Technology transfer by participant training : Tunisia: an evaluation of ATT project (664-0304) and TT project (664-0315)

graduate training in management and agricultural sciences as well as graduate and undergraduate training in engineering to Tunisian students. External evaluation covers the period through 1/86 and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with project and other involved personnel and beneficiaries. Both projects are outstanding successes. More than 90% of the students complete their degree programs, many with a high level of academic excellence, especially at the undergraduate level. This may be due to the fact that the competition to become a participant is rigorous and the participants are among the best in the country. English-language training (ELT) for B.S. level participants is clearly adequate, as shown by their success in the U.S. Particularly helpful has been the follow-up program of intensive English which all participants are required to attend when they arrive in the U.S. Efforts to foster academic linkages between Tunisia and the U.S. are still in the exploratory stages. Initial activities such as short-term visitations, faculty exchange sabbaticals, and collaborative research projects have been useful, but follow-ups are needed to develop sustained linkages. It is recommended that: (1) The present model of a 4-5 week intensive ELT program in Tunisia followed by a similar program in the U.S. be continued in lieu of conducting all ELT activities in Tunisia. (2) USAID/T should continue to fund the ELT program in Tunisia. (3) Current efforts to develop person-to-person linkages be continued but broadened to include seminars and lectures by known authorities as well as summer teaching in the U.S. by Tunisian professors. The development of school-to-school linkages should be fostered by focusing on those U.S. universities that have shown an interest in A.I.D. programming in Tunisia. Insitutional linkages should be based on targets drafted by Tunisian councils of engineering and agricultural deans, and negotiated by Tunisian rather than contractor personnel. To ensure that the linkages are sustained, outside sources of funding should be sought. (4) As highly capable, U.S.-trained graduates are sought not only in Tunisia, but internationally, the Government of Tunisia should rationalize the salary scales for scientific researchers and faculty members so that they are comparable.