International Partnerships
Things to consider before proposing an international partnership
KU is deeply committed to internationalization, and well-crafted partnerships are key to advancing this goal. The following considerations help us to develop impactful and responsible collaborations.
Alignment
Does the opportunity align with KU’s mission and create strategic opportunities?
- While reinforcing the university’s commitment to global engagement and internationalization, does the partnership also advance KU’s goals of educating leaders, building healthy communities, and making impactful discoveries?
- Does the collaboration create meaningful connections with international institutions, enhance research or educational outcomes, and open new avenues for students and faculty?
Level of control
How much control will KU retain or relinquish?
- Will activity take place outside the United States and be subject to foreign laws?
- Are there known issues concerning academic freedom, including limitations on publications or particular topics?
- How much control/cooperation can KU expect regarding program branding or enforcement?
Institutional Reputation
How will the contracting partners reflect on KU?
- Do we know all parties to the contract?
- What is the reputation of the proposed partner?
- How much do we know about the source of the funding?
- Is the funding mechanism and source of funds transparent?
- What products are we delivering beyond academic services (access, political capital, etc.)?
- By entering into this contract, is KU intentionally or unintentionally aiding others in selling or delivering their products?
- To what extent are partners interested in using the KU name, brand, etc. in publicizing or marketing?
Security and Privacy
How confident are we in KU’s ability to protect sensitive data and information systems?
- Will records involving people (e.g., student records, medical records) be shared?
- Will sensitive non-human data or training be shared (e.g., potential military applications)?
- Do export control rules apply?
- What is the partner country or partner organization’s record on protecting IP and data security?
- Does the partner have adequate internal controls?
- What is the nature of the political and economic relationship between the U.S. and the partner country?
- What information is being shared? Does any of it meet the definition of “critical technologies”?
- What degree of access is KU providing, and to whom?
Sustainability
Does the purpose and remuneration justify the level of effort, investment and risk?
- Is the project consistent with KU’s mission and values? Are there any concerns?
- Does the project and budget make financial sense?
- Do we have the bandwidth and resources to deliver on our promises?
- Are any of the parties subject to US legal or economic sanctions?
- Does KU have other relationships that would prohibit, be inconsistent with, or be adversely affected by this relationship?
- What are the current U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel advisories? Are there contingency plans for scenarios where those advisories change?
*Adapted from the University of Washington Office of Global Affairs
Types of partnerships
KUIA works with an array of partnership types. From student exchanges to joint performances, these connections create dynamic opportunities for KU’s students, faculty, and international partners to engage, learn, and grow together.
Categories of Partnership Activity
- Reciprocal Student Mobility (Exchange) Programs: KU and partner students study abroad for a term/year.
- Non-reciprocal Student Mobility Programs: Students study abroad, transfer credits to home institution.
- Faculty/Scholar Exchanges (Visiting Scholars): Faculty teach or research at partner institutions.
- Degree Articulation Programs: Combine study at KU and partner for degree completion.
- Dual/Joint Degree Programs: Earn joint or dual degrees via coordinated curriculum.
- Contractual Services: Provide consulting, research, or professional development services.
- Collaborative Research: Non-sponsored research with international counterparts, often co-authored.
- Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL): Online courses connecting KU and partner students/faculty.
- Academic/Professional Development Programs: Short training for students, faculty, or professionals.
- Capacity Building Projects: Strengthen institutional capabilities of partner universities.
- Cultural Programs: Introduce KU to prospective students or visitors to US culture.
- Government-Sponsored Activities: Funded programs for research, education, or community development.
- Conferences: Events uniting KU and partners on shared topics.
- Corporate Partnerships: Collaborations with corporations for research or student learning.
- Library Partnerships: Collaborations between KU Libraries and international libraries.
- Joint Performances: Collaborative music, theater, or art with international partners.