Partners: Université Catholique de Louvain (Belgium); Universiteit Maastricht (Netherlands).
The understanding and application of economic theories and principles are critical to the growth and stability of a global knowledge-based economy. While the fundamental building blocks of economics remain rooted in the logic of individual choice, the evolution of global communication technologies, the easy mobility of goods and services, and the ability to instantly transfer wealth around the world are developments that now drive the global economy. As a consequence, it is clear that higher education institutions must provide students of economics with the international perspectives and experiences upon which they can build their own futures, as well as those of their country.
The TRansatlantic Exchange in Economics (TREE) project is a four-year dual-degree program involving three universities (Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Universiteit Maastricht (UM), and Clemson University (CU)) and 48 students. Students have the opportunity to study together under several diverse and accomplished faculties in economics, while experiencing different cultural settings. This enables students to emerge from their studies with an enhanced understanding of the market forces and social systems that are shaping the future development of different regional, national, and global economies.
The project builds transatlantic student cohorts that will study together at all three partner schools over a period of two and one-half years of the four-year program. The curricular structure takes advantage of the similarities and flexibilities within the Bachelor of Arts/Economics degree at CU and baccalauréat en sciences économiques et de gestion degree at UCL, as well as the significant number of similar courses that are offered at each partner school. No new degree program was created; rather TREE merged two existing degree programs into a seamless plan of study that results the project’s ability to issue both degrees after program completion, which normally takes place within four years.
The partners have developed an innovative, enhanced cohort experience for the time that TREE students spend together. This experience will go well beyond shared academic course work and projects. Plans include a wide range of common activities and site visits designed to enhance students’ professional and cultural growth. The combination of classes from three universities and visits to major economic sites on both sides of the Atlantic means that the students have an educational experience that brings economic history, regional development, and national and international economic policy together in a manner that does not exist elsewhere. These discipline-related activities are complemented by a variety of social and cultural activities to build cohort identity and to develop an appreciation of the cultural similarities and differences between Europe and the United States. Taken together, the academic program and cohort experiences promote mutual understanding between the peoples of the European Community and the United States, with increased knowledge not only of economics but also of diverse languages, cultures, and institutions.
ONLINE REFERENCES:
First class graduates from international economics dual-degree program
http://www.clemson.edu/newsroom/articles/2008/june/TREE_degree.php5
John E. Walker Department of Economics, Clemson University » Dual Degree Program in Europe.htm
http://www.clemson.edu/econ/undergraduate-info/tree/
THe New Way to Study Abroad | Newsweek
http://www.newsweek.com/id/210907
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Raymond Sauer
Project Director
U.S. Lead
Clemson University
Department of Economics
222 Sirrine Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
Tel: 864-656-6939
Fax: 864-656-4192
Patrice Noel
U.S. Lead
Clemson University
Office Of Undergraduate
Studies
E-103 Martin Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
Tel: 864-656-1681
Fax: 864-656-0777
Dennis Placone
U.S. Lead
Clemson University
Department of Economics
222 Sirrine Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
Tel: 864-656-3951
Fax: 864-656-4192
Michel De Vroey
European Lead
Université catholique de
Louvain
Département des Sciences
Économiques
Place Montesquieu, 3
Louvain-la-Neuve 1348
Belgium
Tel: 32-10-473946
Fax: 32-10-473945
Pascale Schicks
European Lead
Universite catholique de
Louvain
Département des Sciences
Économiques
Place Montesquieu
Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348
Belgium
Tel: +32 10 47 3954
Fax: +32 10 47 3290
Ronald Peeters
European Partner
Universiteit Maastricht
Department of Economics
Tongersestraat 53
Maastricht 6211 LM
Netherlands
Tel: 043-38 83646
Fax: 043-38 84878
Lyan Ploumen
European Partner
Universiteit Maastricht
Tongersestraat 53
Secretariat room G2.25
Maastricht 6211 LM
Netherlands
Tel: +31 43 388 37 86
Fax: 31 43 3884903
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