President Merten's Outreach to Asia
Itinerary
| October 17 - 27, 2004 | Shanghai and Beijing, China |
| October 27 - November 1, 2004 | Seoul, Daegu, and Busan, Korea |
| November 2 - November 5, 2004 | Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taiwan |
George Mason University President Alan G. Merten visited China, Korea, and Taiwan in October-November 2004 to strengthen Mason's existing ties in the region, raise Mason's profile as an international university, and explore new educational linkages. At each stop, he met with university leaders and faculty, government and corporate officials, as well as George Mason University alumni and prospective students. Dr. Merten was accompanied by his wife, Sally Merten, for the China portion of the trip.
The main goals and objectives of the trip were
- To introduce George Mason University to a broad audience in Asia
- To learn more about George Mason's existing links in Asia
- To strengthen ties with university leaders and faculty George Mason University works with in Asia
- To explore new collaborative opportunities with universities in Asia
- To talk with U.S. government officials in Asia about international student trends and visa concerns
- To strengthen ties with alumni overseas
The trip was a great success thanks to the help and support of many people. Dr. Merten would like to extend his sincere thanks to each university and institution that he visited, to the Ministries of Education in China, Korea, and Taiwan, and to George Mason alumni, faculty, staff, and students involved in the trip.