http://studyabroad.tamu.edu/

Krista Tacey International Student Services Director Phone: 979-845-1824 Fax: 979-862-4633 http://international.tamu.edu/iss/

Violetta Cook Sponsored Student Programs Director vcook@tamu.edu Phone: 979-845-2550 Fax: 979-862-7170 http://ssp.tamu.edu/

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To serve as Texas A&M University’s most important source of guidance on business immigration matters by informing, strategically planning, researching, recommending, assisting, compiling and preparing memoranda, evidentiary supporting documentation and dossiers for filing the appropriate immigration petitions required by federal regulations to obtain nonimmigrant /immigrant employment benefits for international faculty, scholars and professional staff to allow for their employment at TAMU and the TAMU System members.

Mission

The International Faculty & Scholar Services (IFSS) currently serves 19 Texas A&M University System members; 10 Universities including Texas A&M University in College Station and the Galveston and Qatar campuses, the Health Science Center and 7 System Agencies as part of the Texas A&M University System Engineering and Agricultural Programs. In addition, IFSS also serves the Texas A&M University System Office with their immigration employment needs.

The staff at IFSS provides an array of immigration support services related to the employment of international faculty and researchers, for example:

Administrative recommendations and consultation to academic departments on hiring, retaining and sponsoring for permanent residence

Research, preparation and filing of employment based nonimmigrant petitions

Research, review, preparation of memoranda and documentary evidence dossier for the filing of Outstanding Professors/Researchers immigrant status petitions

Review, preparation and filing with the Department of Labor of Permanent Employment Certifications (PERM) under Special Handling for faculty members with classroom teaching

Management and compliance with the Exchange Visitors Program and preparation and filing of nonimmigrant J-1 scholars petitions

Management and resolution of immigration employment critical matters relating to faculty, researchers and professional staff

IFSS coordinates with the System’s Office of General Counsel (SOGC) the process for System authorized immigration outside counsel firms retained to represent any System member on immigration matters and works with SOGC on immigration matters across the System. Additionally, IFSS actively participates in the drafting of policy and regulation recommendations regarding the employment of foreign nationals and their immigration sponsorship.

Moreover, IFSS reviews completed Employment Eligibility Verification Forms (I-9) for all foreign nationals employed at Texas A&M University and acts as an IRS certifying Agent for Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITIN) applications. required by foreign nationals.

Collaboration between IFSS and the employing academic departments and similar administrative units at Texas A&M University and across the System, is of utmost importance to the efficiency and success of the IFSS operations. Our customers are in fact the employing academic departments with whom IFSS keeps in close contact to facilitate the employment of faculty, researchers and professional staff. In order to ease the understanding and process of these complex immigration petitions and to enhance the partnership with academic departments, IFSS provides the following services :

IFSS Mario Rojo del Busto Director 354 Bizzell West Bldg. 1158 TAMU

http://ifss.tamu.edu

979 –862-1719

Collaboration with Hiring Departments

IFSS also renders welcoming events to our international faculty and researchers through some of the activities listed below: Biweekly orientation seminars for new

faculty and researchers on Exchange Visitor program requirements, employment issues and community resources

Hosting annual activities such as the

Welcome Barbeque Reception, Fall Celebration and Holiday Reception

Working with college of engineering, city and

business leaders on outreach efforts for international faculty and researchers

Reception and Outreach Services

Collaboration with the International Faculty & Scholar Network (IFSN) to facilitate the integration, participation and adjustment of international faculty and researchers

“IFSS Immigration News” an electronic news letter providing up-to-date information on the latest immigration matters affecting the employment of faculty, researchers and professional staff

The IFSS website, containing all the necessary immigration information, FAQ’s, internal forms, and required supporting documentary evidence

“On Demand Workshops” small classes on selected immigration topics for hiring departments

Publication of the IFSS immigration guides

System wide conferences and seminars on immigration employment matters

Prevailing Wage Requests Estimates where hiring departments can obtain information to plan for the hire

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TAMU Visiting Scholars

TAMUS Temporary Workers 

TAMUS Visiting Scholars

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The Office of International Outreach (OIO) at Texas A&M University helps to promote international awareness by serving as the liaison between International Programs and the communities of Bryan and College Station and Texas school teachers across the state. OIO also provides on-campus support to faculty in terms of facilitation of International Agreements, the International Research Travel Assistance Grant and International Curriculum Development Grant in addition to recognizing outstanding faculty who excel in international teaching and research and work with international students. OIO staff work with international faculty, staff and students to find opportunities to share information about their countries and

cultures with the community through presentations to groups such as senior citizens and community organizations. The OIO World Room Educational Program offers workshops for k-12 teachers and students to raise their awareness of international topics essential to developing global citizens and prospective college students with an interest in languages and study abroad.

