Saint Martin's announces sister-university agreement with Brazil institute

Saint Martin’s University draws international students from across the globe, and soon it could host its first Brazilian students, thanks to a new sister-university agreement between the private university in Lacey and a Brazilian technological institute. The agreement with Centro Federal de Educacao Tecnologica Celso Suckow da Fonseca paves the way for academic and cultural exchange programs for students at both schools, said Marco Tulluck, interim director of Saint Martin’s Office of International Programs and Development.

“Bringing Brazilian students to Saint Martin’s will add valuable diversity to our community and aid in creating a culture of ‘global citizenry’ on our campus,” he said. “Ninety percent of the university’s international students come from countries in Asia, namely China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Currently, Saint Martin’s doesn’t have any international students from Brazil or from any countries in South America.”

Tulluck recently participated in a U.S. Department of Commerce’s education services trade mission to Brazil. Officials hope to send 100,000 Brazilian students abroad for education to help fill the country’s significant shortage of skilled workers in science, math and technology.

Saint Martin’s first Brazilian students could arrive as early as next fall, Tulluck said. Eventually, Saint Martin’s students will be able to attend study in Brazil, as well.

“I know our students are very excited for the opportunity to study abroad and develop a deeper cultural understanding there,” said Saint Martin’s Study Abroad coordinator Brenda Burns. “I think it will be a great enrichment to our existing study abroad program.”