American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) has developed several schemes to support poor students from low or lower-middle income countries (L/LMICs), primarily by fostering international partnerships. International students are supported by a robust framework of non-financial and academic support schemes managed by the AIUB International Support Center. This center provides crucial services such as visa and immigration guidance, orientation, and housing assistance, which are vital for students from L/LMICs to settle and succeed in Bangladesh. The university's primary "scheme" for student support is its active pursuit of bilateral partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with universities in L/LMICs, particularly within the ASEAN region. In 2024, AIUB formalized major collaborations with 20 universities in the Philippines and universities in Vietnam, and conducted student exchange programs with Uzbekistan. These partnerships, along with participation in global schemes like the Erasmus+ programme, create sustainable, funded pathways for student and faculty mobility, joint research, and shared academic resources, focusing on capacity building over one-way aid.

Internationalization

• Pro-actively participative in various national and international programs, in different collaborative capacities, while organizing their own annual international conferences like the AIUB International Conference on Business and Management 2018 (AICBM ’18), the International Conference on Robotics, Electrical, and Signal Processing Techniques 2019 (ICREST ’19), with the upcoming international conference on science & technology.
• Actively participative in various international cultural and academic exchange programs through established strategic affiliations to several universities across the globe, along with numerous linkages with national, regional, and international professional organizations such as AACSB, AAUA, AIESEC, AMDISA, AmCham, APQN, AUAP, DANIDA, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Education USA, Eramus+, GUNI, IEEE, IAUP, IAU, Oracle, PAASCU, UNESCO, etc.
• AIUB is the authorized testing center for GMAT, UKCAT, and LNET, as well as the provider for the IT Vendor Certification for CISCO, SUN, and Microsoft, with designated labs for all three of them.
• AIUB is the first among all public and private universities in Bangladesh to have its academic programs internationally accredited, with a pro-active Institutional Quality Assurance Cell that ensures higher quality and progressive development.
• AIUB’s Management practices are also ISO 9001:2008 Certified by SGS-UKAS, ensuring a benchmark amongst educational institutions in the country.

International Support Center

The International Support Center of American International University - Bangladesh (AIUB), is responsible for managing and facilitating the various aspects of internationalization and global engagement of the university. This center collaborates and works jointly with International Office, Office of Student Affairs, and Office of Public Relations of AIUB. The ISC also provides comprehensive assistance and support to international students, scholars, and staff members. The center aims to help international members of the university community to have a smooth transition to campus life, address any challenges they may encounter, and ensure they have a positive and enriching experience while studying or working at the university.

The key activities of the AIUB International Support Center are:

1. Provides support and services to international students, including admissions assistance, visa and immigration guidance, orientation programs, and ongoing support throughout their studies.
2. Coordinates study abroad and student exchange programs, assisting domestic students in studying abroad and international students in coming to the university for short-term study experiences.
3. Establishes and nurtures strategic partnerships and collaborations with universities and institutions worldwide. This may involve initiating and managing international academic agreements, joint research projects, and faculty exchange programs.
4. Facilitates faculty and staff mobility, encouraging international teaching and research opportunities, as well as fostering cross-cultural professional development.
5. The office is involved in recruiting international students by participating in education fairs, conducting outreach activities, and collaborating with international education agents.
6. Provides ongoing support to international students throughout their studies, addressing issues related to cultural adaptation, academic challenges, and personal well-being.
7. Organizes and promotes cultural exchange events, workshops, and activities to foster intercultural understanding and appreciation within the university community.
8. Ensures compliance with international education regulations, including accreditation and recognition of foreign qualifications.
9. Assists international students in finding scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support their studies at the university.
10. Collaborates with university leadership to develop and implement the institution's internationalization strategy, aligning with the university's mission and goals.
11. Involved in managing crises and risk assessments related to international activities, such as emergencies affecting international students or disruptions in international mobility.

Link: https://www.aiub.edu/partnerships/internationalization

Relevant Events and Initiatives

Exchange Students from Tashkent University of Information Technologies (TUIT) Visit AIUB

In June-July 2024, AIUB hosted a delegation of four students and one faculty member from TUIT, Uzbekistan, a lower-middle income country. This student exchange program is a direct scheme to support students from L/LMICs. During their visit, AIUB provided the TUIT delegates with free access to classes, laboratories, seminars, workshops, and cultural exchange activities. The university also organized and covered the costs for city tours, demonstrating a comprehensive support system. This initiative fosters global partnership (SDG 17) and provides a high-quality educational experience (SDG 4) to international students. By funding the on-ground experience, AIUB provides significant in-kind and academic support, directly benefiting the students and strengthening ties with their home institution, which aligns with the goals of SDG 1 (No Poverty).

#AIUB #StudentExchange #Uzbekistan #L/LMICs #SDG4 #SDG17 #SDG1 #QualityEducation #Partnerships #NoPoverty
Link: https://www.aiub.edu/exchange-students-from-tashkent-university-of-information-technologies-tuit-visit-aiub

AIUB at the 1st LGU Global Engagement Forum 2024

On July 23, 2024, AIUB participated in the 1st LGU Global Engagement Forum in the Philippines, a lower-middle income country. A major highlight was the signing of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AIUB and 20 participating universities and the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU). This MoU outlines pivotal areas of collaboration, including student and faculty exchanges. This event represents a large-scale scheme to build a sustainable support network for students from L/LMICs. By formalizing these partnerships, AIUB creates structured, reciprocal opportunities for mobility, joint research, and knowledge sharing, which are more sustainable than direct, one-way aid. This macro-level agreement supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), creating long-term benefits that support the academic and professional growth of students in both countries.

#AIUB #Philippines #L/LMICs #Partnership #SDG17 #SDG4 #StudentExchange #GlobalEducation #ALCU

Link: https://www.aiub.edu/aiub-at-the-1st-lgu-global-engagement-forum-2024

MOU with Danang University

On July 19, 2024, AIUB formalized its partnership with the University of Danang, Vietnam (a lower-middle income country) by signing an MoU. This agreement, signed during a meeting for the Erasmus SOHO project, establishes a framework for collaboration that includes student and faculty exchanges and joint research. This MoU is another key scheme to support students from L/LMICs. It creates a formal channel for Vietnamese students to study at AIUB and vice-versa, with support often provided through a structured program like Erasmus. This partnership facilitates knowledge sharing and enhances the educational opportunities for students from both institutions, contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which are foundational to economic development and poverty reduction (SDG 1).

#AIUB #Vietnam #L/LMICs #Partnership #SDG17 #SDG4 #StudentExchange #GlobalEducation #Erasmus #SOHO

Link: https://www.aiub.edu/mou-with-danang-university

Pan Pacific University, Philippines Visits AIUB

In March 2024, AIUB hosted a delegation from Pan Pacific University (PPU), Philippines, a lower-middle income country. The purpose of the visit was to finalize details for upcoming joint activities and to explore the scope of cooperation in areas like curriculum development and joint programs for students and staff. This visit demonstrates the active implementation of AIUB's partnership-based schemes. By co-developing programs, AIUB and PPU can create new, accessible educational opportunities for their students. This form of support ensures that students from the Philippines can benefit from AIUB's resources and expertise, fostering mutual academic growth and internationalization. This contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), enhancing the skills and employability of students from this L/LMIC.

#AIUB #Philippines #L/LMICs #Partnership #SDG17 #SDG4 #GlobalEducation #StudentSupport #Collaboration
Link: https://www.aiub.edu/pan-pacific-university-philippines-visits-aiub

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