Florida Polytechnic University has signed an agreement with the U.S.-Spain Fulbright Commission to expand educational opportunities for American and Spanish scholars.

The memorandum of understanding allows teaching and research faculty from Spain to further their work at Florida Poly. Additionally, these senior scholars will work with University faculty members and engage with students in lectures, discussions, and other formats.

Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, plans to visit the Fulbright Commission in Madrid, Spain, in 2022 to further formalize the effort.

“This agreement helps us provide more opportunities for our students to gain the global perspective that will help them succeed when entering the workforce,” Avent said. “This increases our international stature while also offering excellent academic enrichment for scholars both here and abroad.”

Alberto López San Miguel, executive director of the Fulbright Commission in Spain, said the partnership will provide an excellent pathway for the advancement of knowledge.

“We are looking forward to a collaboration that will provide Spanish scholars with a very enriching research opportunity, fasten ties between Florida Poly and Spanish institutions, and surely render as many success stories as it already has for Fulbrighters from many other countries,” he said.

The agreement with Fulbright Spain is the latest in a series of partnerships between Florida Poly and Fulbright member nations. The University has existing agreements with Canada, Australia, Luxembourg, and Belgium. It has also hosted Fulbright Scholars from Iraq and Germany.

The University can begin hosting Spanish scholars in the fall of 2022 and the opportunities for academic growth are boundless, said Mustapha Achoubane, associate director of international relations at Florida Poly.

“Fulbright is our strategic partner. The common denominator between Florida Poly and Fulbright is academic excellence,” Achoubane said. “Hence, it is natural that Fulbright Scholars choose Florida Poly as their home institution.”

The international Fulbright Program, which is led by the U.S. Department of State, works with more than 160 nations around the globe to increase educational and cultural exchanges to study, learn, and pursue academic and professional projects. Since its inception in 1946, the program has created pathways for learning for more than 400,000 scholars.

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About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the number one public college in the South, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. Nationally ranked in engineering education, Florida Poly is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building,designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.