Partnership Therapy: From Friction to Function

Partnerships are a fundamental component of education abroad. Successful collaborations among institutions, providers, and academic departments typically take years to build and require investment in the relationship, careful planning, and mutual trust. However, even strong partnerships can bend—and sometimes break.

"In my experience, the most common challenges in education abroad partnerships come from miscommunication and logistical issues," says Rachael Mathis, program director in the study abroad office at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. "Without clear alignment and open communication, even minor issues can escalate into major problems that hinder the program's success."

A few time-tested strategies can help professionals repair fractured partnerships, prevent minor problems from escalating, and ensure that partnerships remain beneficial for both parties.

Past Informs Present

For many professionals, shoring up legacy partnerships is a natural starting point. Issues with long-standing or established partnerships can arise unless stakeholders do their due diligence. The people charged with maintaining and managing these partnerships need to understand relevant background information and involve the appropriate colleagues in decision-making.

"Some partnerships may have been set up before your tenure, and it's your responsibility to assess the original goals of the partnership, see if they align with current objectives, and determine if any changes are needed," says Krysta Hoffmann, study abroad coordinator at the University of North Dakota.

Kyle Keith, director of TODOS and assistant director of university relations and diversity outreach at Barcelona SAE, shares an example from a previous role, where his predecessor had set up a new exchange partnership