Mission

To strengthen and expand the University’s international outreach efforts by offering resources and programming for:

Texas A&M faculty, staff and students, Bryan-College Station Community and the Brazos Valley Texas school teachers and K-12 students

The Community of Respect train-the-trainer program focuses on cross-cultural communications for the purpose of helping professional development trainers to teach others to deepen their understand-ing of cultural diversity and its complexities.

1031 Annenberg PCC, 1245 TAMU College Station, Texas 77843-1245 USA

http://intlcenter.tamu.edu/ P: 1-979-862-6700 F: 1-979-862-6705

Texas A&M University, the City of College Station and Citibank, in an innovative partnership with community organizations, host Brazos Valley Worldfest, an annual, community-wide international festival promoting and celebrating the international diversity and heritage of the Brazos Valley.

The festival has continued to grow since the inaugural event in 2007 and includes cultural displays and demonstrations, international cuisine, performances on multiple stages, children's crafts, educational competitions and many other activities. Get all the latest details at http://www.brazosvalleyworldfest.org.

OIO facilitates awards such as the Bush Excellence Awards for Faculty in International Teaching and Research; the Presidential Excellence Award for Faculty Service to International Students; and the Outstanding International Alumnus Award. Such recognition is critical in promoting international teaching, research and service as well as in developing international awareness and worldwide linkages.

Information on each of these awards as well as past recipients can be found at http://intlcenter.tamu.edu/Recognition.asp.

Left: Past-President of Panama, Martín Torrijos accepts the 2007 Outstanding International Alumnus Award.

Recognition and Awards

Community Outreach: Sharing Cultures and Heritage

The World Room Cultural Suitcase Kits promote better global understanding by introducing students to different cultures and international issues through interactive activities tailored to different ages and educational levels. Each 50-minute activity is designed to help meet the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills requirements, and can be modified to the grade level and international experience of the children. Items for Cultural Suitcases have been donated by faculty, international students and Texas A&M International Board members.

Education for K-12 Students

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The Office for Latin American Programs (OLAP) is one of four regional offices within the International Programs Office (IPO). Founded in 1990, it coordinates A&M's initiatives in Latin America. OLAP also oversees the operation of and program development at the Texas A&M University Center in Mexico (Mexico Center) and the newly created Soltis Center for Research and Education in Costa Rica (Costa Rica Center)

OLAP assists in identifying academic, research, and outreach opportunities in Latin America. Working with academic units, OLAP facilitates research and education collaborations and opportunities for faculty and students. OLAP also creates programs to develop the interest and create awareness about in Latin America OLAP has 4 strategic priority areas, which include: promoting an understanding of key issues important to the relationship between the U.S., Texas, and Latin America; assisting Texas A&M in building strategic partnerships with private and public institutions in Latin America; assisting colleges in establishing contacts and developing programs in Latin America; and identifying and promoting opportunities for collaboration in research, education, and outreach with Latin American institutions. Through hosting delegations, organizing seminars and strategic meetings, and coordinating faculty and administrative visits to Latin America, OLAP promotes A&M’s research, education, and outreach initiatives in the region.

Enhance the presence of Texas A&M University in Latin America Assist in the internationalization of education, research, and outreach programs in

support of the University’s goals Promote the understanding of strategic goals important to the U.S. and Latin American

relationship

With the support of The Association of Former Students, OLAP de-velops, supports, and strengthens Aggie Clubs in Mexico, Central America, and the southern cone of South America. Through the Aggie Clubs’ activities, several research, education, and outreach oppor-tunities are created for A&M faculty and students. With The Associa-tion, OLAP is currently developing an Aggie Network Seminar Series

Overview

Aggie Network

in Mexico as well as a proposed Graduation Dinner for graduating international students from Latin America and their families.

