In the fall of 2025, Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University, set out on a mission – strengthen the University’s international partnerships, creating opportunities for those outside the United States. He started in Mexico with the New Jersey Governor’s Economic Mission Trip. Almost a year after signing those first new memorandums of understanding (MOUs), Saint Peter’s has gone on to sign five in total at the following schools:
- Universidad Centro Panamericano de Estudios Superiores (UNICEPES)
- Universidad Latina de América (UNLA) for an Inter-American Institute for Communication and Culture
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Columbia
- Universidad UNIVA
- Universidad Espiritu Santo (UEES) Ecuador
There are also approximately eight to ten additional MOUs at various other points in discussion, bringing a Saint Peter’s education to the global stage.
Asked how he feels about the progress made so far, Dr. Benitez said, “In today’s global higher education landscape, these partnerships are essential to creating opportunities for students and faculty, fostering intercultural understanding, and building lasting relationships. We have made significant progress in establishing agreements with universities across Latin America, opening doors for students from our partner countries to experience a Saint Peter’s education and the possibility of earning a U.S. degree, while broadening their academic and professional horizons. This commitment reflects our Jesuit mission of using education as a force for positive societal change. I am very proud of this progress and the opportunities it creates for our students and communities.”
This semester, Saint Peter’s welcomed its first student as part of these partnerships – Daneyra Valarezo from UEES. When asked how she is adjusting to college life in the United States, she said “My experience at Saint Peter’s University has been a roller coaster of emotions. Personally, I feel that it was difficult for me to adjust at first, but over time, I slowly got used to my new environment. I know this is a unique experience that will help me in my professional life, but at the same time, it comes with challenges, and not everything is perfect. I am grateful for everything I have learned and experienced so far, and I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for me.”
Recently, the University hired Martha C. Cuervo to serve as coordinator of international partnerships. As a liaison, Martha has conversations first hand with the interested international schools and shares what they are looking for in these agreements. “Saint Peter’s University is particularly attractive because of its strong academic foundation, its Jesuit values, and its commitment to developing the whole person—academically, professionally,
culturally, and personally,” she explained. “One of the most valuable opportunities we are creating is the possibility for students to earn dual credentials: a degree from their home-country university and a degree from Saint Peter’s University in the United States. Through these innovative academic pathways, students can pursue an internationally recognized U.S. education while beginning their journey in their own country, making international academic opportunities more accessible to students, their families, and their communities.”
Saint Peter’s will be offering summer immersion programs focused on subjects like business, AI, computer science & economics, and STEM with options for certification or college credit. English as a second language (ESL) will also be part of the summer immersion program. While academics are certainly at the forefront, cultural activities will be included like trips to New York City. “We want to show these partners the best of what the Metropolitan area has to offer including in and around Jersey City, the most diverse city in the nation,” said Travis Whisler, vice president of student affairs. “Of course, it would not be a trip to the United States without a trip over the Hudson River to Manhattan. Our location provides so many opportunities to showcase this country.”
Saint Peter’s looks forward to welcoming all of the students and faculty as part of these partnerships to our campus. To learn more about what we offer as part of our partnerships and to get in touch with us if interested in one for your school, click here.