Tampa’s Universities on the Global Stage: Higher Education and International Exchange

Tampa’s colleges and universities are connected to the world in ways that extend far beyond traditional study abroad.

This session brings together leaders from the University of South Florida, Hillsborough College, and Eckerd College to explore how higher education institutions engage internationally through student and faculty exchange, global research, international partnerships, recruitment, academic programs, alumni networks, visiting scholars, and collaborations with universities and organizations around the world.

Panelists will discuss how international engagement benefits students, strengthens research and academic programs, creates new institutional partnerships, and connects Tampa to a broader global network of talent, ideas, and opportunity.

The conversation will also examine how universities can work more closely with government, business, Sister Cities, international organizations, and one another to expand opportunities for students and increase Tampa’s international reach.

Rather than focusing only on students traveling abroad, the session asks a broader question:

How do Tampa’s higher education institutions help connect our city to the world?