Oregon State University collaborates with institutions and colleagues around the world and regularly hosts delegations interested in establishing new partnerships or pursuing joint projects. Prospective partners, collaborators or delegations may contact Julianna Betjemann, Global Affairs Associate, for assistance.
Visiting Delegations
In most cases, OSU departments are responsible for hosting international delegations.
OSU departments should submit a Delegation/International Visitor Form at least four weeks before the planned visit. The Global Affairs Associate will respond to gather further information.
Central support may include:
- Participation/remarks from senior leadership
- Cultural considerations
- Small gifts
- Letter of invitation
We recommend that the hosting unit work with the incoming delegation well in advance to come to an understanding regarding how expenses will be covered by either or both parties. Central financial support is generally not available.
Groups wishing to request a visit but unsure where to start may contact the Global Affairs Associate via email or phone at (541) 737-6209.
Formalizing Partnerships
Letter of Collaboration
A Letter of Collaboration (LOC) is a non-binding, general agreement initiating relations with a partner institution. An LOC expresses mutual interest in engaging in cooperative academic or research efforts. This is often the first step toward developing a more concrete program. Any language deviating from OSU's standard LOC form, including LOCs originating with the partner, must be reviewed by Contract Services.
Process:
- View the OSU Standard LOC (PDF) to ensure it will meet your needs.
- If you would like to proceed with an LOC, download the International Agreement Intake Form and the OSU Standard LOC and fill in required information.
- Email documents to the Global Affairs Associate, who may reach out to you for further information and can facilitate the signature process and archiving of the signed agreement.
Erasmus+
If your international partner is a member of the Erasmus+ network, it may be possible to access financial support for international partnership activity using the Erasmus+ mobility agreement, learning agreement, or inter-institutional agreement, depending on the type of activity planned. You can learn more about Erasmus+ and see the templates on their website. Please note that if your activity involves OSU student mobility you will need to work with OSU Global Opportunities (see below).
Education Abroad Program
Programs which involve international mobility for OSU students are overseen by the Office of Global Opportunities (OSU GO). Please contact OSU GO for more information about any of the following options:
- Student Exchange Programs involve a two-way exchange of students, with a commitment of resources on the part of both OSU and the collaborating institution. A Student Exchange Agreement guides the administration of a student exchange program with an international partner university.
- Study Abroad Programs send OSU students abroad for academic coursework. These programs may be offered by the international institution or through a third-party provider.
- Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs are international academic opportunities developed and implemented by OSU faculty.
- International Internships & Research are professional or academic experiences related to a student's area of study in an international location. These can be initiated by a faculty member, be provided through a third party, offered by a partner institution, etc.
MOUs and Other International Agreements
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a binding agreement with specific expectations clearly outlined for both parties. This type of agreement is appropriate when you have moved past the ideas and exploration stage with an international partner and are now setting a detailed and binding framework for your cooperative activity.
More Information
The Vice Provost of Academic Affairs is the signature authority for OSU on most international agreements. Other OSU leadership or employee signatures are optional.
For support with these processes or for any questions, please email the Global Affairs Associate or call (541) 737-6209.
You can view our FYI Friday presentation about International Agreements for more information.