A delegation from the University of Oregon recently visited Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates – the first such visit in more than five years by a UO group in the Middle East.

It was also the first official visit to Kuwait by UO officials.

The visit was intended as a first step in establishing strategic contacts to promote study abroad and internship programs in the area, recruit students from Middle Eastern countries and explore new research opportunities that benefit both the UO and countries in the region.

The UO delegation included Dennis Galvan, vice provost for international affairs, and John Manotti, assistant vice president for development. Members of the group were welcomed in Kuwait by more than 30 international alums and host Jameel Al Sane.

Galvan described the conversations with dignitaries and alums as incredibly positive and hopes the visit may have set the foundations for new projects and partnerships in the region.   

The delegation explored faculty exchange possibilities in meetings with Robin Dada (UO alum ‘92), interim dean of the College of Education at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, and leaders from the Gulf University for Science and Technology, and the American University of Kuwait in Kuwait City.

Potential next steps in the region include a UO to visit Saudi Arabia later this year. Of the 168 Middle East students enrolled at the UO in fall 2012, 101 are from Saudi Arabia, 20 from Kuwait and 12 from UAE.

- from UO Office of International Affairs