CONACYT Research Agreement

Supports International Research & Academic Initiatives

Programs

OLAP was instrumental in developing and later this year in renewing the Texas A&M-CONACYT Research Agreement. CONACYT is Mexico’s Na-tional Council of Science and Technology. This Collaborative Research Grant Program is in collaboration with the Division of Research and Gradu-ate Studies of Texas A&M University. The purpose of this program is to ad-vance inter-institutional cooperation in science and technology that have di-rect application in industry or government through the complementary efforts of scientists from Texas and Mexico. It first started in 2001 and since then has funded 93 collaborative research projects.

204 Coke Building College Station, TX 77843-4251

P: (979) 845-3367 F: (979) 845-6228

http://olap.tamu.edu

To achieve its mission OLAP creates programs to develop the interest and create awareness about Latin America. Example of these programs are the Faculty Abroad Seminar to Mexico, The Mexico–U.S. Science and Technol-ogy Forum and the Mexico and Central America Awareness Week.

OLAP takes Texas A&M to Latin America by organiz-ing networking and programs development trips. And OLAP also bring Latin American to Texas A&M University by hosting visits of distin-guished guests like the President of Panama, Martín Torrijos, and Latin American universities and agencies.

OLAP supports Texas A&M University’s research and academic initiatives in Latin America by assisting the University in creating contacts with universities and institutions, and facilitating the es-tablishment of international agreements. Currently, OLAP is work-ing with the Division of Research and Graduate Series Studies in the establishment of a Memorandum of Agreement with Panama’s National Bureau of Science, Technology, and Innovation(SENACYT), which is expected to be implemented in fall 2008.

Additionally, as a follow-up to the publication of the U.S.-Mexico Border Governors Science and Technology Committee’s book enti-tled Border Region’s Growing Role in Global Economy, OLAP is working on bilateral research initiatives with Mexico’s Northeast Governors Conference’s Science and Technology Worktable. From this relationship the Richard Ewing Scholarship was created by the four Mexican states that border with Texas. This programs will grant eight scholarship for Mexican students to pursue their Ph.D. studies at Texas A&M University

Overview

The Institute for Pacific Asia (IPA) at Texas A&M University is one of three regional centers within the International Programs Office (IPO),

and is the unit which serves to coordinate A&M's initiatives in the Asia Pacific region, including East, Southeast, and South Asia. Founded in 1987, IPA promotes the exchange of knowledge and ideas between researchers, scholars and students at Texas A&M by developing partnerships with counterpart institutions overseas. IPA staff keep abreast of important global trends in education, science, and research in order to keep Texas A&M globally connected and competitive. Internationalizing A&M is a key

priority for the institute. IPA helps strengthen Texas A&M’s presence in Asia as well as Asia’s presence at Texas A&M. IPA takes an active role in bringing cultural programming to campus in partnership with relevant departments, units and student organizations. IPA serves as a strategic center for long term planning of Asian initiatives and focus, including overseeing initiatives in China, India, and other Asian nations. IPA also maintains meaningful relationships with partner and potential partner institutions through hosting delegations and organizing trips abroad for Texas A&M faculty, students, and administrators, as well as working with Aggies who live in Asia.

The Mission of the Institute for Pacific Asia is to Develop an overall strategic framework for

engaging key Asian countries and institutions. Encourage and support faculty and students in

exchange, research, and study abroad opportunities in the Asia Pacific region.

Work with colleges and academic units to develop more meaningful research and educational partnerships with Asia.

Develop network of Aggie Clubs across Asia

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204 Coke 3371 TAMU College Station, Texas 77843-3371 USA

http://international.tamu.edu/ipa P: 1-979-845-3099 F: 1-979-845-3085

both nations. The fourth conference will be held in Beijing in October 2009.

The relationship between the United States and the People’s Republic of China is one of the most important of bilateral relations, according to George Bush, Sr. In keeping with this conviction, Texas A&M University, along with its partners the George Bush School of Government and Public Service, the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation, and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries host a biennial conference which brings together political, business, and educational leaders from

China-U.S. Relations Conference

The Institute for Pacific Asia plays a key role in connecting Texas A&M faculty, staff, and students with institutions, organizations, and colleagues across Asia. The Institute seeks to build

Building Strategic Partnerships in Asia

In 2007, Texas A&M established a Confucius Institute in Texas, a partnership between the Institute for Pacific Asia, the Office of International Outreach, the College of Education and Human Development, the College of Liberal Arts, the Office of Chinese Language Council of the Ministry of Education in the People’s Republic of China and the Ocean University of China. The Confucius Institute serves to enhance Chinese language training, Chinese language teaching certification, cultural outreach, and

