On April 13–14, 2026, the Faculty of Economics and Finance at the University of Rzeszów hosted Prof. PhD. Steve Varela Holly (Cross College, Notre Dame University – Indiana, USA) to discuss study programs and opportunities for their development in the context of international cooperation. The visit had a working character and focused on analyzing the current educational offer, its internationalization, and its alignment with standards applied in partner academic institutions.

Meetings with the faculty authorities and academic staff constituted an important element of a broader strategy under which the Faculty of Economics and Finance of the University of Rzeszów is consistently working towards becoming part of an international academic cooperation network. The discussions concerned not only the potential integration of study programs but also the possibility of implementing joint educational and research initiatives that could strengthen the global dimension of education.

These activities are part of the planned expansion of the program to include a third component – the European one. Incorporating Poland, as a dynamically developing economy, would allow for the creation of a unique tri-continental educational model covering Asia (Taiwan – the “Asian Tiger”), North America, and Europe. Such a structure would significantly enhance the educational value of the project by offering students a global business perspective and insight into how economies function in different cultural and economic contexts.

Therefore, Prof. Varela’s visit was not only an opportunity for exchanging experiences but also a concrete step toward the internationalization of the educational offer and strengthening the position of the Faculty of Economics and Finance of the University of Rzeszów as a potential European partner in the developing academic cooperation network.