UWL-Frankfurt partnership opens doors for global connections

At UW-La Crosse, a longstanding international partnership is opening doors for students to learn, collaborate and build relationships with peers abroad.

Established in 1976, the Hessen-Wisconsin Partnership is one of the longest- running international collaborations between a U.S. state and a German state.

The partnership led to the creation of the Hessen-Wisconsin Exchange Program in 1998, strengthen ing connections between higher education institutions in the two r egions through reciprocal exchanges of s tudent s, faculty and sta ff. UWL participates in the program and mainta ins stron g relatio nships with institutions in Hessen, including Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences (FUAS).

"UWL has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences (FUAS), highlighted by a strong student exchange program, a dual degree in i nternational b usiness, and, most recently, an innovative information systems faculty-led collaboration," says Karolyn Bald, director of International Education & Engagement.

This year, the relationship took a new step. UWL received funding from the Universities of Wisconsin to advance strategic partnerships in Hessen.

The funding supported Professor Peter Haried of UWL's Information Systems Department in developing a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) course with FUAS faculty. This model brings together faculty from partnering universities to co-teach a course, enabling students t o work with peers from around the world on shared projects.

For Haried , his FUAS colleague and their students , what began as a virtual collaboration grew into much more - what they call a "COIL-and-Fly" experience.

During s pring 2026, UWL and FUAS students worked virtually on a case project focused on improving care at a German nursing home t hrough the use of emerging technologies. Students began the project in March, working toward six milestones and managing the technology implementation from start to finish .

In May, Haried and five UWL students traveled to Frankfurt to complete the project in person. Two milestones and the final presentation were completed in Germany, where students met with their teams daily.

"I would say the standout experience was just how well the students from UWL and FUAS got along," Haried says. "It was clear at the end of the program that students made lifelong friendships through the experience."

The trip also gave students opportunities to experience German culture outside the classroom.

The group took day trips to Marburg and Heidelberg, exploring historic sites including St. Elizabeth's Church, Marburg's Market Square and a Heidelberg castle. Students also walked the Philosopher's Path, shared a meal at a historic apple wine restaurant and took a sunset boat tour on the Main River in Frankfurt.

The experience will continue in the opposite direction this fall.

A group of FUAS students and faculty will arrive at UWL in September for a weeklong cultural and academic exchange. The delegation plans to visit Information Systems classes, participate in campus activities , explore Wisconsin and eve n take a trip to the Mall of America.

"This reciprocal engagement demonstrates the evolution of the partnership from traditional student mobility to sustained faculty collaboration, innovative teaching and long-term institutional relationship - building," Bald says.

The Information Systems p artnership with FUAS is expected to continue, with plans to offer the faculty-led experience again in summer 2027.

"Wonderful things can come out of an experience like this, so we are looking forward to our continued partnership , " Bald says.

Discover more study abroad opportunit ies

UWL continues to see growing student interest in faculty-led programs, semester study abroad, internships and international research.

Students can now apply for 2026/2027 study abroad/away opportunities at UWL Education Abroad/Away .

To learn more about the process and programs being offered, check out the Education Abroad/Away Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 23 , in T he Bluffs Ballroo m in the Student Union , or attend an Educa ti on Abroad 101 session.