U.S. University Presidents' Delegation to Russia
February 27 – March 5, 2011
You are invited to join Alina Romanowski, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Academic Programs for the U.S.
Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), and Dr. Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO of
the Institute of International Education (IIE) on this special U.S. University Presidents’ Delegation to Russia. The purpose
of this delegation is to promote U.S. higher education and to enhance and expand linkages between our two countries.
The delegation will take place under the umbrella of the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission, established by
President Obama and President Medvedev to advance bilateral relations in a number of important fields. Partial funding
to support this initiative has generously been provided by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs (ECA).
Recent developments in Russia’s higher education sector provide a solid foundation for greater engagement with U.S.
institutions. These developments include the introduction of the European Bologna Process, a related standardization of
curricula and degrees, and an increased interest in dual degree programs between Russian and foreign universities. In
addition, 29 national research universities have been designated by the Russian government for investments in science
and innovation, including a mandate for international collaboration. Key areas of emphasis include, but are not limited to,
work on energy and the environment, new (including “green”) technologies, commercialization of scientific research,
nanotechnology, and related topics. Russian universities remain interested in international collaboration across disciplines
and professional schools.
The select group of delegates will convene for an initial briefing in Moscow by the U.S. Embassy followed by meetings
with senior officials from the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, Russian university rectors and vice-rectors, and
other academic leaders during the week-long trip. The delegation will visit numerous universities in Moscow and meet
with leaders from the education, business and NGO sector. Smaller groups of delegates will elect to visit one of three
regional cities (St. Petersburg, Kazan, or Novosibirsk) for additional meetings and university site visits. The delegation
will conclude in Moscow for a final meeting and debrief. The Fulbright Program Director in Moscow will accompany the
delegation and provide assistance in developing linkages with institutions in Russia, including attracting more international
students.
We encourage you to bring along the appropriate colleague from your institution who assists you in advancing
international initiatives on your campus.
Tentative schedule of events (subject to change)
February 27 – March 2 - Moscow:
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Arrival and Welcome Dinner
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Country Briefing by U.S. Embassy
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Meetings with senior officials from the Ministry of Education and Science and Russian university rectors and vice-rectors
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Dinner and reception at U.S. Ambassador’s residence
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Site visits to Moscow universities and a plenary meeting with universities from outside Moscow
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Optional cultural program upon arrival
March 2 -3 - St. Petersburg, Kazan or Novosibirsk:
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Site visits to local universities and meeting with senior officials
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Round-table discussion with current students and alumni
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Reception with academic community
March 4 - 5 – Moscow:
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Site visits to universities and labs
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Debrief Meeting at U.S. Embassy
Delegation cost: 2,500.00 USD per person. This includes:
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5 star hotel accommodations
Airfare within Russia
All local transportation
Meals, receptions, and event costs
Background materials and briefings by Fulbright Program Director in Moscow
For more information, please contact Kari Kuja, Chief of Staff, Office of the President, IIE
kkuja@iie.org • 212.984.5597 office • 212.984.5566 fax
U.S. University Presidents' Delegation to Russia
February 27 – March 5, 2011
Expression of Interest Form
You are invited to join Alina Romanowski, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Academic Programs for
the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), and Dr. Allan E. Goodman,
President and CEO of the Institute of International Education, in promoting U.S. higher education by
participating in this special U.S. University Presidents’ Delegation to Russia. We also encourage you to
bring along the appropriate colleague from your institution who can assist you in advancing international
initiatives on your campus (such as a Vice Provost for International Education, or a suitable faculty
member).
Price per person: $2,500 USD (not including international air travel to and from Russia)
Yes, I would like to participate in the University Presidents' Delegation to Russia. Please send me more information.
No, I am unable to participate, but am interested in future Delegations.
Please return this form by December 1, 2010.
Institution:
Name:
Title:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City, State, Zip:
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
Additional attendee
Institution:
Name:
Title:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City, State, Zip:
President’s Signature
For more information, please contact Kari Kuja, Chief of Staff, Office of the President, IIE
kkuja@iie.org • 212.984.5597 office • 212.984.5566 fax