Strolling down the historic streets and rocky beaches of the cliffside capital of Peru, locals stopped in their tracks to snap photos and videos. They witnessed something they’d never seen before, something entirely unique to the University of Arizona – none other than Wilma and Wilbur Wildcat.

During their foray into South America, the famous couple helped launch the UA’s first micro-campus on the continent, UA Lima at Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, or UPC. They connected with students and university leaders during the June visit, even donning their formal attire at an event to celebrate the new UA location.

Micro-campuses, as unique to the UA as Wilma and Wilbur, operate at universities worldwide where students earn both a UA degree and a degree from the partner university. UA and local professors offer the courses collaboratively in a co-teaching environment.

The micro-campus at UPC offers the largest selection of dual degrees of any micro-campus to date, including accelerated master’s options, allowing students to earn up to three degrees in as little as five years. Six academic paths are currently available, including industrial engineering.

“Micro-campuses provide students worldwide with affordable access to a top-quality education while promoting joint research with international partners,” said Brent White, vice provost for global affairs and dean of global campuses. “They also create innovative opportunities for collaboration. For example, UPC professors will visit the UA in Tucson next spring to teach classes to UPC and UA students. Through the micro-campus model, we are constantly redefining the international education experience.”

Students interested in studying abroad at UA Lima at UPC can find more information at UA Global. Applications open this July for spring 2020 study abroad at this location.