Going Dutch brings the worlds' students together

Iola Smith on the opening of an international study center in Maastricht for undergraduates

A NEW Centre for Transatlantic Studies opens its doors to British students next week. Based at the Japanese-owned Teikyo University at Maastricht, Holland, it is the culmination of a two-year collaboration between the Universities of Glamorgan, Central Missouri, US, and Vaxjo in Sweden.

The instigator was Central Missouri's international officer, Terry Rodenburg. Some American universities demand that students spend part of their course abroad. Central Missouri achieved this objective by transferring staff and students to its European base in London But it did not provide students with a truly international experience.

To that end, the Americans joined forces with Glamorgan and Sweden. "We all saw the importance of bringing students and staff from America and Europe together to explore common themes," said Glamorgan's Maastricht co-ordinator, the history and American studies lecturer, Dr Neil Wynn. "Exchanges to America can cost students up to £3,000. By bringing the Americans to Europe, such costs can be reduced. And by being in Holland, both the British and American students gain an insight into European history and culture."

In fact, the perspective being explored by the participants on this month's first course is even broader than the founding universities expected: eight other Universities from America, Mexico, Eastern Europe and Britain (the University of Central Lancashire, Preston), have decided to join the centre. They are sending students for up to a semester (15 weeks) and seconding staff to teach the courses.

Among the topics being studied are international communications, psychology, human rights, and nationalism and national identity in a global environment.

The autumn semester will consider themes such as the effects of the First World War on the 20th century and environmental issues. Next year there are plans to explore multiculturalism and the significance of the millennium for transatlantic relations. Field visits to locations covered by the course, such as the International Court at The Hague, the European Union buildings in Brussels and the sites of the First World War battlefields in northern France, are expected to be part of the programme. Students will study modules or entire courses at the centre. Tuition is in English, but students can learn a European language if they wish.

"Although we are initially concentrating on humanities and social science courses, we are planning to offer other subjects in future, Dr. Wynn said. "The Mexicans from Monterrey University are particularly keen to introduce business studies courses, and we believe that there will be scope for courses on international law, geography and population movements."

However, developments of this kind are dependent on revenue. The three founding universities are seeking funds to finance increased participation from Eastern Europe. "We expect we will have to subsidise them," said Wynn.

Glamorgan's students are being paid for by the university. One of the first to benefit is Lesly Hodgson. A mature student and a mother of four from Merthyr Tydfil in the South Wales Valleys, she is in her second year studying sociology and philosophy. "I would never have had the chance to study abroad without the university's involvement in the Maastricht centre," she said.