The cooperation between Instituto Superior Técnico and other international higher education institutions continues to bear fruit – on January 18, Técnico hosted Western Michigan University (WMU) representatives as part of the double degree programmes established by the two universities, resulting from a protocol signed in 2020. These double degree programmes are aimed at 2nd cycle students who will obtain two Master’s Diplomas after studying one period at Técnico and another period at a partner university.
The presentation session to students under this partnership, which has now been running for three editions, was attended by Rogério Colaço, president of Técnico, and Zita Martins, Vice-president of Técnico for International Affairs. Representing WMU were Steve Butt, Dean of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Paulo Zagalo-Melo, Associate Provost of Haenicke Institute for Global Education. In 2021, Steve Butt announced Técnico as ‘International Partner University of the Year’, an award that strengthened the relationship between the two institutions.
The Técnico students who have already taken part in the double degree programmes with WMU seem to have made a good impression on their American colleagues. “Everyone was trying to keep them close”, said Steve Butt with a smile. “We’re also excited to welcome your students”, said Rogério Colaço.
João Sousa travelled to the United States of America to complete his double degree in August 2022. After a year and a half at WMU, he prepares to defend his master’s thesis in Aerospace Engineering to complete his degree. “I always wanted to study in the United States”, says the student. “I wanted to have an academic experience at an American university and have access to various job opportunities there. So as soon as I received the email announcing the programme with WMU, I didn’t think twice.” The experience was positive – “I loved the programme and I would do it again”.
João Rei, a 4th-year Aerospace Engineering student, attended the session to learn more about this opportunity. He always thought that “studying abroad was a good idea”. The opportunity to talk to a colleague who has already done the programme and to WMU representatives is very important for him. “I think it’s excellent that Técnico gives students this opportunity”, he says. He believes that by attending a double degree programme, students “will have a completely different experience, and will get to learn and experience different cultures, which will contribute to making them better students and better people.” “I hope everyone has this opportunity,” he says.
Currently, the double degree programmes with WMU include the Master’s Programme in Industrial Engineering and Management, the Master’s Programme in Aerospace Engineering and the Master’s Programme in Computer Science and Engineering.
