TAMIU Students, Profs Visit Washington for Policy, Strategy Briefings
Texas A&M International University graduate students joined TAMIU faculty members of the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business for a summer learning journey exploring international economic policy in Washington, D.C. May 23-30.
The TAMIU delegation participating in the International Policy and Strategy Briefing included four faculty members and eight Ph.D. and MBA students for the eight-day trip.
The trip was led by Dr. Tagi Sagafi-nejad, Radcliffe Killam Distinguished Professor of International Business and sponsored by the University’s A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business and the Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade. The project was funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education Title VI.B (BIE Grant).
Dr. Sagafi-nejad said it was the first of its kind to offer such an extensive learning opportunity.
“This was an historic undertaking by the University. The group toured and met with leadership of the World Bank, Organization of American States, Council on Foreign Relations, U. S. Department of State, United States Congress, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inter-American Dialogue, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the Cato Institute and the Library of Congress. All told, they received some 24 briefings from senior scholars and policy makers at 11 institutions,” Sagafi-nejad said.
Ph.D. student Aditya Limaye said the experience was one to be cherished for a lifetime.
“It was a wonderful and unique experience indeed. Firstly, the various organizations and the think-tanks that we visited enhanced my knowledge about the various issues in International policy and strategy. Secondly, the group consisted of faculty members, staff, PhD and MBA students and provided an excellent opportunity for students like me to interact with the faculty. The practical knowledge that I gained by being a part of this unique experience cannot be learnt by reading any textbook. This was an experience that I shall always cherish throughout my career,” Limaye said.
Julie Barrera, an MBA student, concurred.
“It was an amazing educational experience. This trip was a blessing and it has helped me to get one step closer to a Master’s degree in Business Administration in International Trade,” Barrera assured.
Dr. Leonel Prieto, TAMIU assistant professor of management, noted the opportunity to witness change in action.
“It provided a first-hand and unique experience through the briefings and discussions held at a set of key think tanks, and institutions such as the Organization for American States (OAS), the State Department, and the World Bank. We had the opportunity to witness some change attempts which may be crucial, if realized. At the same time, it was disappointing to remind ourselves again and again that substantive change is difficult to bring about,” Dr. Prieto explained.
Students participating included: doctoral students Peerayuth Charoensukmongkol, Jose L. Daniel, Ahmed Elkassabgi, Aditya R. Limaye and Shaun C. Sexton. MBA students attending were Julie E. Barrera, Lesly E. Cedillo and Rossy Cerda.
Faculty and staff members attending were Dr. Jorge Brusa (associate professor of finance); Dr. Pablo Camacho (assistant professor of economics); Dr. Kamal Parhizgar (professor of management); Dr. Leonel Prieto and Dr. Antonio Rodriguez (professor of finance).
Organizers say they hope to offer similar opportunities in the future. The group is completing a report of their experiences which will be posted on the University’s website.
For additional information, call the Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade at 956.326.2548 or e-mail cswht@tamiu.edu
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu