Center for International Business Studies

The Center for International Business Studies (CIBS) is responsible for internationalizing the business programs for Mays Business School and the international business dimension of the university's other programs. CIBS receives university support for its administrative operations, but relies on private sector donations and grants for research, outreach, and educational enrichment programs.

Within the CIBS framework, a U.S. Department of Education designed Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) has been in operation since 1990. CIBERs are established at selected universities to improve America's capacity for international understanding and economic enterprise by providing enhanced international business education, research and outreach activities that help U.S. businesses to compete effectively in the rapidly expanding global market.

The Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBERs) were created under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to increase and promote the nation's capacity for international understanding and economic enterprise. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education under Title VI, Part B of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the CIBER program links the manpower and information needs of U.S. business with the international education, language training, and research capacities of universities across the U.S. Thirty-one universities were designated as centers that serve as regional and national resources to business, students, and academics. Together, the CIBERs form a powerful network focused on improving American competitiveness and providing comprehensive service and programs that help U.S. business succeed in global markets.

The CIBER at Texas A&M University has been a leader in providing students and business managers with the skills to understand foreign cultures and business practices and to perceive and grasp overseas marketing and investment opportunities, to overcome language barriers, and to deal effectively with foreign governments and international institutions.

CIBS record of accomplishments is further reflected by rapidly expanding research in Mays involving key international business topics. In addition, there is a broad and growing menu of courses and curricula devoted to international business across both graduate and undergraduate programs in all departments.

Outreach activities developed by CIBS respond to the growing international needs of business men and women, teachers in public schools, and professors at other colleges and universities in the region. CIBS has also helped TAMU to become a global forum for discussion of critical international issues by visiting governmental leaders, academics and business executives from other nations.

And finally, there is a wide variety of student exchange and study abroad programs with universities worldwide that allow TAMU students and faculty to develop and share their knowledge and experiences with people from other universities, cultures, and nations.