In a world of globalization, the University is beginning to strengthen its ties with institutions beyond the borders of the United States, specifically through the College of ACES.

Aarhus University in Denmark is in the planning stages of a partnership with the University.

Hans-Henrik Stein, associate professor in Animal Sciences and one of the professors in the proposed alliance, said a partnership with Aarhus will expand opportunities for students affiliated with both schools.

He said both schools are mainly interested in co-teaching courses to graduate students from the institutions.

If the alliance becomes official, the College of ACES and Aarhus’ Faculty of Agricultural Sciences will swap professors and interested students to instruct and learn courses from each school, respectively. Stein said a main goal of the program would be to create a broader network for students to utilize in the future.

“I think the main motivation for us is we would like to have our students exposed to international relations,” Stein said.

While some American students take the opportunity to study abroad, Stein said most study within the United States. Because of this, an alliance such as the one with Aarhus would allow more American students to obtain international contacts in a more affordable manner, as a goal of the program is to provide funding for those traveling between the two countries. He added that such contacts can become vital for the future employment.

Despite this proposed benefit, Stein said the partnership has a 50 percent chance of happening because of some concerns. Funding remains one of the larger issues for the program.

Both institutions want to provide funding for professors and students to travel, so Stein said it is vital to know if the program will be monetarily secure.

Besides funding, problems to overcome include clarifying the collaboration for students and matching the best faculty to the best courses, said Marianne Aarø-Hansen, advisor for international relations at Aarhus Univeristy, in an e-mail.

“Why should I go to Denmark, for instance? Do they speak English over there? Can I get full credit transfer? What are the costs involved? Etcetera.” explained Aarø-Hansen in the e-mail.

“So we have to be good at providing speedy and transparent information to UIUC students and vice-versa to increase the flow of students who could get a really good study experience as well as cultural experience.”

Some students think an international alliance with the University will be beneficial, such as Mary Kate O’Connell, senior in ACES. O’Connell said she has studied abroad in the past, and she thinks the collaboration presents a networking opportunity for students.

“If people can get the funding, it’s a great thing to do,” O’Connell said.

“You can learn things you wouldn’t learn in a textbook.”