KINGSTON, Jamaica —The University of the West Indies (The UWI) says it has formalised a new global partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) from the Netherlands. This cross-continental academic collaboration was signed into effect by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Affairs at The UWI, Sandrea Maynard, and the President of BUas, Dr Jorrit Snijder, during a virtual ceremony on November 12, the university announced in a news release.

Over the past decade, The UWI has developed joint global centres and initiatives with various respected universities, advancing its strategic goal of increasing access to higher education. Specifically, The UWI aims to expand its offerings across all continents, the release stated.

The UWI and BUas are international research institutions that offer undergraduate and graduate degree programmes. The areas of collaboration will include faculty and student exchanges, exposure to corporate partners, volunteering, internship opportunities, and co-internships. These initiatives are designed to better prepare students from both universities to meet the demands and opportunities of a rapidly changing world, the regional university said.

The release further stated that BUas will gain from The UWI’s extensive research outputs, Caribbean expertise, and scholarship related to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). In turn, The UWI will benefit from BUas’ innovative approaches in digital media and game design.

Expressing enthusiasm about the new partnership PVC Maynard said, “The cross-continental collaboration not only bridges European and Caribbean educational cultures but also promotes global understanding and development, aligning with both institutions’ strategic goals of international engagement and innovation”.

Dr Snijder noted, “Ultimately, this partnership will enhance educational quality and research impact on both continents. By combining resources and expertise, both institutions can foster greater internationalisation, develop joint academic programmes, and facilitate student and faculty exchanges, contributing to a richer, more diverse academic environment.”

This collaboration bridges European and Caribbean educational cultures, promoting global understanding and development. It aligns with both institutions’ strategic goals of international engagement and innovation. Ultimately, this partnership aims to enhance academic quality and research impact on both continents, the release stated.