St. Cloud State University has expanded its curriculum sharing and study-abroad relationships with two Australian colleges to increase study-abroad enrollment for historically underrepresented students.
As part of the agreements signed this week during Minnesota’s trade mission to Australia, SCSU will share curriculum and expand its study-abroad exchange with Southern Cross University (Sydney) and Victoria University (Melbourne). The schools plan to enroll more indigenous students at SCSU and First Nations students in Australia in study-abroad programs and collaborate on curriculum to better educate students about Indigenous history and culture in the two countries.
“Minnesota students expect exceptional growth and learning opportunities during their time in college, and St. Cloud State University is securing that for its students during this trade mission,” said Governor Walz. “This educational and cultural exchange underscores the growing relationship between Minnesota and Australia and how Minnesota continues to be a leader in higher education.”
“At St. Cloud State University, we are focusing our efforts to extend our reach with educational opportunities that make a positive impact on the lives of our students and communities,” said SCSU President Robbyn Wacker. “Initiatives like these foster a broader understanding of the human experience with the support of faculty, staff and students, who are part of SCSU’s welcoming learning environment.”
SCSU’s partnership with Southern Cross University’s Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples aims to create a knowledge and cultural exchange between Indigenous students from both institutions through curriculum, relationship building and community visits. Following the visit to Australia, SCSU will build the first program cohort, bringing together students and faculty for a short-term study abroad experience.
SCSU also met with Victoria University in Melbourne to develop student and staff exchanges, as well as join research and degree programs.
Growing educational, research and innovation ties with Australia’s 43 universities and 1.4 million college students is one of the goals of Minnesota’s trade mission to Australia – the first to the country in the state’s history. Every year, more than 12,000 American and Australian students study in the other country. Study-abroad relationships facilitate student movement between campuses, providing unique learning opportunities for students and multicultural exchange for colleges. International curriculum collaboration also allows for richer, more globalized learning for students.
Higher education relationships help drive economic development, especially since universities in Australia and Minnesota are sources of innovation and intellectual property commercialization that drive economic growth.
Learn more about Education Abroad at SCSU.
