Georgia Tech EUCE News

EU Study Abroad Program 2009

allison — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:07:11 -0400

Dr. Vicki Birchfield and Mr. Vince Pedicino
22 May - 4 July 2009

From May 22nd – July 4th the EUCE, under the leadership of Director, Dr. Vicki Birchfield and Program Coordinator, Vince Pedicino, engaged 22 students in a six week long intensive and highly interactive study abroad program on the European Union and Transatlantic Relations. Basing lectures from the European Studies Institute at the Université Libre de Bruxelles and taking advantage of Brussels as the “Capital of Europe,” the first three weeks of the program provided a comprehensive overview and introduction to the history, institutions and decision making processes of the EU. Students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in dialogue with officials from the European Commission, the Council of Ministers, and a panel of speakers at the European Parliament, including a Member of the European Parliament. Direct interaction with officials from each of the core institutions helps students turn textbook knowledge into a more practical, real world understanding of the EU. Students also took two additional courses on European Security and EU-US Relations, which maximized proximity to NATO headquarters for briefings from the international staff as well as various national representations to the organization. At the U.S. Mission to the EU, students were briefed by the Political Secretary and enjoyed a handshake and photo-op with the acting Ambassador. Full cultural immersion is another distinguishing feature of this GT study abroad program as students are fortunate to reside with European families throughout the city. Students with language skills were able to practice their French, German, and Spanish as well as gain local perspectives on the politics and culture of Belgium.

The group was fortunate to be in Brussels during the European parliamentary elections. This exciting occasion gave students a springboard for discussing European integration and the future of the EU with their new European friends and host families. Two Polish students from the EUCE’s new partner, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, participated in our program and cast their first votes in EU elections at the Polish Embassy in Brussels. Their enthusiasm added political and cultural enrichment to the group as they contributed perspectives reflecting both the EU’s younger generation and one of its newest Member States.

The second phase of the program took the students to Paris, Berlin, Krakow and Prague. Students had site visits at national parliaments and foreign ministries giving them exposure to distinctive national views on issues ranging from implications of the Lisbon Treaty to the impact of the economic crisis and relations with the U.S. A special highlight in Paris this year was the opportunity to go onto the floor of the French Assemblée Nationale (see photo) and meet MP Louis Giscard d’Estaing, head of the French-American Relations Committee. The week in Paris also gave students a chance to take a day trip to Normandy to visit Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, the site of President Obama’s visit two weeks prior.

Download the flier for next year's (Summer 2010) program

Graduate Research Grants 2009

allison — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:03:16 -0400

Summer 2009

The EUCE was pleased to award the following two graduate students an EUCE Graduate Research Grant to support their participation and research on the EU Study Abroad Program 2009: Kevin Goreham and Lauren Kretz.

Educational Trip to Brussels for Two Metro-Atlanta Area High School Teachers

allison — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:01:36 -0400

22-25 June 2009

The European Commission organized its first annual educational trip to Brussels, Belgium from June 20-25, 2009. The program was an outstanding educational opportunity open to the Network of European Union Centers of Excellence as well as secondary school teachers and university students with an interest in learning more about the EU, its institutions, and current issues facing the Member States. The program included two days of briefings at the European Commission and the Council of Ministers, a day of briefings at NATO and the U.S. Mission to the EU, as well as a day trip to The College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium.

The EUCE at Georgia Tech selected two metro-Atlanta area high school teachers to participate in the program: Mr. David Pittman of Northview High School and Mr. Brian DeLong of Grayson High School.

As a result of the trip, and with support from the EUCEs at Georgia Tech, the University of Colorado, and the University of Seattle, Mr. Pittman and Ms. Alicia Hale (a teacher from Seattle who participated in the program) are developing four Advanced Placement EU modules that can be incorporated into existing AP courses and shared with other teachers.

Workshop: “Teach Europe”

allison — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:58:37 -0400

2 June 2009 – The High Museum of Art

The EUCE was proud to support the Southern Center for International Studies day-long Teach Europe program on June 2, 2009. The program provided training and enrichment sessions on Europe for 155 teachers using state-of-the-art materials and modern methodologies for the classroom. The event was hosted by Atlanta’s High Museum of Art in their educational facilities and the training was based on the Southern Center for International Studies’ Europe in Transition educational materials. Social studies and language arts teachers from elementary, middle and high schools within the state of Georgia attended and engaged in key learning standards mandated by the state of Georgia on Europe.

The program opened with welcoming remarks by Mr. Anthony Smallwood, Head of Press and Public Diplomacy at the European Commission’s Delegation in Washington, D.C. and Diane Alleva Caceres, EUCE Associate Director. Mr. Smallwood then joined a panel discussion on “Relationships, Community, and Identity in Modern Europe,” featuring the Consuls General from Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland and Consuls from Belgium and Greece. The remainder of the morning was devoted to the professional development training workshops using the Europe in Transition materials. Following lunch, a demonstration of Irish dancing by the Mulligan School of Dance entertained the participants. In the afternoon breakout sessions, attendees were able to select from a variety of offerings based on the themes of Europe in Transition materials including: the politics and culture of Eastern Europe, European film, European art, geography, and government. Additionally, EU expert and scholar, Dr. Brian Murphy, led one of the enrichment sessions entitled, “The Future of Europe.”

The day concluded with a reception and guided tour of the widely acclaimed Louvre Exhibit at the High Museum of Art. Participants expanded their knowledge about Europe (historical, cultural, geographical, environmental, political and economic) through activities and strategies they can replicate with their own students. They learned new strategies for more effectively sharing information about Europe with their students, and received a variety of new activities for use in the classroom that meet state standards.

EUCE Involvement in the BIO International Convention 2009

allison — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:51:01 -0400

19-20 May 2009
[GT-BIO Reception – Tues., May 19, 2009]
[EUCE supported BIO Panel – Wed., May 20, 2009 (4-5:30pm)]

The annual BIO International Convention attracts industry, university researchers, and government from the biotechnology field to exchange ideas, collaborate on research, and develop commercial opportunities. Given the EUCE’s focus on innovation and technology and the fact that BIO was to be held in Atlanta, the Center collaborated Georgia Tech’s Office of Industry Liaison to submit a panel discussion on biofuels. The group was comprised of biofuel experts from Europe and Georgia. Ignacio Gavilan of British Petroleum, Dr. Marilyn Brown of Georgia Tech’s School of Public Policy, and Dr. Valerie Thomas of Georgia Tech’s School of Industrial and Systems Engineering as well as Roger Reisert, CEO of C2 Biofuels, Inc. were featured panelists. In addition, the EUCE exhibited at Georgia Tech’s BIO reception held on campus, which attracted hundreds of visitors. Finally, EUCE Associate Director, Diane Alleva Caceres, and Georgia Tech Public Policy doctoral student, Elena Berger, attended panel discussions and visited European countries’ booths at the BIO International Convention.

For more information on BIO and its annual convention, please go to the organization’s website at: bio.org

Roundtable Discussion: “Competition and Collaboration in the Transatlantic Aerospace Sector”

allison — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:45:09 -0400

12 May 2009 – 9am-1pm

In light of the recent trade dispute and the on-going commercial tensions between the two aerospace giants, Airbus and Boeing, a roundtable discussion was organized around the broad theme of “Competition and Collaboration in the Transatlantic Aerospace Sector.” On May 12, 209, the EUCE hosted expert Dr. David Thornton, of Campbell University, who gave the opening talk titled, “The Political Economy of the Airbus-Boeing Rivalry in Large Commercial Aircraft (LCA) Manufacturing.” Following Dr. Thornton’s presentation, Jimmy Burns, of Communication Services LLC, drew on his experience in the European banking and financial sector to speak on “The Role of SME Suppliers to Airbus and Boeing: An Investor’s Perspective.” Finally, Dr. Birchfield and Aerospace Engineering Ph.D. student, Timothy Gallahger, presented their research and co-authored paper, “Beyond the State-Market Paradigm: Political and Theoretical Implications of the Airbus-Boeing Dispute.” Aerospace Engineering Professors Dr. Brian German and Dr. Elena Garcia also participated in the discussions and provided valuable feedback to the panellists. Adding a business perspective, Mr. Bernard Anquez, Director of the Delta/Air France Alliance, also offered comments. An interdisciplinary learning network will be formed as a result of this initial roundtable discussion.

Public Forum: “The European Union and its Relevance for Atlanta as a Global City”

allison — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:34:28 -0400

11 May 2009 – 3:30-5:30pm

On May 9th, 1950, Robert Schuman, drawing inspiration from Jean Monnet’s vision for rebuilding Europe and uniting enemies through economic cooperation, presented the idea of creating an “organized” Europe known as the “Schuman Doctrine.” This effort later became the foundation of the European Union. And now, annually, Europe Day/Week is celebrated around the world. The EUCE along with partners from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), the European Consular Corps and the French and German cultural organizations, led the commemorations in Atlanta.

The public forum, addressing the topic, “The European Union and its Relevance for Atlanta as a Global City,” was held on May 11, 2009 at Georgia Tech’s College of Management’s Le Craw Auditorium at Technology Square. EUCE Director, Dr. Vicki Birchfield made welcoming remarks, acknowledging the significance of Europe Day and the accomplishments of the EU project and then recognized the Czech Presidency of the EU, inviting Mr. George Novak, Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic, to the podium. Next, Commissioner Kenneth C. Stewart, Department of Economic Development, offered comments underscoring the dynamic economic relationship between Europe and Georgia. These opening remarks were followed by a keynote speech by Mr. Anthony Smallwood, Head of Press and Public Diplomacy for the European Commission Delegation to Washington, D.C., entitled, “Transatlantic Relations Under a New Administration: Something New or More of the Same?”

Dr. Birchfield moderated, a panel discussion among Consular Corps members from Belgium, Greece, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany as well as the Executive Directors of the Alliance Française d'Atlanta, Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta, and the head of Global Business Development for the GDEcD.

Later that evening guests were invited to a dinner celebration featuring Czech cuisine and musical performances at the Carlyle House. A broad cross-section of Atlanta’s European community, supporters of the EUCE, and many other Europhiles and individuals whose work promotes ties between Georgia and Europe were in attendance for a marvelous evening of good food, cheer, and an eclectic mix of music from Czech opera to French rock-n-roll to Swedish folk songs. Vive l’Europe!

Additionally, please click here to view the GlobalAtlanta video of Senator Isakson and Mr. Smallwood’s discussion, “U.S. and EU Share Pains of Global Recession.”

Lecture: “Research and Technology Policy in the EU: A Bottom-up Contribution to European Integration”

allison — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:24:57 -0400

Attilio Stajano, Professor, University of Bologna, Italy
Co-Sponsored by the Center for International Strategy, Technology and Policy (CISTP)
21 April 2009 – 11am

On 21 April, 2009, the EUCE and the Center for International Strategy, Technology, and Policy (CISTP) were proud to host Mr. Attilio Stajano for a talk titled, “Research and Technology Policy in the EU: A Bottom-up Contribution to European Integration.” Mr. Stajano, a professor at the University of Bologna and a prior civil servant in the European Commission, where he worked as the adviser to the Director of Esprit, shared his knowledge with approximately 25 faculty and students of the Georgia Institute of Technology. He gave an enlightening and stimulating public talk on the issues surrounding research, innovation, and competitiveness policy in the European Union. Issues such as the necessity for a long term approach to increasing competitiveness and how to better increase competitiveness in a safe way that does not conflict with current European values were discussed. Other issues that Mr. Stajano addressed included the necessity for a more dynamic European research and innovation environment and how productive research can change wealth distributions rapidly.

During Mr. Stajano’s three day stay in Atlanta, he also attended the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s (GTRI) 75th Anniversary Technology Symposium titled, “The Role of Applied Research at Georgia Tech,” which featured a keynote speech by Georgia Tech’s President, Dr. Peterson. For more information on GTRI Symposium, please see the following website: http://www.gtri.gatech.edu/news/75th-anniversary-technology-symposium.

Public Talk: "The Quality of Democracy in the New EU Member States"

allison — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:24:44 -0400

Dr. Andrew Roberts
15 April 2009 – 12pm

The EUCE held the first in a series of discussions on the Institutional and Cultural Transformations of the EU: From 6 to 27 Member States. Dr. Andrew Roberts of Northwestern University spoke on 15 April 2009 on “The Quality of Democracy in the New EU Member States.”

Roberts’ talk drew a very interesting crowd (approximately 25 people), particularly among graduate students, and sparked a lively discussion on the nature of politics in the newer EU member states, research design questions about how we measure and study phenomena such as the strength and quality of democracy, and the two-way impact of the EU’s fifth enlargement. The series will continue in the next academic year (2009-2010) with a closer look at Poland’s national identity and current social challenges as well as the special roles she plays in the EU as one of the largest of the newer members, with a population of 39 million. The date has yet to be determined, but the visiting speakers have been invited and will include a team of researchers led by Professor Zdzilaw Mach of the Centre for European Studies at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland.

The 15th Annual Georgia Tech Global Business Forum

allison — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:12:06 -0400

“Brazil and It’s Markets – Opportunities and Strategies for US-Based Firms in a Restructuring World”
Mr. Erik Persson
8 April 2009 – 7:15am – 5pm – UPS Headquarters

The EUCE was a co-sponsor of the Center for International Business Education Research’s (CIBER) 15th Annual Georgia Tech Global Business Forum (GBF), which was held on Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 at UPS headquarters in Atlanta.

The forum’s theme, “Brazil and It’s Markets – Opportunities and Strategies for US-Based Firms in a Restructuring World,” attracted over 150 business, academic and government participants. The EUCE supported the participation of a Swedish expert in renewable energy, Mr. Erik Persson, Chairman of the Board, Energy Technology Center, Piteå, Sweden. Mr. Persson was a panelist whose presentation addressed the niche renewable energy technologies being developed in the EU and in northern Sweden, especially fuel sources derived from pulp known as “black liquor.” Given northern Sweden’s and Brazil’s abundance of forest and timber product and the U.S.’s collaborative efforts to co-develop new technologies, specific industry trends as well as trade and investment opportunities were discussed.

In addition, Piteå, Sweden is poised to become Europe’s wind energy capital with over 1,000 wind turbines being installed with European Commission funding.

With Mr. Persson’s participation, the GBF, focused originally on US-Brazil emerging technologies, benefited from a third perspective, that of the EU and the country holding its current presidency, Sweden.

To learn more about the 15th Annual GT Global Business Forum and GT CIBER, please click here