Planning an International Business Trip on Temple’s Behalf

If you have any questions, consult with Adelaide Ferguson, interim vice president of International Affairs.

Review possible goals for your trip, such as:

• Setting up an exploratory meeting with potential academic partners and collaborators.
• Formalizing a partnership with an overseas institution.
• Recruiting students and/or faculty.
• Attending an academic meeting abroad.
• Doing research overseas.
• Connecting with overseas alumni and/or donor cultivation.
• Meeting with U.S. Embassy Officials stationed abroad.

Prepare written materials on:

• Temple University (English and Mandarin Chinese)
• School or college
• Project: outline or synopsis translated into the language of your hosts. For translation, consider using a professional translation service.

Know the host country:

• Familiarize yourself with general information about the host country and its business etiquette.
• Use the Faculty International Expertise Database to identify Temple faculty and staff you can consult with who are from the region you are visiting or who specialize in that region.
• Search Partnerships & Programs to find out what other relationships Temple has in the host country.
• Connect with Temple alumni abroad by contacting Assistant VP of Alumni Affairs Deborah Fowlkes.

Consider an appropriate gift:

• Understand the gift-giving culture.
• Consider items from Temple’s bookstore carrying the Temple logo, such as pens, paperweights, mouse pads, scarves, neckties and golf shirts; or books published by Temple Press, written by Temple faculty or about Philadelphia.

Prepare a contract or memorandum of understanding (MOU):

• Signing an MOU for future cooperation is often a part of a meeting with a university overseas. 
• Consult with Assistant Vice President of International Affairs, Denise Connerty regarding the possible forms of relationships and their realities and ramifications.
• Please note that all agreements between an overseas institution and any division of Temple University must be reviewed by the Office of International Affairs and University Counsel, and signed by the officially designated university signatory.

Maximize the effectiveness of your trip

• Consider Gold Key Service for a fee provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce or consult one of the Pennsylvania Department of State international representatives posted around the world for help in:
  • Making introductions and appointments
  • Arranging for in-country transportation
  • Providing translation and hosting services
  • Acquainting you with business etiquette
  • Planning meetings and events
    The range of services varies depending on the country.
  
  
• Also, check the Greater Philadelphia International Resource Guide for background information.
  
  
• Check out the Philadelphia International Visitors Council, especially if you are going to one of Philadelphia’s Sister Cities. Temple offers undergraduate and law scholarships to one student per year from a Sister City.
  
  
• For help at a national level, visit the U.S. Commercial Service and explore leads and events at the U.S. Government’s Export Office.

Explore travel info, Temple policies and insurance

• U.S. State Department
• Temple Health Insurance Coverage Abroad/SOS
• Temple Travel Policies

Connect with overseas alumni: invaluable resources
Each year Temple hosts a number of alumni gatherings around the world. Developing loyal alumni abroad is one of our best resources. 

• Contact Assistant Vice President for Alumni Affairs, Deborah Fowlkes to help identify overseas alumni and discuss meeting with local alumni and attending and/or planning a reunion event while you are overseas.

Post-trip: capitalize on your trip and contacts

• Touch base with the Office of International Affairs. We want to hear about your trip and assist you with follow-up.
  
  
• Promote your trip through copy and photos on your Web site.
  
  
• Contact the Temple Times staff member responsible for your school, and also, when appropriate, contact Temple’s alumni publication—Temple Review.
  
  
• Keep in touch with your new contacts. Put them on your mailing list and send them an annual New Year's card and publications from your school or college.
  
  
• Please send Temple alumni contact information to Deborah Fowlkes so Temple alumni records can be updated.