European Office at University West

Olof Blomqvist, Vice Chancellor Emeritus at University West and Kerstin Norén, Vice Chancellor at University West. Photo: Anna Hallberg

The profile work-integrated learning, WIL, at University West is strengthened even more. A satellite office of the worldwide organization WACE is established at University West. WACE, The World Association for Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning, is committed to global linking academia and society in matters relating to the development of WIL in both education and research.

WACE expands and is currently developing its organisation globally through the establishment of so-called International Satellite Offices (ISO). In addition to the office at University West opened att the same time an office in Thailand, at Suranaree University of Technology. WACE has 2 000 partners in more than 40 countries and organizes international conferences, seminars, network meetings and training on WIL. WACE has its secreteriat at University of Massachusetts Lowell in Boston. University West has been a member of WACE since its creation in 1990 and actively participated in the leadership of the organization.
- We get a platform to make our university more internationally visible and this strengthens our profile as a WIL-university. We can utilize the network this means for new partnerships in education and research, says Olof Blomqvist, Vice Chancellor Emeritus at University West and board member of WACE and the one responsible to get the satellite office located on campus.

Increased opportunities
The goal is to extend the existing WIL network in Europe, where both universities and companies (private and public sectors) are important target groups. An extension of WIL network with University West as a European node will lead to increased opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange. For 10 years, University West has had a special national mission to develop forms of work-integrated learning as part of the process of educational innovation in higher education. With the new satellite office a further step is taken in the development.
- WACE strengthens through this its presence in Europe, but above all we will strengthen our international visibility. We will have the opportunity to organize training and we will be hosting Wace International Symposium in June 2014, says Olof Blomqvist.

Dr. Paul Stonely, Chief Executive Officer for Wace, has made the following statement:

- WACE is pleased to announce the first International Satellite Office (ISO) at the University West. WACE's 65 member Board of Directors is proud to partner with University West and to Collaborate with the University's outstanding work-integrated learning programs and research projects. The ISO at University West goodwill to help the promote all of WACE's programs and new Initiatives throughout the Europe and goodwill assisting in the development of new WACE's programs and research Activities.

Coordinator settles in
The new Satellite Office will be coordinated by Karolin Olsson who will coordinate current activities. Karolin Olsson is an administrator at Forum for work-integrated learning and educational development and a coordinator at Entré AIL, the University's meeting place for students and working life.
- It's exciting and an opportunity that was hard to say no to. It also fits in with my current job. I hope this can help to build us a name and strengthen our brand as WIL-university, says Caroline Olsson.

More about WACE