SMU signs cultural academic pact with Japanese schools*

Saint Mary’s University signed a cultural and educational agreement between SMU and Ryukyu America Historical Research Society located in Okinawa, Japan. The agreement states:

“To promote a mutually beneficial relationship, the above named institutions and affiliated Okinawa, Japan, schools agree to create and nurture an educational and cultural collaboration to enhance international goodwill and promote the personal and professional development of their students, graduates and faculty.
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“In this spirit, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, the Ryukyu America Historical Research Society and the affiliated schools agree that:

“Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will endeavor to regularly offer and host a summer English and American culture program for students from the Okinawa schools affiliated with the Ryukyu American Historical Research Society (RyuBei Kai)

“In numbers and conditions to be agreed upon by all partners and individual participants, RyuBei Kai and its affiliated city, town and villages on Okinawa will welcome graduates of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota who are interested in volunteering to teach English and American culture while pursuing their fields of study or research.

“Based on the recommendations of appropriate affiliate high school officials and teachers, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will welcome applicants for admission to their undergraduate programs. All candidates for admission must be reviewed and accepted by the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota International Student Admissions Committee.

“Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will award $10,000 International Student Cultural Diversity Scholarships per year for four consecutive years to qualified and accepted undergraduate students.

“Where mutually beneficial, the collaborating institutions will explore and encourage educational exchanges, including but not limited to faculty exchanges.

“The collaborating institutions agree to explore and encourage other programs which promise to be mutually beneficial.

“To the best of their ability and means, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Ryukyu America Historical Research Society and the affiliated cities, towns and villages of Okinawa, Japan, pledge to further the cause of international education and cultural understanding through the development and maintenance of the bridges established by this collaborative agreement, signed this day of April 27, 2007.”