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Global Engagement

Developing International Agreements

International partnerships are essential to Clemson’s global mission. The Office of Global Engagement offers guidance for new or existing collaborations.

Ready to take the first step? Start with a consultation, submit the Proposal for a New International Cooperative Agreement or explore our step-by-step process. For questions, email us at oge@clemson.edu.

Map illustrating Clemson University’s active international partnerships by country, with data points indicating the number of agreements per country and a breakdown of agreements by college and unit.

Developing Collaborations

Proposing International Cooperative Agreements

International Cooperative Agreements (ICAs) help bring parties to the table for further discussions and provide evidence of cooperation when seeking funding. Simple ICAs are customarily executed using Clemson’s standard form and are signed by the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. While they do not commit CU to specific activities, ICAs do represent a symbolic commitment to an international partnership and require careful consideration. All ICAs are initiated through an online Proposal Form, which requires that the rationale for the partnership be clearly articulated and must be approved by a sponsoring college or department.

The complete process will include:

  • Step 1: Consultation

    Meet with OGE to discuss your partnership goals and determine the appropriate type of agreement. Come to the meeting prepared with the partner's detailed information and an explanation of what you and the partner wish to accomplish.

    We will help assess feasibility and identify any needed approvals. Keeping OGE informed also helps us keep the rest of the University updated about your initiatives.

  • Step 2: Proposal Submission

    Notify your college leadership of the prospective partnership and the agreement workflow responsibilities and timelines. 

    Submit the Proposal for a New International Cooperative Agreement. It will be sent to the department chair and administrator for review and approval.

  • Step 3: Negotiation

    Share the draft agreement with the partner institution for review. OGE will help review edits received and coordinate with the Office of the General Counsel and other units for approvals as needed.

  • Step 4: Execution

    OGE coordinates internal signatures and works with the faculty lead to collect the counter-signed agreement from the partner. Once fully executed, the agreement is returned to OGE.

  • Step 5: Maintenance and Renewals

    OGE incorporates partnership information into its database and shares it with relevant units. The parties execute further sub-agreements, if appropriate. CU faculty keep OGE updated regarding collaboration status. Current partnerships will be periodically reviewed, and the agreement may be renewed when appropriate.

Considerations for Faculty

Before submitting your form

Be clear about what you want to accomplish and confirm that your college leadership supports the partnership. Be clear on the goals and outcomes of the partner institution. Gather draft language or materials from the partner if available.

Estimated Timeline
  • Standard agreements: 2-3 weeks
  • More complex agreements may require additional time for legal, compliance, or academic review
Faculty Responsibilities
  • Inform your department chair and college leadership
  • Coordinate with the partner institution
  • Respond to OGE requests for edits or information
Additional Considerations
  • Consider how the agreement may benefit faculty and students beyond your unit.
  • Understand that Clemson cannot enter into certain contractual relationships, including those that require indemnification, submission to foreign jurisdictions, or that do not respect the privacy rights of our faculty and students.

Proposing Student Exchanges

Reciprocal student exchange programs are developed to enable the exchange, usually 1:1, of students between Clemson University and a partner institution abroad. Incoming international exchange students are admitted to Clemson as non-degree-seeking students; likewise, outgoing Clemson students enroll as transient students at an approved partner institution and transfer completed coursework back to Clemson.

The process for proposing a student exchange is as follows:

  • Step 1: Consultation
    • Clemson faculty consult with partner colleagues about potential student exchange.
    • Clemson faculty consult with Education Abroad about exchange, including fit with the current exchange portfolio.
    • Clemson faculty should be familiar with the academics and environment at the partner institution and may wish to visit the campus.
  • Step 2: Proposal and Review
  • Step 3: Negotiation
    • OGE or Clemson faculty reach out to partner with student exchange templates or review partner templates.
    • OGE negotiates revisions to the terms of the agreement.
    • OGE clears terms with the Office of General Counsel.
  • Step 4: Execution
    • One institution initiates the signature and sends partially signed agreements to the partner.
    • Second institution signs agreement and returns fully signed original to partner.
    • IP coordinates routing for the signature and keeps the agreement.
  • Step 5: Follow Through
    • Student exchange commences.
    • Clemson faculty helps recruit students for exchange and maintains contact with colleagues at the partner institutions.
    • OGE monitors the student exchange balance.
    • Council on Global Engagement reviews student exchanges that come up for renewal
    • The agreement may be renewed when appropriate.

Requirements and Recommendations for Student Exchange

  • Identify academically rigorous coursework in an appropriately accredited institution.
  • Verify that non-native English speakers coming to Clemson meet Clemson’s English requirements.
  • Ensure that each university has sufficient demand to attend the partner institution.
  • Target a balanced exchange ratio with sufficient tuition and fees from outgoing students to cover incoming students.
  • Confirm the compatibility of academic calendars.
  • Guarantee there is a safe environment for studies and other activities.
  • Certify opportunities to study in a region, country or field of study not sufficiently served by other exchanges.
  • Approve availability in certain high-demand disciplines through the permission of the specific Clemson department and college.

Collaborative Degree Programs

Collaborative degree structures include dual degree programs and consecutive or “feeder” programs that create a pathway from undergraduate to graduate study. With the right partner and programming combination, they can offer an incredibly rich opportunity for students to enhance their academic credentials and enrich their studies. Faculty interested in exploring a collaborative degree structure with an international partner should consult the Office of Global Engagement.

FAQs

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