MonAme director Ch. Narantsogt and associate A. Altangerel visited the University of Arizona, Tucson on May 6th and 7th. MonAme has been leading an initiative between the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST) and the University of Arizona (UoA), Tucson. The initiated program, upon completion will allow Mongolian students of the School of Mining Engineering at MUST to complete last 2 years of their undergraduate studies at the  UoA to earn dual diploma from both institutions. This unique program is first of its kind for Mongolian Universities and opens unique opportunities to Mongolian graduates. Preliminary agreement was signed by Prof. B. Damdinsuren, President of the MUST and Dr. Gail Burd, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs of UoA.  Mr. Yo. Otgonbayar, the Minister of Education of Mongolia headed the Mongolian Delegation in Arizona discussing future collaboration between Mongolian and American Institutions of Higher Education.

Prof.B. Damdinsuren is signing the preliminary Agreement of the 2+2 program between the MUST and the UoA. Minister Yo. Otgonbayar (right) and Mr. G. Damdinsuren, Adviser to the Minister (left) witnessed the ceremony.

Mongolian Delegation together with the UoA officials at the signing ceremony, May 7th 2010, Tucson, AZ Left to right: Dr. Narantsogt Ch.(MonAme), Mr. Damdinnyam G. (Ministry of Education of Mongolia), Prof. M. Poulton (Department head of the School of Geological and Mining Engineering, UoA), Mr. Yo. Otgonbayar (Minister of Education of Mongolia), Dr. Gail Burd (Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, UoA), Prof. B. Damdinsuren  (President of MUST), Dr. Davis Wright (Director of Study Abroad and Student Exchange, UoA), Ms. Dale LaFleur, Assistant Director, Office of International Affairs, UoA)

 Another highlight of this visit was the signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the MonAme Scientific Research Center and the Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources at the UoA. MonAme has been collaborating the the School of Geological and Mining Engineering at UoA for 3 years and this collaboration was crucial for the developing the collaboration between the MUST and UoA. Both, MonAme and Lowell Institute agreed on common goals including future collaboration in fields of education, research and program developments. The MoU was signed by Dr. Narantsogt and Prof. M. Poulton, Lowell's Institute Director.

Prof. M. Poulton and Dr. Narantsogt signing the MoU between both Institutions. The ceremony was witnessed by Prof. G. Damdisuren

 Dr. Naratsogt and Ms. Ariungerel A. also met with Prof. Troike R., the Director of the English Language/Linguistics Program and discussed future collaboration between the MonAme and the English Department of UoA to develop an efficient and professional English language program for Mongolian professionals.         

Ms. Ariungerel. Altangerel (MonAme)  and Prof. Troike R. (UoA)