International Partnership Case Studies

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, higher education institutions are partnering with their peers across the globe to better serve students, conduct research together, and solve global challenges. While many institutions already partner internationally, the most advanced institutions form holistic and coordinated partnerships. Institution leaders work together to achieve outcomes in more than one area such as in research, student exchange, faculty exchange, or transnational education programs.

To help institutions understand the many ways strategic partnerships occur, EAB compiled a series of case studies showcasing holistic partnerships between two institutions located in two different countries. Explore the five case studies below.

Bringing Liberal Arts to New Regions

Since 2016, Kent State and Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná have collaborated on a variety of projects. This partnership has been successful due to institutional alignment in size, scientific output, and joint aspirations and Kent State leadership’s interest and personal connections to Brazil.

The upfront investments included travel grants, delegation visits, and leadership exchange to build connections.

Finding Partnership Through a University Association

Since 2019, NMIMS and the University of Bristol have collaborated on a variety of projects. This partnership has been successful due to mutual membership in the Association of Commonwealth Universities, alignment of strong business school disciplines, and mutual emphasis on student quality.

To start the partnership, Bristol leadership and faculty traveled to NMIMS in late 2018 and early 2019.

Addressing Shared Global Challenges through Partnership

Since 2011, UC Davis and the University of Sydney have collaborated on a variety of projects. This partnership has been successful due to a historical relationship, mutual membership in the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, and joint seed funding.

Leaning into Complementary Geographies and Industry Ties

From 2017-2018, the University of Denver and the University of Western Australia have collaborated on a variety of projects. This partnership has been successful due to a senior leadership delegation visit and complementary geographies, industry ties, and academic programs

The upfront investments included senior leadership commitment from both universities and financial commitment from the University of Denver to support the development of collaborative projects.

Building Upon Past Success in Student Mobility

From 2019, the University of Connecticut and the University of Nottingham have collaborated on a variety of projects. This partnership has been successful due to institutional similarities in size, strengths, and goals and built upon historic student mobility success, and shared membership in Universitas 21 network.

The upfront investments included leadership and faculty delegation visit and plan to dedicate additional resources as the partnership grows.

Download All of the Case Studies