First PTGAS exchange with Reed College in the United States
Jolina Kwong is the first participant in the exchange of technical, management and administrative and service staff (PTGAS) under the agreement between the University of Barcelona and Reed College (United States), which has already seen several exchanges of research and teaching staff (PDI). “I have spent a lot of time learning about colleges and universities”, but until now, she “have not had the opportunity to explore how they work in other countries”, Kwong says after her stay in Barcelona.
Jolina Kwong is the first participant in the exchange of technical, management and administrative and service staff (PTGAS) under the agreement between the University of Barcelona and Reed College (United States), which has already seen several exchanges of research and teaching staff (PDI). “I have spent a lot of time learning about colleges and universities”, but until now, she “have not had the opportunity to explore how they work in other countries”, Kwong says after her stay in Barcelona.
Kwong, who holds a PhD in Higher Education Administration, says that the most important aspect of this experience in Barcelona has been “forming professional connections and friendships with colleagues here”. “I think there are much more similarities than differences in our work. I think we all share the same goal of supporting students and providing valuable opportunities for students as they progress through their learning”, she says.
Kwong, who works at the Dean’s Office at Reed College, notes that the PTGAS exchanges are a “relatively new” concept there. “I am hoping to help build a process that can help more staff and faculty participate in an enriching and rewarding exchange”, she says.
The agreement with a prestigious institution such as Reed College is part of the UB’s policy of promoting collaborations through programmes fostering academic cooperation with universities in the United States.
The agreement covers a wide range of activities: in addition to PDI and PTGAS exchanges, it includes the Language Scholarship Programme, an academic language programme that allows UB students to participate in activities supporting Spanish language teaching at Reed College. Also, student exchanges are available for various bachelor’s degrees within the Global UB Mobility programme and Reed College’s Study Abroad mobility programme.