(Iowa News Service) – Despite pushback from the Trump administration on colleges and universities recruiting foreign students, the University of Northern Iowa is part of a new exchange program. The school is partnering with a university in Thailand to allow students to earn international business degrees, through its “2+2” business degree partnership program. Students from Assumption University in Thailand can take two years of classes at home and finish their international business degree at Northern Iowa’s Wilson College of Business in Cedar Falls.

Chris Schrage, global opportunities coordinator at the University of Northern Iowa, said the opportunities run the gamut. “Accounting, finance, management, marketing, supply chain,” Schrage outlined. “All of our majors are aligned with their majors.” Schrage pointed out the “2+2” program is largely self-funded by students and private donors, which should allow the university to sidestep the controversy over international students in the U.S.

Beyond earning educational credentials, Schrage noted the program also takes cultural differences into account, helping students become better employees for international companies after they graduate. “Understanding how both sides do business will help build the trust and know what steps to take in both situations,” Schrage emphasized.

Northern Iowa is in the process of recruiting students now and Schrage added they hope to have Thai students on the Cedar Falls campus next year.