Confucius Institute international understanding for students at Texas A&M and the state of Texas. The Confucius Institute will also enable Texas A&M to enhance Study Abroad opportunities, collaborative research with China, and cultural outreach throughout the region.

partnerships that are rich and multi-dimensional, and build off of the strengths of Texas A&M and our partner institutions. Currently, Texas A&M has Memoranda of Agreement with 36 institutions across Asia. The Institute also plays a key role in keeping former students involved with Texas A&M, maintaining contact with the Aggie Clubs spread around Asia, in places such as Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Manila, Singapore, and throughout the region. In 2007, the Institute hosted a reception for former students in Manila, and is building new networks of former students in India and other countries in Asia.

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Globalization of Texas A&M is a priority for the EUC, which promotes the exchange of knowledge and ideas between researchers, scholars and students at Texas A&M and supports the development of partnerships with counterpart institutions overseas. One of ten Centers in the country to receive financial support from the European Commission for its establishment in 2001, the European Union Center (EUC) is one of three regional offices within the International Programs Office supporting the institution’s Vision 2020 internationalization efforts by fostering EU-related initiatives that enhance the University’s academic, research, outreach, and service programs. The Management Committee, an intercollegiate group representing A&M’s academic colleges and professional schools, provides management and programmatic guidance, while ensuring that the Center’s activities adhere to and support the university’s globalization and diversification efforts.

The EUC also engages with individual faculty involved in European-related academic initiatives in support of the Center’s academic initiatives by helping to develop and establish research, study abroad, and academic outreach opportunities for faculty and students at Texas A&M and abroad.

To support Texas A&M University’s globalization efforts by promoting a better understanding of the European Union and the transatlantic relationship through the development and enhancement of academic, research, curricula, and outreach initiatives.

Mission

Annenberg Presidential Conference Center College Station, Texas 77843-1245

Email: eucenter@tamu.edu http://eucenter.tamu.edu/ P: 1-979-862-6701 F: 1-979-862-6705

The EUC works closely with the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Office of Graduate Studies to extend its network in support of its university research initiatives. With the financial support of the these offices the EUC offers, on a competitive basis, research grants to faculty and graduate students in all disciplines pursuing European related research, particularly projects that involve research across multiple European nations.

Research

Education Initiatives

The EUC reaches out the university, local, and regional communities, by sponsoring outreach activities with a European focus to keep these communities well-informed and connected to issues of current and historical relevance in the EU and the US.

As part of its outreach efforts, the Center electronically publishes EU-sponsored research working papers; occasional papers resulting from visiting scholars’ collaborative efforts with Texas A&M; and other papers on current transatlantic issues.

In its role as one of the International Programs Office regional units, the EUC also serves as a host to various European groups including delegations from higher education institutions, government, diplomatic corps, business, and media, and serves as facilitator of formal agreements with counterpart institutions in Europe.

Fostering efforts to incorporate EU components into the University’s undergraduate curriculum, the Center works with the University’s academic colleges and professional schools on curriculum development initiatives. The Center sponsors visiting guest lecturers to participate in the European Union certificate programs offered through in Business and Politics, as well as short-term visiting scholars who participate in other academic Euro-pean projects in all disciplines.

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The EUC regularly co-sponsors conferences with departments throughout the university. These conferences serve to advance the EUC’s goals to support scholarly exchange, research and curriculum development. While some conferences occur annually, others are scheduled as special one-time conferences on U.S./EU relevant topics in particular disciplines. These include food safety, water resources, nuclear energy, high-speed rail and wind energy In co-sponsorship with the Political Science Department in the College of Liberal Arts, the EUC hosts the European Politics Scholars Network, a group of internationally-prominent scholars of European poli-tics. This group draws on the substantial number of prominent scholars of European politics currently in Texas for its core membership and works to create a synergy that will result in a long-lasting collaboration with the EUC. Together with the Bush School of Government and Public Service, the EUC sponsors a series of conferences on the relationship between the United States and Europe in world politics. The thematic con-ferences organized by the EUC and other internationally-prominent scholars of Europe will result in publica-tions that will raise the profile of the study of U.S./European research at Texas A&M University.

Conferences