University reinforces Dominican Republic ties

The trip followed on from an agreement struck last year between the University and the country’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for a group of postgraduate students to study in Wolverhampton for a year.

It was the first agreement of its type for a UK university and is part of the country’s scholarship programme.

The group of 23 students arrived in October 2013 and are studying a range of subjects including Civil engineering, Public Health, Computer Science, Construction Project Management and Biomedical Science.

Last week the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton led a delegation to the Central American country to strengthen ties further.

It involved further meetings with Government officials, Universities and education providers.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer said: “The aim of the visit was to reinforce our growing relationships and partnerships in the Dominican Republic.

“We are very proud to be the first UK university to be working with the Dominican Republic as part of its scholarship programme and we want to develop that by expanding the subject areas on offer to courses such as nursing, education and social care.

“We’ve also met with a number of Universities and education institutions to discuss potential joint work on curriculum development, student exchanges and in-country delivery of our courses as well as where we may be able to collaborate on research and business engagement.

“There is also a focus on philanthropic activity and seeing what we can do as an organisation to aid the Dominican Republic.”

The University hosted a dinner for the group of students in Wolverhampton before Christmas and were joined by the Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to the UK, Dr Federico Cuello Camilo.

ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003

Date Issued: Tuesday, January 21, 2014