Fostering Long-Lasting International Partnerships Based on Mutuality

The COVID-19 pandemic, the climate and refugee crises, and the global supply chain disruption, among others, have exemplified the high level of planetary connectedness the world endures today, making the phrase "we are all in this together" an undeniable fact. A joint statement from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education on July 26, 2021 highlights the impact of internationalization on national security and the economy. These impacts occur because all forms of ties among people across national borders pave the way to partnerships and alliances in government, business, trade, science, innovation, and the arts and culture. While international partnerships can be problematic, those grounded in mutuality can be transformational for both partners. In this article, Pilar Mendoza describes her journey to build a joint research center that reflects mutuality and she offers recommendations based on her experiences that can help faculty and administrators develop and support similar international collaborations.