In what marks the largest U.S. higher education delegation in Myanmar, representatives from nine U.S. universities traveled to the country to develop deeper academic ties and examine potential exchange opportunities. Run by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the International Academic Partnership Program (IAPP) seeks to help rebuild Myanmar’s higher education capacity.
Participating U.S. institutions include: American University, Arizona State University, Ball State University, Hawaii Pacific University, Northern Arizona University, Northern Illinois University, Rutgers University, Samford University, the University of Massachusetts – Lowell, and the University of Washington.
The delegation met with the heads of several government agencies, including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Science & Technology, and Ministry of Health. They visited universities and organizations, engaging in academic discussions and giving lectures and workshops to hundreds of Myanmar’s faculty and staff members.
Following the visit, the delegation announced several concrete commitments:
- Arizona State, Rutgers, and Northern Illinois University will host Myanmar librarians for up to a month in order to encourage development of academic libraries at local Myanmar universities.
- Samford University agrees to sponsor one of their technology specialists to come to the Myanmar Institute of Theology and upgrade their technological capacity.
- American University plans to offer several two-year long fellowships, permitting Myanmar students to complete an online Master’s Degree in International Affairs with a focus on Comparative and International Disability Policy (CIDP) in the ASEAN region. Students will conduct most of their work online before spending a two-week residency in Bangkok.
- Northern Arizona University will host one English teaching faculty member of a local Myanmar university for up to one month to provide teaching mentor-ship and introduce their English language program and curriculum design.
In a few months, the IIE will issue a report based on the observation and analysis of the current development needs of higher education in Myanmar. Formulated recommendations will facilitate the use of academic partnerships and exchanges.
Creative Commons Love: European Parliament on Flickr.com
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