Study Abroad — in Iraq

Officials at the University of Wisconsin-Madison say they’re exploring a new partnership with an Iraqi university that could ultimately lead to study-abroad opportunities in that country for American students and faculty.

University officials say they’re planning a teleconference on Friday with the U.S. Embassy to talk about a relationship with Tikrit University, located about 100 miles north of Baghdad.

“We believe that this is an exciting opportunity for both of our institutions,” said Gilles Bousquet, dean of the university’s Division of International Studies, in a news release from Madison. “Education will play a key role in rebuilding Iraq, and UW-Madison has a strong tradition of international service and collaboration.”

Potential collaboration between Tikrit and Madison could take place in medicine, agriculture, journalism, law and engineering.