International activities also occur in ways that do not involve exchange agreements. Such activities could include contracts with agencies or universities or contracts or agreements that sponsor foreign students to study at the University of Minnesota. These activities are not considered to be exchange agreements although they promote international exchange at large. Both institutions involved should subscribe to the principle of academic freedom. While all exchanges are begun with the expectation that there will be continuing interest on the part of both institutions, all agreements should include a provision for review, for continuation or closure, every three to five years.
Many exchanges operate under a principle of reciprocity.
For faculty exchanges, this means that small, informal exchanges need not require external funding. Although there may be no cash outlay other than travel support, the in-kind contributions of office space and administrative support should be considered. For some student exchanges, the reciprocity principle involves each student paying the tuition of the home university. Because of the financial implications of an imbalance created by lack of student demand, there should be a clear and continuing need for any bilateral exchange program. There are many kinds of projects, linkages and relationships that define the international character of the University.