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College of Computing enhances international partnerships with Tunisian universities
March 11, 2025
Grand Valley’s College of Computing reached a significant milestone in its international engagement efforts with a formal visit to Tunisia’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
The February meeting positioned GVSU as only the third university to be hosted by Minister Mondher Belaid, reinforcing Grand Valley's growing influence in the region and its commitment to global collaboration.
The visit culminated in a formal signing ceremony with Belaid, establishing key academic partnerships and new 1+1 agreements between GVSU and leading Tunisian universities. A 1+1 agreement allows students to complete the first year of their graduate program at their home institution, with their credits seamlessly transferring to GVSU for the second year.
“The GVSU Reach Higher vision is unlocking new opportunities to expand the success of the institution at a global scale along with bringing the best talents to serve the industry in the greater Grand Rapids and beyond,” said Marouane Kessentini, dean of the College of Computing. “It is an honor to bring this partnership to life and strengthen the academic bridge between Tunisia and the United States as the international perspectives are part of the shared values of Reach Higher.
“Tunisia consistently ranks among the top five countries in the world for graduates in engineering and computing, producing some of the most talented minds in the field. The recognition from Tunisia’s Minister of Higher Education is a testament to GVSU’s commitment to fostering innovation and academic excellence on a global scale.”
In addition to the minister’s engagement, the GVSU delegation, comprised of faculty and staff from the College of Computing, Padnos International Center, and Office of Admissions and Recruitment, held strategic meetings with leadership from the Université de Carthage and the University of Tunis El Manar, two of Tunisia’s public universities.
GVSU also reinforced its longstanding collaboration with ESPRIT, the country’s top private university, furthering joint efforts in experiential learning, entrepreneurial and applied research.
“Representing GVSU to prospective international students and institutional partners allowed us to showcase the expansive support network that GVSU offers to our international students,” said Rachel Salinas, assistant dean of the College of Computing.
The delegation’s visit also featured the GVSU Computing Open House, drawing more than 400 prospective students. The event resulted in on-the-spot admissions for more than 105 students from Tunisia, with many set to begin their studies at GVSU in the upcoming fall semester.
Article written by Shelby Harrison and is posted on GVSU Forum.