Mahasarakham University Strengthens Global Ties Through International Academic Partnership Program

Mahasarakham University Strengthens Global Ties Through International Academic Partnership Program

Mahasarakham University (MSU) is making significant strides in internationalization by joining the International Academic Partnership Program (IAPP). This program, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Embassy Bangkok, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation (MHESI) of Thailand, and the Institute of International Education (IIE), fosters academic exchange and collaboration between Thai and American universities.

“We are thrilled to be selected as a participant in the IAPP,” said Assoc.Prof. Dr. Prayook Srivilai, President of Mahasarakham University. “This program presents a unique opportunity to strengthen our academic offerings, provide valuable international experiences for our students and faculties, and contribute to a more interconnected global learning environment.”

The IAPP offers a variety of benefits to MSU, including:

• Faculty and student exchange programs: MSU faculties will have the chance to collaborate with their American counterparts on research projects and guest lectures. Students can gain invaluable international experience through opportunities to study abroad.
• Curriculum development: MSU can work with U.S. partners to develop new courses and programs that reflect a global perspective.
• Joint research initiatives: Collaboration with U.S. institutions can lead to groundbreaking research with significant global impact.

“The IAPP is a fantastic initiative that fosters knowledge sharing and collaboration between Thai and American universities,” said Asst.Prof. Dr. Pondej Chaowarat, Vice President for Public Relations and Global Engagement. “We are confident that our participation in this program will be mutually beneficial and lead to exciting academic advancements.”

About the International Academic Partnership Program

IIE and U.S. Embassy Bangkok Select 2024 IAPP Thailand Cohort

19 U.S. and 29 Thai Higher Education Institutions to Build Academic Partnerships

Washington, D.C., USA and Bangkok, Thailand – February 20, 2024 – The Institute of International Education (IIE) and the U.S. Embassy Bangkok have selected a diverse cohort of 48 U.S. and Thai higher education institutions to participate in the prestigious International Academic Partnership Program (IAPP) focusing on Thailand. For the next nine months, this group will work on developing and enhancing international higher education partnerships between the two countries.

As the U.S. and Thailand celebrate more than 190 years of diplomatic relations, IIE and the U.S. Embassy Bangkok partnered to offer higher education institutions in the two countries an opportunity to increase their bilateral engagement through academic cooperation. While student mobility between the two countries has been relatively strong throughout the years, Thailand has historically been the top destination in Southeast Asia for U.S. students to study abroad. There are many opportunities to increase international activities such as student and scholar mobility, joint research, joint teaching, short-term study abroad programs, and internships.

IAPP was developed by IIE’s Center for International Partnership in 2009 as international academic partnerships were on the rise, but without professional guidance or strategy. At the core of the program is a strategic planning process that guides participating institutions in developing a plan for engagement with an eye for sustainable, mutually-beneficial partnerships. Since its inception, the program has worked with more than 350 higher education institutions and 13 partner countries, including Norway, Cuba, Greece, New Zealand, and India.

“International partnerships are a critical component of any higher education institution’s strategic plan today. IAPP seeks to contribute to that strategic planning process, and this year’s focus on Thailand will be an excellent opportunity for both U.S. and Thai institutions.” said IIE Center for International Partnerships Director, Clare Overmann.

The selected cohort represents a broad range of higher education institutions in both countries. The U.S. cohort includes community colleges, state colleges and universities, and private institutions from 15 states. The Thai cohort includes a diverse group of institutions focusing on areas such as teaching, agriculture, engineering, and community engagement who are located across the country.

In April 2024, the U.S. participants will join a high-level delegation to Thailand to visit potential partners, learn first-hand about the Thai higher education landscape, and meet with a range of entities that play important roles in higher education cooperation, such as the U.S. Embassy, EducationUSA, and the Thai Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation.

For more information about IAPP, please visit: iie.org/iapp

About the Institute of International Education (IIE)

The Institute of International Education (IIE) is the leader in designing and implementing international education strategies and program services. We work with governments, policymakers, educators, and employers across the globe to prepare students and professionals for the global workforce and equip them to solve the increasingly complex challenges facing our interconnected world. With support from donors, we also create initiatives that assist students, scholars, and artists whose lives and work are threatened; expand teaching and learning across cultures; and provide opportunities to underserved populations. A non-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has a network of 16 offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,600 higher education partners.

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