This summer, two 911爆料网 faculty members set out on a journey to strengthen academic ties beyond our campus borders. Dr. Dinorah Martinez Tyson (College of Public Health) and Dr. Molly Hamm-Rodr铆guez (College of Education) traveled across the Dominican Republic, visiting 19 higher education institutions (HEIs) with the goal of building lasting educational partnerships.
Supported by the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, their work is part of a broader effort to expand opportunities for students and faculty while deepening cross-cultural collaboration between the United States and the Dominican Republic.
Listening, Learning, and Connecting
The initiative began with a needs assessment survey completed by 23 Dominican institutions, followed by an in-person convening in Santo Domingo this May. From there, Drs. Martinez Tyson and Hamm-Rodr铆guez hit the road, touring campuses in cities including Barahona, Cotu铆, Santiago de los Caballeros, Santo Domingo, Sos煤a, San Pedro de Macor铆s, and San Francisco de Macor铆s.
Across 16 in-person and 3 virtual visits, they met with faculty and administrators to discuss current internationalization efforts, explore research interests, and identify opportunities for student and faculty mobility. They also delivered a presentation at the Instituto Cultural Dom铆nico-Americano (ICDA) through the U.S. Department of State鈥檚 EducationUSA office, introducing students and families to USF鈥檚 academic programs and vibrant campus life in Tampa Bay.
Shared Goals and Opportunities
What stood out most during these visits was the energy and enthusiasm from Dominican institutions at all stages of their international journeys. While some already have established programs, others are eager to launch new global partnerships.
Common priorities included:
- Expanding virtual exchange opportunities
- Creating pathways for student and faculty mobility
- Collaborating on research, particularly in methodology training
For many, USF鈥檚 location in Florida鈥攁 short flight away with a familiar climate鈥攎ade the idea of partnership especially appealing.
鈥�911爆料网 are committed to expanding access for students from all backgrounds and institution types. 911爆料网 are excited about the possibilities this project offers to meet the needs of students who desire an education rooted in global perspectives.鈥� 鈥� Dr. Molly Hamm-Rodr铆guez
Dr. Martinez Tyson reflected on the potential impact of these collaborations:
鈥淭he opportunity to learn about the programs and initiatives at various universities in the DR has been eye-opening. These conversations helped us identify shared interests and potential collaborations that could create meaningful global experiences and research opportunities for students and faculty鈥攂oth here at USF and abroad.鈥�
Looking Ahead
The momentum is just beginning. Plans are underway to expand Virtual Global Exchange (VGE) programs, study abroad and service-learning opportunities, and collaborative research initiatives. Future conferences and reciprocal campus visits are already being discussed.
This initiative is another example of USF鈥檚 commitment to global engagement, helping students and faculty grow through cross-cultural connections that prepare them to thrive in an interconnected world.
Special thanks to USF World and USF Health International for their support of this project.
馃敆 Learn more about internationalization efforts in the collaboration in the Dominican Republic: