Jan. 14, 2009
Contact:
Renee DeGross Valdes, 404-413-1353
University Relations
ATLANTA - Georgia State University has signed agreements with institutions in China and Taiwan forming partnerships that open up opportunities for joint research, study abroad, academic staff/student exchange and other programs.
The recently signed agreements, or Memorandums of Cooperation, lay the groundwork for GSU and the Institute of Tourism Studies in Macau, China, and National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Taiwan to expand their networks and opportunities. It also expands Georgia State's reach in Asia, said GSU President Mark P. Becker.
"These agreements present excellent opportunities for Georgia State University to participate in exciting advances being made in the world's most dynamic region," Becker said. "As a leading urban research institution, we look forward to working more closely with both institutions."
The Institute for Tourism Studies offers bachelor of science degrees in such areas as hotel management, tourism business management, and tourism retail and marketing management, teaches its curriculum in English. It was established in 1995. GSU's Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality in the J. Mack Robinson College of Business, is consistently given high rankings for academic excellence in the field, according to the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Education.
"The Institute for Tourism Studies is very happy with our new ties with Georgia State," said its President Fanny Vong. "Our students are excited by the opportunity to study at one of the top 25 hospitality programs in the U.S. We are also very eager to welcome Georgia State business students to come explore Asian cultures and Macau's uniqueness in China."
Founded in 1931, NCKU has developed into a research intensive and comprehensive university with integrated academic fields in nine colleges. It currently offers undergraduate and master's programs in areas including sciences, engineering, computer science, bioscience and biotechnology. While the initial collaboration between GSU and NCKU focuses mainly in biochemistry, there are opportunities for increasing the breadth of activities.
"This memorandum of cooperation will be a good opportunity for NCKU to cooperate with Georgia State," said Michael Ming-Chiao Lai, president of that university. "I hope there will be more chances for our students to study at GSU."