Initiate an International Partnership
GEO welcomes suggestions from UNCG faculty and staff about new collaborations with appropriately accredited international universities. Key potential pursuits in our standard agreements often include student, academic and administrative staff exchanges, joint research activities, and exchanges of academic material.
If you are connected with an international university and would like to discuss the potential of developing a mutually beneficial partnership with UNC Greensboro, please complete the New Agreement Request Form.
Here is what the process of creating a new international partnership typically looks like:
- Completion of the New Agreement Request Form
- Initial vetting and general partnership discussions
- (Optional) Site visits by each partner. International Partner may use this link to inquire about visiting UNC Greensboro as international guest or as part of a delegation: Visit Request from International Partners
- Universities may request to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) however we prefer to develop more specific collaborative agreements. IPC works with partner schools to develop the official agreement language. Agreements may undergo additional review by legal counsel at either UNC Greensboro or the partner school.
- Agreements are signed by both parties. At UNCG, only the Provost signs global partner agreements.
If desired, the universities may then negotiate a student exchange agreement. This process may take several months (at minimum) and typically unfolds after thorough vetting, reciprocal site visits, and the creation of an agreement. Vetting includes, but is not limited to, an exploration of academic fit, student support services, housing and meal options, health, safety and security, onsite orientation details, cultural immersion, internship and service learning opportunities. Both parties then proceed to create and sign an agreement regarding the following key components:
- Duration of exchanges
- Number of students to be exchanged
- Student program fees/benefits at the host institution
- Vacation periods
- Insurance
- Dependents
- Student eligibility
- Balancing the exchange
- Academic status of students
- Exchange coordinator
- Effective date and termination of the agreement
- Nondiscrimination and disability laws
GEO is here to support you with every step of developing and nurturing new and existing international partnerships.