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LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama has announced an affiliation with its most recent international partner institution, American College in Nicaragua.

  UWA plans to launch an English as a Second Language program at the private university located in Managua, Nicaragua’s capital. In addition, the University hopes to establish other mutually beneficial educational programs including a variety of faculty and student exchange, study abroad, internship, specialized training and certification, and dual degree programs.

  “The University continues to explore ways to internationalize our curriculum, and this partnership will mean increased enrollment and global exposure for our students,” said UWA President Richard D. Holland.

“We are excited about the upcoming opportunities, from co-op programs in the College of Business to cultural tours during spring break.”

  Holland says he is especially looking forward to the universities engaging in environmental research to restore the tropical rainforests in Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America.

  “Our biology and environmental science faculty have already begun working with Dr. Jaime Incer, a noted Nicaraguan conservationist, on restoration ecology projects.” Holland said.

  American College administrators, who were on hand last week to meet with their UWA counterparts, also expressed confidence in the partnership.

  “American College is so pleased to partner with UWA in this important endeavor,” said American College General Manager Jorge Ayestras during his visit to Livingston.

“We look forward both to welcoming UWA students and faculty to Nicaragua and to sending some of our best students to study in Alabama.”

  In addition to the American College affiliation, UWA has also formed agreements for faculty and student exchange with both China’s Guandong University of Finance and South Korea’s Konyang University. Holland says UWA also has relationships with institutions in Mexico and Cuba.

  During the fall semester, Nicaraguan students will study on UWA’s campus, while the first Chinese and South Korean student delegations are set to arrive in Livingston in 2010.