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In this time of rapid globalization, universities need to ensure that students learn not only about their own country but also about others.One way to encourage this is through joint degree programs between universities in different countries.Texas A&M University (TAMU, USA) and Ocean University of China (OUC, China) have just completed the first five years of a Memorandum of Understanding that includes the establishment of a joint Ph.D.degree program in oceanography.To date, some 16 Chinese students have been accepted into the program, during which they spend the first year or two of their graduate career studying in China, and then come to the U.S.to complete their coursework and carry out research.The first students will graduate in 2012.We anticipate sending U.S.students to China on a reciprocal basis, although the lack of Chinese-speaking U.S.students is an issue Additionally, the Memorandum of Understanding has led to joint research projects between the two universities, with publications in top journals.Novel aspects of the program include joint funding by the U.S.and China, co-chairing graduate committees by both university faculties, interviewing students in Qingdao before they are accepted by TAMU, initial studies in one country and then transfer to the other, and offering a joint-degree certificate bearing the seals of both universities.Such programs require "heroes" on each side to set up and continue the program who trust each other, as well as support from the upper administration.If successful, relations between the two faculties will ensure a successful ongoing collaboration.