WWU signs new agreements for exchange programs with three German universities

Western Washington University has signed agreements to begin new direct exchange programs with three German universities: RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Georg-August University in Gottingen, and Mercator School of Management at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Duisburg.

Western currently has 29 exchange partnerships with universities in 17 countries. The three new German exchange partnerships bring the total to 32, offering new opportunities for students to direct enroll in the universities and study German language and business, as well as participate in summer internships.

Liz Partolan-Fray, director of International Programs and Exchanges at Western, said she expects about five WWU students to head to Germany and take advantage of the new programs next fall; the majority will come from the College of Business and Economics and the Modern and Classical Language department’s German program. The students will be involved in both regular academic coursework as well as having new opportunities for summer internships.

The agreements also allow for direct student exchanges involving German students coming to Western to study and participate in internships as well.

International partnerships are long-term relationships between two or more academic institutions, colleges, schools, or departments that provide opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, joint curricula ventures for courses, degree programs, dual and/or joint degree programs, and collaborative research. Given Washington’s reliance on international trade, the state needs leaders with an understanding of and appreciation for other cultures. To foster a global perspective among its students, Western provides access to immersive experiences around the world.

For more information on Western’s new agreements with the three German universities, contact Liz Partolan-Fray at (360) 650-3298.