Education is a growing export for U.S. universities as more foreign nations seek to embrace the American education model.
Globalization is driving this shift because it requires workforces that are highly skilled and continually learning. In fact, educational services have been at the heart of global negotiations about liberalizing trade under the World Trade Organization.
While several U.S. institutions are actively seeking opportunities, Carnegie Mellon is being sought out. That was the case with Qatar as well as with Japan and Taiwan, which recently made similar proposals.
Our growing presence on the world stage means we're not only being recognized by our peers, or the media. We're being recognized by the world community. And they seem to think we're doing a pretty good job.
The partnership with Qatar gives Carnegie Mellon an opportunity to be involved with one of the most transformational enterprises it has ever undertaken. One that could have a huge impact on the Middle East and the World at large.
Higher education has a strong cultural component. When it crosses national borders, the result should be a better understanding of both cultures. Part of our mission will be to bridge the differences. We will do that by producing graduates who meet the needs of all sectors of human activity and contribute to sustainable development, while preserving and promoting cultures in the context of cultural pluralism and diversity.
