LRU Expands Global Engagement Through Partnership with Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 25, 2026 – La Roche University is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT), located in San José, Costa Rica, further strengthening the University’s presence in Latin America and reinforcing its commitment to meaningful global academic collaboration.

The agreement was formally endorsed by Christina A. Clark, Ph.D., President of La Roche University, and Silvia Castro Montero, Ph.D., President of ULACIT, establishing a framework for cooperation grounded in shared academic values, institutional reciprocity, and a dedication to advancing international education.

Under the terms of the MOU, La Roche University and ULACIT will pursue a broad range of collaborative initiatives designed to benefit students, faculty, and administrative staff at both institutions. Areas of cooperation include student exchanges at the undergraduate and graduate levels, faculty and staff mobility, the exchange of academic information and curricular materials, and the development of joint research programs, conferences, and academic workshops. The partnership also provides a foundation for exploring dual-degree pathways, short-term language and field experience programs, and collaboration in practicum placements and workforce development initiatives. Each activity will be coordinated to ensure alignment with institutional goals and regulatory frameworks.

Founded in San José, Costa Rica, ULACIT is recognized for its innovation-driven academic model, English-language international programs, and strong emphasis on experiential and applied learning. The university offers a diverse portfolio of programs in business and marketing, biomedical and industrial engineering, information technology and cybersecurity, health and psychology, Latin American and development studies, and Spanish language immersion. Through credit-bearing, English-language semester and summer programs, ULACIT integrates classroom instruction with laboratory experiences, fieldwork, internships, and community engagement opportunities. Its curriculum emphasizes entrepreneurship, sustainable development, global public health, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity policy, and social innovation—preparing students to address complex regional and global challenges. ULACIT’s structured study abroad framework, internship placements, and cultural integration programs reflect a strong commitment to academic quality, cross-cultural competence, and workforce readiness.

Costa Rica’s reputation for educational excellence, sustainability initiatives, and economic development makes ULACIT a strategic partner as La Roche continues to expand its academic footprint in Central America. Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to enhance academic mobility, foster intercultural engagement, and create pathways for collaborative scholarship that strengthen institutional capacity and student success.

“Building strong international partnerships is essential to advancing our mission and preparing students for an interconnected world,” said Dr. Clark. “Our collaboration with ULACIT reflects a shared vision of academic excellence, innovation, and global opportunity.”

This new partnership marks an important milestone in La Roche University’s global education strategy. By deepening relationships across Latin America, the University continues to broaden its international network, diversify educational experiences, and create transformative learning opportunities that equip graduates to thrive in an increasingly connected global landscape.

About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 71 undergraduate programs of study, eight master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

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