An American Corner would soon come up at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). The institution on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the US Consulate General Chennai in this regard.

US Consul General Christopher W Hodges and CUSAT Registrar Dr V Meera signed the MoU in the presence of CUSAT Vice Chancellor Dr P G Sankaran, on the sidelines of a visit to CUSAT by an Education-Trade Delegation of 18 US universities. The US Consulate General said that the activities at the American Corner will be free of charge and open to all.

The American Corner which is set to become operational later this year offers exchange opportunities with US institutions, guidance on services for study in the US, access to the eLibraryUSA platform for research and other academic purposes and skill and professional development among other options.

“This faculty and student project will enable the people of Kerala to build a closer relationship with the United States,” said Consul General Hodges.

He said American Corner will also “open the door for us to support the amazing work that CUSAT and the Centre for Science in Society is doing to inspire and empower the next generation of STEAM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics] enthusiasts, future scientists, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs”.

According to a press note from the US Consulate General, the concept of American Corner is part of a global programme called American Spaces that is networked across the world with over 600 centres. “American Corners are independently operated and run by host institution partners, but receive funding, training, and support from the US government,” the press note said.