Kolkata, Feb 18 (IANS): The University of Calcutta Wednesday inked a two-year pact with the Webster University, Thailand that will enable students from West Bengal to avail short term courses and collaborative research projects.

Besides, the memorandum of understanding (MoU) provides for mutual provision of services that would include matters like staff development, joint seminars, programme support, joint workshops/seminars and other educational events, joint marketing, exchanges of staff and students and the identification of a range of other joint projects that can be undertaken by them both in India and Thailand.

According to the MoU, both the varsities would explore the potential for the mutual enhancement of their relationship through discussion and co-operation aimed at progressing areas of joint working.

While Webster will hand out scholarships to students who deserve it, the coming up of the ASEAN Economic Community (AECA2015) would mean several new job opportunities and a whole new world for the students.

Speaking on the occasion, CU Vice Chancellor Suranjan Das said the MoU would help promote study areas that are non-science and technical in nature.

"We will concentrate in three major areas - Buddhist studies, South East Asian Studies and Foreign Policy and International Relations," he said.

Webster University Rector Ratish Thakur said the MoU had limitless potential.

"We want Calcutta University students to come and explore ASEAN in terms of culture, religion, politics, business and NGOs. It will be a good opportunity for Webster students to come to Kolkata and get knowledge about Buddhist studies.

"We hope they can take advantage and send professors to lecture at Webster campus in Thailand," Thakur said.