A&M International Signs Agreement with Business School in The Netherlands

Texas A&M International University has broadened its working relationship with European universities by signing a joint cooperation agreement recently with a business school in The Netherlands.

A&M International President Dr. Charles Jennett and College of Business Administration Dean Dr. Khosrow Fatemi traveled to Arnhem, The Netherlands, to participate in the signing ceremony, which took place May 7 in Arnhem.

Under the agreement, the University and Arnhem Business School of the Hogeschool Van Arnhem En Nijmegen (School of Higher Education at Arnhem and Nijmegen) will be allowed to conduct faculty and student exchange at the undergraduate level.

Arnhem Business School, located in eastern Netherlands, has a population of approximately 3,600 students, most of whom are pursuing undergraduate degrees in business. The business school also offers courses in English. Arnhem is a city with a population of approximately 134,000.

Jannet Garcia, associate director of the Institute for International Trade at A&M International, said that courses offered in English at the Arnhem Business School will make the exchange program more accessible for A&M International students.

"We are very happy that we have the agreement signed. We will probably send an exchange group there next summer," Garcia said.

Maxine Clarke, international coordinator at Arnhem Business School, said that the exchange program will expose students from both schools to another culture and give them an international experience.

"Our students are keen to look out and see how things are done in other countries," Clarke said. "The fact that Laredo is located on the U.S. Mexico border is a strong selling point. Our students will experience both the American and Mexican influence."

Likewise, students who travel to The Netherlands will be able to get a taste of the European culture, Clarke said.

"They will be able to see Dutch culture and learn about European issues," Clarke said.

Clarke and Arnhem Business School officials visited A&M International May 30 - June 1.

For further information, please call Jannet Garcia at 326-2551. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu