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This process of "Omanization" would begin with developing "a strong educated work force," hence the need for a new university, according to Guilbaud. Therefore, Al Said has put forth funding for organizations that are competent and interested in starting universities in Oman.
"He had this great vision to modernize Oman, simply because a lot of countries in the Middle East know that oil is a finite resource and the price of oil will not stay where it is forever so they should start to diversify," Guilbaud said. "I have heard that as much as $50 million are being made available for those being able to partner and create the university."
The university will focus mainly on science, business, and engineering, but once it gets off the ground, there are hopes for a liberal arts curriculum outside of the core course that it's currently prepared to offer.
Confirmation is wpending from Oman's Ministry of Higher Education about whether the university will officially be named "Muscat University," though the project is currently being referred to as "New University."
The OTE Group, along with the group working out of India, researched many universities around the world until they settled on Virginia Tech, basing its decision on Tech's reputation in the fields of research and engineering. The partnership officially began in October 2007 when six Tech representatives were sent to Oman to meet with representatives of the OTE Group. They included Gilbaud, Dooley, Lance Matheson, associate professor in the BIT department and director of International Programs at the Pamplin School of Business, Anne Moore, associate vice president of Learning Technologies, Vinod Lohani, associate professor of engineering, and Jerry Via, assistant dean of biological sciences.
Tech does not have any undergraduate extension universities beyond of Blacksburg, so the hope for Tech is that some day in the future it can establish a graduate exchange program in Oman.
These possible graduate programs that will begin to form further down the road will not only serve as class credits for graduate students, but also possible opportunities to work as teaching assistants.
Tech is also aiding in its general education departments, helping them set up a base for each department. These courses will be part of English, psychology and mathematics programs.
"We are also hoping that this will facilitate for Omani students to become exchange students at our campus, which will aid us in becoming more culturally diverse," Dooley said, "I think that this can become a learning experience for all."
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What the ?!#$! is up with this? So you mean to tell me that Virginia Tech "doesn't have the money" to improve the facilities for their students, is making budget cuts all over the place, can't afford to pay their blue collar workers a decent wage, and can't afford to purchase better equipment for their police department and campus watch programs.... and yet... they can afford to fly (and pay) professors to go out to Oman on some politically motivated good well gesture?!? Is anyone out there paying attention??
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Steven, from what the article is actually saying, Oman is footing the bill for Virginia Tech to be involved. "We are only acting as educational advisers, and we are not putting any money into the project." I would assume that means they aren't putting any money into the project, but hey, thats just me.
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That means money for virginia tech ang the people that the university will send. That is for sure. Noboday is doing pro bono work in the middle east.
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I'd hardly call a country with more land area than Italy "small." Granted, it's not heavily populated and lacks the tremendous oil reserves of some of its neighbors. Perhaps that's what was meant?
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Steven, have no fear. VT is spending no money on this project. Read the article again.
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A strong job outlook for petroleum engineers. In some jobs you have to travel to dodgy places (need a k&r policy)...don't go sightseeing in next door Yemen!
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Welcome to Oman!! The Land of Opportunities. ANd you criticize Oman, as if your country the first class safest place. I swear, if you just reach this country, you'll regret wasting your time in your place :D
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My apologies if you took offense. There are certainly dangerous places in the US...including our campus. However, you'll find most Americans (as with Omanis) will tell you what is safe. Omanis are a very friendly people with a proud culture. Oman has much natural beauty particularly its beaches which are great for diving. Yes, I've been there but not through the university.
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