Since 1985, the University of South Carolina has successfully partnered with the Sultanate of Oman. On Oct. 3, the Darla Moore School of Business, the Walker Institute of International and Area Studies, the International House at Maxcy College, and the Columbia World Affairs Council will host a number of events to discuss U.S.-Oman relations as well as the business environment and investment opportunities in Oman. The event, Engage America: Oman 2018, is sponsored by the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center and the World Affairs Councils of America.
Columbia World Affairs Council Executive Director Dickson Monk says, “There is a relationship in place. It’s very important to the University [of South Carolina]. It is also an important relationship for the City of Columbia and our region. There are a number of Omanis’ that graduated from the International Business Program who are back in Oman and it’s because of that connection with the university that [the World Affairs Councils of America] decided to host this conference here in Columbia.”
This is a unique opportunity for students to learn about the exciting business opportunities found in the Sultanate of Oman.
Business Professor Robert Rolfe, Ph.D.
Darla Moore School of Business Professor Robert Rolfe, Ph.D., and Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman Haura Saud Al-wahaibi will kick off the program series with a breakfast presentation on Oct. 3 at 9 a.m. in the Sonoco Pavilion at the Darla Moore School of Business. Rolfe explains why this event is important. “This is a unique opportunity for students to learn about the exciting business opportunities found in the Sultanate of Oman. Ms. Al-wahaibi will explain how the country is taking advantage of its historic ties and strategic location to diversify its economy and become the transport and trade bridge for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.”
Approximately 70 Omani students are currently completing undergraduate studies here, and students from Oman have been taking classes at UofSC since 1985. Vice Provost and Director of Global Carolina P. Allen Miller Ph.D., says, “The Sultanate of Oman is one of UofSC’s oldest strategic partners, sending students and sponsoring academic conferences. We are excited to welcome the commercial attaché.” Miller is a member of the Board of Trustees at the National University of Science and Technology which includes the Caledonian College of Engineering in Oman. Caledonian College collaborates with the UofSC’s College of Engineering and Computing. Oman is also home to one of UofSC’s international alumni clubs.
The activities planned for Engage America: Oman 2018 are:
Oct. 2
Welcoming Reception | 6 p.m. | Rooftop Pavilion | Darla Moore School of Business
Oct. 3
A Breakfast Presentation on the Sultanate of Oman at the Moore School | 9 a.m. | Sonoco Pavilion | Darla Moore School of Business
Distinguished Speaker at the Palmetto Forum | noon | The Palmetto Club
Tea Time with Students | 4 p.m. | Hollings Library
To register, visit the Columbia World Affairs Council website.
Global Carolina develops and delivers services and programs which facilitate international and American students' engagement in international learning both in South Carolina an in countries around the world.