Academic Exchange Program
Integral Valorisation of Bio-production
This EU-U.S. one-semester study program is supported by the U.S. Department of Education FIPSE (Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education) program and will continue through 2012. The program provides opportunities for seniors and graduate students to study at one of the EU partner institutions by completing coursework and/or research and broadens the field of study from food to non-food agricultural materials and applications.
Kansas State University is partnering with The University of Arkansas and Iowa State University in an EU-U.S. Consortium. European partners include Ghent University, Belgium; Karl Franzens University, Graz, Austria; and National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse, France. An important objective of the consortium is to facilitate senior and graduate transatlantic study in the area of biomaterial production and utilization.
Participating European Universities
Ghent University (Belgium)
Ghent University is an integral part of the complex network of European universities and is involved in many international projects in the areas of research and education. Several of the University's labs are working at the cutting edge in fields like genetics, biotechnology and physical land resources.
The University has an emphasis on the use of carbohydrate, lipids and clean technology. Many courses are offered in English, including those in the departments of Physical Land Resources, Environmental Sanitation, and Food Science and Technology.
Contact Information:
Dr. Koen Dewettinck
Department of Food Technology and Nutrition
Ghent University
Coupure Links 652
B-9 Gent, Belgium
E-mail: koen.dewettinck@ugent.be
Phone: +32 (0)9 264 61 65
Fax: +32 (0)9 264 62 18
Roland Verhe, Professor
Faculty of Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences
E-mail: Roland.Verhe@Ugent.be
Voice: +32 (0) 9 264 59 54
Karl Franzens University (Graz, Austria)
The University of Graz ranks as one of Austria's principal intellectual institutions. It is characterized by an international spirit, a creative atmosphere and supreme academic achievements. The individual faculties have special profiles that are reflected in their curricula. The University also encourages interdisciplinary studies.
The University has extended educational and research programs in renewable resources dealing with carbohydrates and biodiesel, life cycle analysis of bioresources and green refinery. Courses at the University of Graz are taught in German.
Program at Graz: http://www.cepolmc.nawigraz.at/
Contact Information:
Anton Huber, Associate Professor
Institute of Chemistry
E-mail: anton.huber@uni-graz.at
Phone: +43 316 380 5419
National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse (France)
The Laboratory of Agro Industrial Chemistry at Toulouse Polytechnic University is in ENSIACET, the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University. It is a major institution using biorenewable agricultural products to develop new industrial materials and to extract valuable chemical for commercial use. The University has educational and research programs in renewable resources chemistry and engineering dealing with biomass utilization and extraction by green refining.
Laboratory of Agro-Industrial Chemistry brochure (PDF)
Contact Information:
Carlos Vaca-Garcia, Associate Professor
National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse
E-mail: carlos.vacagarcia@ensiacet.fr
Phone: +33 5 62 88 57 19
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Language Requirements
Program-related classes are conducted in English. Students participating in the program are encouraged to receive language training prior to departure and while studying at the host institution. Training can consist of personal tutors, courses or other language training opportunities either in Kansas prior to departure or in the host country after arrival.
Most courses will be taught in English at each of the three European universities. The University of Graz (Austria) does offer their courses in German and the National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse (France) will teach some of their courses in English and some in French and all classes related to the FIPSE bioenergy program are conducted in English.
Students traveling to Austria and France may be required to take a language examination in French or German. Students who are not taking courses and only conducting research will not be required to take this exam. However, language skills are desirable for cultural and social integration.
Program Costs
Students must be current full-time students enrolled at Kansas State University. K-State students traveling abroad will pay regular tuition and fees to K-State. No additional costs will be charged for tuition, laboratory or library use at the host institution.
Housing and food costs, up to $5,000, will be provided for each student to cover expenses. Other costs not covered are the responsibility of the student, including costs of pre-semester language courses, if required, travel to and from the host university, personal expenses, as well as a minimal K-State Study Abroad fee. Study Abroad requires students to have overseas insurance coverage. This insurance is available for $1 per day through Study Abroad. More information is included in the application materials.
Students may be eligible to apply for additional funds through scholarships available from Study Abroad.
For further information about application procedures, programs costs, or scholarships please contact Karli Stukenberg at K-State Study Abroad.
Travel and Accommodations
Students will work with Carole Lovin in the Center for Sustainable Energy to ensure program funding is transferred to the student prior to travel. Students can work with Karli Stukenberg at K-State Study Abroad to assist in travel planning and preparation.
While at the host university, students will reside in university housing. Student support services and tutors will be available to students while they are abroad as part of the program. Students will also have a support system in place at K-State before, during and after their semester abroad.
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Application Procedures for KSU Students Information for European Students
KSU Office of International Programs KSU Graduate School EU-U.S. Partners Program Contacts