In a collaborative initiative to promote international academic and educational cooperation between two renowned institutions, Southwestern College (SWC) and CETYS University have formalized a partnership to enhance the quality of education and broaden opportunities for students in California and Baja California.

The signing ceremony, headed by Dr. Fernando León-García, President of the CETYS University System, and Dr. Mark Sanchez, President of Southwestern College, sets a precedent in the Cali-Baja region. This collaboration will collectively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in International Education Programs at both institutions.

«Within the unique dynamics of the border community between San Diego and Tijuana, addressing our needs and forging synergies for mutual benefit is imperative. This partnership will enhance our ability to meet those needs,» remarked Dr. Fernando León-García.

«We are creating opportunities for our community; this agreement is truly significant because we know that challenges are looming in the future. We want to explore how we can develop courses that align with your bachelor’s degree programs. Congratulations to all of you, and thank you for always making us feel like family,» stated Dr. Mark Sanchez.

Among the agreement goals are student exchanges for foreign study programs, semester-long exchanges, summer or winter programs, participation in the International Summer Program, or Entrepreneurship Week. Additionally, there is the potential for SWC students to complete their bachelor’s degree studies at CETYS University, among other aspects.

Both CETYS and SWC have committed to collaborating to ensure that this agreement yields significant benefits for students, fostering academic excellence, diversity, and equity in higher education. This agreement marks a noteworthy milestone in strengthening international relations and underscores the ongoing commitment of both institutions to educational quality and the comprehensive development of their students.

Southwestern College has five campuses in San Diego, California, with approximately 29,000 students annually and 312 academic programs. On the other hand, CETYS University has three campuses in the cities of Tijuana, Mexicali, and Ensenada, with over 8,000 students in Baja California, and offers more than 30 educational programs.