Post by Henrich Brunke

Strengthening our ties with James Madison University 🇺🇸🤝🇧🇪 I am very happy about the excellent relationship between our University of Antwerp - Faculty of Business and Economics and James Madison University—and proud of the various initiatives that have helped us intensify this collaboration over the years. Last weekend, I had the pleasure (and bittersweet task) of saying goodbye to the 32 students from the summer edition of the Semester in Antwerp cohort. The group completed a full semester load of academic classes taught by our faculty here on campus. Beyond the classroom, their programme included field visits to leading companies, NATO, the European Commission, and the European Parliament. Naturally, students also made the most of their time in Europe through independent travel and local cultural activities. It’s clear that they’ve benefited immensely—not only academically, but also in terms of personal growth and the development of key soft skills. The second JMU connection this summer was the third edition of a three-week study tour focused on international finance. Thirteen students participated in this intensive course here on campus. Though shorter than the semester programme, it provided a similarly rich experience and embodied all the benefits of international education. The third highlight is the growing collaboration within the framework of our Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on Leadership Development. Following JMU's first participation in 2024, this year we welcomed both a doctoral student and an academic from JMU in the various activities. Encouragingly, this involvement has already led to a joint research project that emerged after last year’s edition—and continues to run alongside the current programme. These are exciting developments in the bilateral relationship between our institutions. It’s a real pleasure to work with like-minded colleagues who share the ambition to deepen the collaboration and fine-tune the existing connection. Mutual trust has been built, and I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing what comes next. Thanks to all involved: Most of all the participants but also Samantha Collier, Hui Sono, Belen Yoder, Keena De Geest, Koen Vandenbempt, Elin De Boel, Podevyn Benny, Raphael von Heereman, Kris Lieckens, Alain Guiette, Tatiana Zabara, Walter van Andel, Peter Verhezen, Steven van den Oord, Sascha Albers, Nevin Cavusoglu, Peter-Jan Engelen, Leen Adams, Katelijne Berré, Benjamin Selznick, Margaret F. Sloan and Rollin Johnson Jr. #InternationalEducation #StudyAbroad #HigherEducation #UniversityPartnership #ErasmusPlus #BlendedIntensiveProgramme #StudentMobility #GlobalLearning #LeadershipDevelopment #TransatlanticPartnership #JamesMadisonUniversity #UAntwerp #FacultyOfBusinessAndEconomics