Institute of International Education Launches Initiative in Support of US-Iran Academic Exchanges

Washington, DC – The Institute of International Education (IIE) recently announced its new Iran Higher Education Initiative, which seeks to facilitate increased cooperation between higher education institutions in the United States and Iran. The Iran Higher Education Initiative includes a briefing paper, a series of national conference calls, workshops, and a delegation to Iran which was held in June 2015.

The briefing outlines a number of potential areas where American and Iranian institutions can collaborate and includes an FAQ section on current OFAC regulations. Also outlined in the paper is:

• A Snapshot of Iranian Higher Education
• The Current State of U.S.-Iran Academic Exchange
• Potential Areas for New Academic Relations
• Rules and Regulations: Frequently Asked Questions about the Impact on U.S. Educational Institutions of U.S. Sanctions and Export Controls

IIE President Dr. Allan Goodman said the initiative will enable the US to “establish bonds with a country that has been all but out of reach to Americans for three decades”, adding that academic cooperation is likely to lead to “better political relations immediately”.

 Dr. Goodman also mentioned that a US embassy or consulate in Iran is needed for there to be “substantial mobility” of students and scholars between the two countries.

“Substantial numbers of US students going to Iran will require some form of diplomatic presence on the ground, but there will be more and more US students interested in going to Iran,” he said in an interview with Times Higher Education.

Click here to download Reinventing Academic Ties: Opportunities for U.S.-Iran Higher Education Cooperation.

About the Institute of International Education

The Institute of International Education is a world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. IIE designs and implements programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. An independent, not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has a network of 19 offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,400 member institutions.