UF President Bernie Machen might be among many Gators packing their bags for a study abroad stint this fall.
Machen accepted an invitation from the Association of American Universities, or AAU, to serve as a delegate to Iran in mid-November.
The AAU works to advance the international standing of U.S. research universities, according to its Web site.
Machen said Iran has a well-developed system of higher education, which will enable the universities to learn from one another during the weeklong trip.
But Machen isn't making arrangements to have neighbors check his mail while he's away just yet.
The trip is contingent on the political climate in Iran, so it's not guaranteed to happen, Machen said.
"I'm not going to go if it's too dangerous," he said.
Machen made a point to emphasize that politics would not be involved in the discussions.
"The people organizing the trip believe that there are real scientific interests that could be furthered," he said. "If that's not what's going to happen, then we're not going."
While politics won't be discussed, they will play a role in Machen's travel plans.
Though the trip has the blessing of the U.S. government, it is against Florida law for university funds to be used toward travel to countries under "terrorist watch," which include Venezuela, Cuba and Iran, he said.
"If I go, I will be paying my own way because it will be illegal to use any university funds," he said.
Presidents from other public and private American universities will join Machen, but the list of delegates isn't finalized yet, said Ann Speicher, AAU associate vice president of public affairs.
Wives of university presidents were also invited, and Machen said his wife, Chris Machen, plans to join him if the trip takes place.
Delegates were selected based on recommendations from the Iranian university presidents, who initiated the exchange, Speicher said.
Machen is optimistic about what can be accomplished in the trip.
"I do believe that the United States can help other countries and learn from other countries working at this level," he said.
