Gannon University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, Ireland, and the University of Osnabrück in Germany to allow students to study abroad and to make use of their scholarships.
The university officials see this as an alternative way to send their students to foreign countries instead of depending on grant money and fundraising.
Through this partnership, the universities will exchange students, faculty and staff through study abroad programs and develop research and professional collaborations.
"We're looking at our Catholic identity and mission, but also outside of that," Christopher Vilevac, associate director at the International Student Office, said. "We're looking at other schools hopefully like in Italy, and we're looking to finalize things in Chile, and even summer programs."
Vilevac believes said that some students might hesitate because of the unfamiliarity or conscious/ unconscious formed perceptions about certain community and culture.
But he feels that the tech era has opened doors and enhanced communications between different parts of the world.
At the same time, Vilevac warned students that internet doesn't provide detailed insights about other societies and traditions.
Sarah Sgro, junior French/ international studies, business major, spent her last spring semester in France.
"I loved Paris. It's totally OK to go and learn the language, but if you don't have some sort of basis it becomes difficult. There something for everyone."
The university's surveys revealed students' interests lingered around Europe. But they wish to diversify their options.
"Maybe we skip Brazil and go straight on to the next country which may be Uruguay," Vilevac said. "Options in South Korea are also opening up." "I hope that some students realize that we are not the center of the world," he said. "There are thousands of cultures around us."
Apart from Europe, Gannon has partnered with universities in the Middle East (Jordan), Southeast Asia (Thailand) and Australia.
Through these international tie-ups, the university plans to increase its student body; reach out to maximum international communities and in turn expose their students to the world around them.