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SIPA Agrees to Host Energy Students from Portugal
Beginning in 2011, Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) will host each fall semester nearly two dozen students from Portugal’s Instituto Universitário de Lisboa’s Business School (ISCTE). The students, from ISCTE Business School’s MBA program in energy systems, will enroll in energy-related courses at SIPA, such as those offered through the school’s Energy and Environment concentration in collaboration with SIPA’s Center for Energy, Marine Transportation and Public Policy.
Learn more about Portugal's ambitious renewable energy projects from the New York Times.
SIPA Dean John H. Coatsworth and ISCTE Business School Dean António Mota signed the agreement on March 25 in New York. The students from ISCTE will attend their first two semesters at its campus in Lisbon, Portugal, followed by a semester of classes at Columbia University. The partnership between the two universities provides an opportunity for the brightest energy policy students in Portugal to learn from leading energy and sustainability scholars and practitioners in the United States, and vice-versa.
“Our program at ISCTE endeavors to develop new generations of highly skilled management professionals and leaders in the constantly evolving energy industry,” said Dean António Mota of ISCTE Business School. “This unique partnership will provide our students with the opportunity to benefit from a challenging academic environment at two international universities, and gain a wider perspective on energy and environmental policy.”
SIPA’s Energy and Environment concentration provides students with the analytical tools and substantive knowledge to address the key economic and environmental challenges of the 21st century, and to pursue leadership careers in the public, private or nonprofit sectors. The Center for Energy, Marine Transportation and Public Policy sponsors research, lectures, and conferences on energy-related issues in addition to supporting the energy curriculum and student activities.
“We’re delighted to host such a diverse and talented group of students,” said SIPA Dean John H. Coatsworth. “Portugal is on the cutting-edge of innovation when it comes to renewable energy, with the largest solar plant in the world and biggest wind park in Europe. We expect to learn much from them even as they are learning from us.”
All applicants and admitted students from ISCTE Business School will be evaluated according to the same rigorous academic standards as SIPA students. They will complete the same assignments and receive a grade at the completion of their courses. Each ISCTE student will take up to four classes, submitting a list of preferred classes in advance and enrolled subject to availability. SIPA will be able to expand its course offerings in the energy field as a result of the increased enrollment.
View additional photos from the signing ceremony here.
04/07/2010