The renewal of the Sister City bond between Sarasota, Florida, and Perpignan, France, has ushered in a new era of transatlantic collaboration, with the University of South Florida (USF World) playing a pivotal role in deepening academic, cultural, and economic ties. During a presentation at the Selby Memorial Library, Brandon McLeod, Campus Director of USF World on the Sarasota-Manatee campus, underscored the university’s longstanding commitment to fostering global connections, particularly through its robust engagement with France.
In his presentation to Mayors Alpert (Sarasota) and Aliot (Perpignan), the Sister City Association of Sarasota, and the community, McLeod highlighted USF’s multifaceted relationship with France, which spans decades and encompasses over 980 students who have studied abroad in cities like Paris, Nice, and Lyon since 2013 through programs like USF France Business. “These programs are transformative,” he noted, “equipping students with cultural fluency and academic excellence while building lifelong bridges between our nations.” USF’s partnerships with institutions such as the Normandy School of Management and MICEFA (Mission Interuniversitaire de Coordination des Échanges Franco-Américains) facilitate student exchanges, while specialized programs in art, theater, and French language immersion enrich academic experiences.
“These programs aren’t just about academics—they’re about creating global citizens,” McLeod emphasized.
The university also welcomes French students to its campuses through initiatives like the Miklos Scholarship, established in 2002 to support French undergraduates at USF. Additionally, the Florida-France Linkage Institute, administered by USF, provides in-state tuition opportunities for qualified French students, further strengthening educational accessibility. “These programs aren’t just about academics—they’re about creating global citizens,” McLeod emphasized.
Beyond academia, USF World has spearheaded economic collaborations through events like the inaugural French Business Forum, co-hosted with FRAMCO (French-American Chamber of Commerce) in November 2024. The forum brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and academics to explore bilateral trade and innovation, featuring notable figures such as Consul General of France Raphaël Trapp and USF Professor Christian Brechot, former Director of the Institut Pasteur. This initiative aligns with USF’s broader strategy to position Tampa Bay as a hub for international business, with plans already underway for a second forum in 2025.
McLeod also highlighted USF’s research collaborations with French institutions, resulting in 135+ joint publications over the past decade. USF World’s Global Network France boasts over 500 graduates in France—who continue to drive professional and cultural exchange.
Kelsie Laurier and USF theater group in Paris, Summer 2024The Sarasota-Manatee campus, celebrating its 50th anniversary this upcoming academic year, remains a important component of USF’s international efforts. Local scholarships, such as those enabling student Kalia Early’s first study abroad experience, exemplify the campus’s commitment to accessible global learning. Meanwhile, corporate training programs, like the recent security certification for Saudi Aramco first responders, showcase USF’s ability to blend international engagement with community needs.
As the event concluded, McLeod invited attendees to support USF’s global missions through donations to study abroad scholarships or following the Bulls Run the World newsletter, which highlights the university’s worldwide impact. For more information on USF’s global programs, visit USF World.