International Programs was founded in 1954 to coordinate the international development activities of the University of Minnesota's Institute of Agriculture, Forestry and Home Economics. Since that time, International Programs has demonstrated its leadership capacity on a number of agricultural projects, coordinating the involvement of the St. Paul Campus' faculty and resources in countries around the globe. The department manages collaborative projects on behalf of the University of Minnesota with other American universities providing agricultural and natural resource technical assistance abroad. International Programs is a service unit within the college of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences Dean's Office. The staff is responsible for:
- Monitoring development issues and projects,
- Liaising with US universities, government offices and private businesses,
- Identifying projects and submitting proposals on those compatible with the College's resources, and
- Administering Minnesota's responsibilties as a collaborator on projects.
Each project is unique in the duties performed by International Programs staff. In general, a project consists of the following components: Technical assistance, supply and equipment procurement and training. The level of activity for these components depends on the project goals and corresponding objectives. The International Programs staff manage the selection of faculty who travel overseas to provide technical assistance, facilitate ordering the supplies and equipment necessary for the project including the shipping arrangements, and organize training or academic programs integral to developing the human resources necessary for the long-term sustainability of the endeavor.
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