UF Graduate School Participates in Education Trade Mission to Africa

The University of Florida, through the Graduate School and English Language Institute, participated in the U.S. Commercial Service’s first Educational Trade Mission to Africa in March. The stops included Johannesburg, South Africa; Accra, Ghana; Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire; and an added visit to Dakar, Senegal.

The aim of the trip was to explore possible collaborations with high-quality institutional partners throughout the continent, as well as increase enrollment of students from Africa in UF Master’s, Doctoral and English Language programs. Stops included institutions of higher education in each city, a reception at the residence of the Ambassador to Ghana, and the Consulate in Johannesburg, all with the aim of building new relationships.

Throughout the trip, it was clear that UF was represented throughout the continent. The delegation met with former Gators during the trip, including the Minister of Commerce for Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan, and the director of Ecole Superiere Management & Telecommunication (ESMT) in Dakar.

Both the Graduate School and the English Language Institute consider the relationships built a positive first step, and both aim to provide greater educational opportunities for more students from the African continent in years to come.