Since the 2000s, the Jean Monnet Programme has continued to develop its action beyond European borders by promoting Jean Monnet labelled education throughout the world.

Aiming to promote an in-depth knowledge of European integration, around fifty countries outside the European Union now have Jean Monnet chairs, teaching modules or centres of excellence (see map and separate article).

This dissemination undertaking seems to have succeeded. “It’s incredible to see the pronounced interest of some students in European affairs,” explains an official in charge of the programme at the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

This education proves to be extremely useful for all the people whose ambition is to work close to or from afar with the European Union.

For example, the courses are of particular interest for students wanting to have a diplomatic career, “with the European Union being a key political actor on the international stage,” says the official. They also attract those who want to work in the area of international business and all the more so when the European Union is one of the main trading partners of their country. This, for example, is the case for Chinese students, who have the chance to train in China in Jean Monnet centres of excellence at the University of Fudan and the University of Renmin.

This education can also provide a wealth of knowledge on the process of regional integration, as the EU is perceived as a model in this area. Courses run in South America, Asia and, to a lesser extent in Africa, are generally also welcomed.

From a strictly academic point of view, the added value of such a geographic expansion very clearly lies in the cooperation between different professors and higher education establishments that it ensures. “Very often, the professors who go to China ask me to give them contacts of Chinese professors who have obtained the Jean Monnet chair,” says the agency expert, who also stresses that professors from third countries generally have a very pronounced interest in the actions carried out by the Jean Monnet Programme.

Jean Monnet centres of excellence outside EU

Australia

- University of Melbourne

Argentina

- University of Bologna

Canada

- University of Victoria

China

- University of Fudan

University of Renmin

Croatia

- University of Rijeka

Japan

- University of Keio Canterbury

United States

- University of Florida

Russia

- University of MGIMO (Moscow)

Turkey

- University of Marmara

Middle East Technical University

- University of Bogazici