Some University of Memphis students may find it easier than ever to study abroad. The U of M in conjunction with Ball State University and Wright State University is launching a new program establishing a partnership with three European schools. The program is using newly received grant money.
The schools will send 10 students to each of the three European schools and provide places for 10 exchange students at their schools. The European schools participating are Umea University in Sweden, Jena University of Applied Sciences in Germany and Pontifical University of Salamanca in Spain.
The U of M received $200,000 from the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education for the project “Regions in Transition- Universities in Response.” The students participating in the program will help a region modernize and realize its economic potential, according to Dr. Kenneth Holland, U of M program representative and professor of political science.
The U of M was notified two weeks ago of the grant, and professors will attend the first meeting of the American side of the project Oct. 7.
Recruiting will not begin until the spring semester. Eligible students should be in the schools of Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics or Communications and Fine Arts. There is no GPA requirement at this time, Holland said.
In preparation for the one or two semesters abroad, each student will need to take at least one semester of intensive language training in German, Spanish or Swedish.
At the end of the three-year program, each student will receive a certificate in Regional Planning and Development. This certificate is recognized in the European Union and will look good on any student’s resume, Holland said.
“It shows that the student has had language training and study-abroad experience,” Holland said. “The training in how to help a region develop its potential could lead to other jobs in government agencies or private businesses with an interest in economy.”
Each student in the program will work in an internship, a working government agency or a private business, as well as continuing course work.
“These internships can develop into jobs dealing with economic and community development,” Holland said.
All of the expenses of the students will be fully paid, with most of the grant money going to students.
None of the universities involved is located in a major city except for The U of M. The rural areas surrounding the campuses need their economies developed, according to Holland, in order to attract industry and investors. For example, if Autozone has no operations in Germany, a student could return home and get the business to expand to a site that needs industry, thus helping both the rural area and the company.
“Since we are the only school in an urban setting, I feel that we bring a special expertise that some of the other schools don’t have,” Holland said.
Holland said he expects the program to lead to other similar projects. According to Holland, there has already been talk about a North American exchange program and more partnerships with Europe.
The current project also includes a faculty exchange program with faculty giving guest lectures at the various schools.
Besides Holland, three other faculty members are participating in the program. Dr. Joy Clay is chair of the Division of Public Administration; Dr. Ben Kedia is director of the Wang Center for International Business; and Dr. Angela Ray is assistant professor in the Department of Communication.
