University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) students now have even more opportunities to study and intern abroad.

UHD and Edith Cowan University (ECU), located in Perth, Australia, recently entered into a memorandum of understanding that will provide expanded educational exchange opportunities for students at both institutions. Signing the official agreement were UHD President, Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz and ECU Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor Arshad Omari.

“This partnership is going to provide excellent opportunities,” Muñoz said. “When students are able to travel abroad as part of their education, it enhances their learning experiences.”

The UHD Office of Study Abroad will be overseeing the exchange program with ECU. For the past several years, UHD has offered a variety of international education programs.

“We are excited about our new relationship with UH-Downtown,” Omari said. “Our campuses are and very diverse. I can see the collaboration between us evolving in the future.”

Omari noted that he was impressed by UHD’s ESports facilities for students and cybersecurity course offerings. “Our campus has one of the top rated cybersecurity programs,” he said. “Gaming has become popular internationally and there are endless possibilities in the area of ESports. We looking forward to building our connections and growing together.”

Ali Maghoo, UHD’s associate director for the Office of Study Abroad, said this exchange program will provide many benefits.

“Students will be able to learn a different culture and make connections that will benefit them not only personally, but as they enter their careers,” Maghoo said. “It is certainly an experience that can have direct and positive impact personally and gives them the opportunity to make them global citizens.”