Declaration of Understanding Between the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and the Hessian Ministry of Education

A partnership relationship between the US State of Wisconsin and the German State of Hesse has existed for the past 20 years. In the spirit of this partnership, the Wisconsin Technical College System Instruction and the Hessian Ministry of Education, as representatives of vocational education facilities, enter into an agreement to achieve the following objectives:

Objectives

• Student exchanges
• Staff exchanges
• Development of mutual beneficial associations or partnerships between vocational technical colleges and businesses
• Attainment of a better understanding of the different cultures through experience
• Furthering the development of the dual system of vocational education for Hesse and Wisconsin

It is emphasized that the principles applied in the pursuit of these goals will concur with the politics of the WTCS and the Hessian Ministry of Education with regard to international study programs. This cooperative agreement includes the following areas: student exchanges for the purpose of personal and professional development with business partners, professional development for staff and information about curricula.

Dated the 21st day of August 1998

Tommy G. Thomson, Governor, State of Wisconsin
Hans Eichel, Ministerpräsident, Land Hessen