Norfolk State University, a historically Black educational institution in Virginia, has formed Friends of South Africa, a consortium of educational institutions whose aim is to increase cooperation between Norfolk State and several South African universities. Among Norfolk State’s new partners are the University of the Western Cape, the University of Cape Town, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, the University of Johannesburg, WITS University, and the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
The consortium will facilitate students and faculty exchanges between Norfolk State and the South African universities. In addition the universities will participate in joint research and curriculum development projects.
Geoffroy de Laforcade, director of international studies in the Office of International Studies and Service-Learning at Norfolk State, said that the university “has pursued bold and original initiatives in study abroad, and people are taking notice internationally. Our students are very excited about the partnership.”