Developing International Exchange Programs Leading to MOU’s: The Case of SSU and Rotterdam University Dr. Stuart G. McMahon & Dr. K.C. Bloom

PURPOSE To develop cross-cultural learning experiences and global approaches to sport management education. To determine “best practice” for utilization of university resources in keeping with SSU’s development of “Comprehensive Internationalization” within the university’s curriculum.

History Developing any program leading to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) takes time (for us it took several years)! Draw upon any educational & professional contacts you may have in any given country. Work with & learn from your International Office staff (in order to help facilitate potential program development).

Year 1: Developing Ideas Focus on your niche area(s). Dr. Smolianov originally worked on developing a sport marketing research study along with our Dutch counterparts. Results of these studies were presented in our 1 st SSU Sport Management Research Symposium. Educational & cultural trips were also arranged.

Year 2: Building Upon Rotterdam Administrators met with SSU Administrators to work on the parameters of our MOU. SSU faculty, and Rotterdam faculty were closely involved in these negotiations – We got to “drive the bus” in terms of our goals. 2 nd SSU Sport Management Symposium. Educational and cultural trips continued.

Year 3: MOU Signed Rotterdam University and SSU enter into a MOU. Drs. McMahon, and Bloom worked with Rotterdam faculty to develop academic collaboration for this year – Boston Marathon V’s Rotterdam Marathon. 3 rd SSU Sport Management Symposium. Educational and cultural trips continued.

Year 4: Plan Rotterdam Trip Dr. Bloom developed a 3 credit Study Travel Seminar in SMS (as an elective option for our students). Dr.s McMahon & Bloom developing grant funding application to help defray costs for our students. Goal: to take a group of 15 – 20 students to Rotterdam next Spring Break or Summer Session.