University of Tetova
Building Bridges Through Education
The partnership between Northern Illinois University (NIU) and the University of Tetova is a long-standing collaboration built on shared commitments to international engagement, educational access, research and intercultural understanding. Since the relationship began in 2014 through connections established by leaders of the NIU College of Business and the University of Tetova, the two institutions have cultivated meaningful exchanges among students, faculty and administrators.
Early milestones included the creation of the Center for Peace and Transcultural Communication, reciprocal visits between the City of Tetova and DeKalb and joint conferences focused on democracy, peacebuilding, economic development and civic values. These efforts established a strong foundation for collaboration while fostering dialogue across cultures and disciplines.
Over the past decade, the partnership has continued to expand through academic programming, research initiatives, faculty exchanges and institutional recognition. Highlights include reciprocal honorary doctorates awarded to NIU President Lisa Freeman and University of Tetova Rector Vullnet Ameti; international conferences hosted in North Macedonia and DeKalb; collaborative work in sport sciences and business education; and the launch of the first U.S. graduate degree program in North Macedonia through NIU’s MBA program.
More recently, the institutions have renewed their commitment through educational exchanges led by the NIU College of Education, collaborative workshops on contemporary teaching practices and the development of a five-year research and programming plan.
Together, NIU and the University of Tetova continue to demonstrate how global partnerships can advance scholarship, strengthen communities and prepare students to succeed in an interconnected world.
International Faculty Collaboration Institute
Sept. 7-11, 2026
The International Faculty Collaboration Institute will serve as a week-long opportunity for faculty and educational leaders from the University of Tetova and NIU to deepen their partnership through professional learning, research development and cultural exchange.
Activities will include workshops on social and emotional learning and trauma-informed education; school visits; collaborative research and grant planning; an International Partnership Showcase; and the formation of an International Social and Emotional Learning Community Advisory Board to support future scholarship and joint initiatives.