The warming of diplomatic relations with Iran marks the beginning of a new era of potential cooperation between higher education institutions in the United States and Iran. After decades of limited academic ties, institutions in both countries are eager to renew relationships and initiate new ones. The Institute of International Education is supporting increased U.S.-Iran academic cooperation by launching the IIE Iran Higher Education Initiative, which includes this briefing paper, a series of national conference calls, workshops, and a delegation to Iran in June 2015. This briefing paper provides an overview of the potential areas where institutions in the United States and Iran might initiate new linkages and includes an FAQ section on current OFAC regulations*.

Other key areas covered in this white paper include:

• A Snapshot of Iranian Higher Education
• The Current State of U.S.-Iran Academic Exchange
• Potential Areas for New Academic Relations
• Rules and Regulations: Frequently Asked Questions about the Impact on U.S. Educational Institutions of U.S. Sanctions and Export Controls

This briefing paper also includes a number of helpful appendices, such as a sample memorandum of understanding from an Iranian university and brief profiles of Iranian institutions. This paper seeks to encourage more U.S. higher education institutions to explore and expand academic relationships with Iranian counterparts by providing timely, first-hand information about exchange opportunities, current scholarship programs, effective partnership models, and specific disciplines that would be particularly promising for U.S.-Iran academic cooperation.

*The OFAC FAQ section of this paper was prepared by Nicholas Townsend, Counsel in Arnold & Porter LLP's National Security and Public Policy practices. Visit arnoldporter.com.

Since its launch in 2013, the WeTech Seed Fund for Women + Girls in Computer Science in Africa has been a gateway for young African women to begin their careers in Information and Communications Technology, or ICT. With the goal of investing in nascent women’s groups and individual champions already taking impressive steps to support and encourage women and girls in computer science in Africa, WeTech has disbursed a total of 35 grants totaling $330,000 to 33 different groups and individuals in 16 different countries throughout the African continent. A recent impact report shows the impact of two separate funding rounds made possible by the support of Google.

IIE program manager Stacey Chapple shares examples of how K-12 teacher exchange has impacted both high schools students and communities abroad. Teachers returned with new insight about the communities they visited and developed classroom projects in collaboration with academic connections made during their exchange, resulting in a unique classroom learning experience. "Educators can play a large role in inspiring their students to think beyond their national boundaries and to view themselves as part of a global society," writes Chapple.

All educators interested in bringing the global world into their classrooms are encouraged to make a pledge to Generation Study Abroad.

An overview based on Open Doors and UNESCO data of recent student mobility trends and potential areas for growth. — Forbes

The size and scale of the wealthy class in China will continue to fuel strong mobility numbers, though student segments and their decision-making processes are shifting. — University World News

THE reporters select key articles "from the most international universities in the world to how demographic change will shape 21st-century higher education." — Times Higher Education

IIE and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) are currently accepting registrations for the 18th Annual Colloquium on International Engineering Education. The Annual Colloquium attracts engineering and foreign language deans and faculty along with study abroad professionals, administrators and senior leadership at higher education institutions. Representatives from industry and various government agencies are also in attendance. IIE will kick-start the event with a pre-conference networking dinner on Wednesday, November 4th. During the two-day conference, we will hear panelists and presenters speak about Building Strategic International Partnerships, the theme of this year's Colloquium.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, a Fulbright exchange activity sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE), brings accomplished young and mid-career professionals from designated countries to the U.S. for an academic year of non-degree study and practical experience.  Fellows are placed according to their professional field in groups of eight to fifteen at universities around the country.  

IIE is inviting proposals from universities interested in hosting a group of Humphrey Fellows in the field of Substance Abuse Education, Treatment and Prevention. The proposal deadline is September 15, 2015. Proposals will undergo competitive review, including external peer evaluation. Universities selected to serve as host campuses for the Humphrey Fellowship Program will be eligible to receive a group of Fellows starting in academic year 2016-17, renewable over the following four academic years.

 

Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) provide fully funded master’s degree study to individuals who demonstrate academic and professional excellence and a deep commitment to leading positive social change in their communities. The awards are available to citizens of the following countries: Azerbaijan; Belarus; Cambodia; Democratic Republic of Congo; Egypt; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Ethiopia; Laos; Libya; Republic of Congo; South Sudan; Sudan; Syria; Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

IIE is pleased to announce Michael Slackman, International Managing Editor for the New York Times, as the keynote at the Opening Plenary at IIE’s Summit on Generation Study Abroad.

Michael Slackman manages a news report produced by 75 correspondents based around the world with editing hubs in New York, London, Paris and Hong Kong. Mr. Slackman was member of the team of reporters to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1997 for breaking news.

The Keynote will be followed by a debate on "How can study abroad be redefined and rebranded for today’s global economy?" featuring Philippe Blondiaux, Global CFO, Chanel; Giuseppe Céspedes, Generation Study Abroad Voice; Moraa Onyonka, Director, Partnerships & Brand Engagement, Travel Noire and Evan Ryan, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State.

See "Schedule at a Glance" for additional speakers and topics. Contact ksimons@iie.org