Students from the University of Oregon will have the opportunity to explore how sociocultural, psychological, economic and political influences shape the Asian perspective of sports and sportsmanship as part of an exchange program with Singapore Management University, a premier Asian university that is internationally recognized for its world-class research and distinguished teaching.
UO Vice President for University Advancement Mike Andreasen and SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer signed a five-year agreement for the new international student exchange program beginning in spring 2015. The exchange program will enable students from both universities to learn from the academic and sporting cultures of the two countries.
“This partnership offers a unique opportunity for the UO to further expand our student’s international learning experiences,” said UO President Michael Gottfredson. “Singapore is a growing and vibrant market where UO students will become even better prepared to thrive in the global economy.”
Through SMU's interdisciplinary programs, UO students learn how sports intersects with business and society in Asia, particularly in Singapore. While on exchange, the students will be encouraged to participate in SMU's wide range of sporting events and look for internships with the local sports companies and agencies.
“UO students that participate in this exchange program will not just enjoy a study abroad opportunity, they will also be thrust into the synergies of the second-most competitive economy on the planet,” said Andreasen. “Singapore is a country to be experienced, and what better way than to do it through an experiential, research-driven process.”
Students from SMU will benefit from the programs offered in the James H. Warsaw Sports Marketing Center, recognized as the leading think tank and training ground for the sports business industry. Housed within the Lundquist College of Business, the Warsaw Center has produced graduates who have gone on to sport industry leaders in organizations including Adidas, Nike, ESPN and the NBA, and in 2013, its graduates ranked first in the world in highest average salary at graduation by Sports Business International.
“The U.S. is the most mature sports business market in the world,” said Managing Director of the James H. Warsaw Sports Marketing Center, Paul Swangard. “Students will be able to tap into the expertise of Warsaw Center faculty, study the best practices of this market and experience the sports culture at Oregon that is among the most vibrant in the U.S.
“We see SMU as a key partner in our sports business development efforts in Singapore. Having already successfully forged a long-term partnership with the Singapore Sports Council, the Warsaw Center is excited to bring a leading local educational institution into the mix.”
Under the terms of the agreement, the UO and SMU will send up to two exchange students to each other’s campuses each academic year. Each exchange student will be able to receive credits at the host institution, accepted for credit towards a degree at the student’s university. The usual exchange period shall be for a term or academic year, based on mutual agreement.
For more information about the student exchange program, contact Swangard at 541-346-3262 or pswangar@uoregon.edu.