The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and Canada’s University of Waterloo (UW) have renewed a landmark student mobility agreement.

After finalising the details of the arrangement in 2021, officials of the two universities met virtually on May 5 for the symbolic signing of the agreement.

The agreement strengthens opportunities for internationalising educational programmes through
student mobility initiatives, aimed at developing global citizenship, increasing adaptability, cultural
sensitivity, and intercultural communication skills.

Dr Stacy Richards-Kennedy, pro vice-chancellor of global affairs, signed on behalf of The UWI, and
Professor Charmaine Dean, vice-president, research and international, penned the agreement on
behalf of UW.

OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY FOR EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE

Through this partnership, undergraduate and graduate students from each university will have the opportunity to apply for an exchange experience for either one or two semesters, starting as early as
the 2022-2023 academic year.

The programme facilitates both student exchanges and study abroad opportunities, and applies to courses within the Faculties of Humanities and Education, Social Sciences, Law, Engineering, and Science and Technology at The UWI, and the Faculties of Arts, Environment, Health, Mathematics, and Science at UW.

In addition to a commitment to internationalisation, The UWI and UW share several other outstanding
partnership attributes, including being ranked among the top 100 Golden Age Universities by the
prestigious Times Higher Education ranking agency.

Commenting on the initiative, Richards-Kennedy noted: “The signing of this agreement with the University of Waterloo is testament to our commitment to internationalisation, to expanding global education opportunities for our students, and to deepening relations with leading university partners. We are also very proud that we are celebrating 16 years of collaboration between The UWI and the University of Waterloo.”

Dean also noted that “the University of Waterloo is excited to work with international partners that offer opportunities for multifaceted relationships, which can grow over time and advance broad institutional goals”.

She added: “For us, The University of the West Indies is one such partner, and we look forward to deepening our strategic relationship as we explore more meaningful collaborations in the years to come.”