BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) has announced an agreement with Al Akhawayn University (AUI) in Ifrane, Morocco that includes a student exchange program beginning in the 2011-2012 academic year. The Agreement of Cooperation and Friendship was finalized during a Dec. 15 visit to AUI by IWU President Richard F. Wilson.
The agreement provides a framework for collaboration between faculty, staff and students at the two universities. It reflects a mutual commitment to student and faculty exchange programs and joint research projects. Two students from each university can take part in the exchange program each year. Future faculty exchanges and collaborative projects are in the planning stages.
Wilson sees benefits beyond the classroom for those involved from the two communities. “We believe this agreement will be of mutual value to both universities, not only as an academic exchange, but as a strong step toward developing an understanding between people and cultures.”
Exchange of students and faculty internationally is key to sharing Moroccan culture, said Al Akhawayn University President Ouaouicha during a visit by Illinois Wesleyan faculty and staff to the university in Ifrane. “We are embracing our founding mission to enrich the higher education landscape in Morocco and to provide global opportunities to our students, faculty, and staff alike. We are committed to embracing the American system within the society and culture of Morocco,” he said. “We cannot do that without interaction with key partners in the United States, without learning from each other.”