Arcadia University proudly hosted five graduate students from Spain this summer as part of a growing international collaboration with Universidad San Pablo-CEU (USP-CEU) and Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera (CEU-UCH). The students, all pursuing advanced studies in Physical Therapy, spent six weeks on Arcadia’s Glenside campus engaging in a rigorous academic and cultural immersion experience.

The summer program offered the visiting students a specialized course on the spine, taught alongside Arcadia’s Doctor of Physical Therapy students. The course combined classroom instruction and hands-on lab experiences with observation at local clinical sites, providing the CEU students a unique opportunity to experience physical therapy education and practice in the United States.  They were also exposed to the research process through observing and participating in research studies being conducted by graduate students in the Department of Physical Therapy’s Movement Science PhD Program.

“We’ve really enjoyed hosting the students from CEU, sharing our knowledge, and learning a bit more about how physical therapy is practiced in other countries, ” Dr. Michael Tevald, chair of Arcadia’s Department of Physical Therapy, said. “It has definitely been a highlight of the summer.”

The experience began with an orientation in Philadelphia, where students explored cultural landmarks such as Reading Terminal Market and the Mütter Museum. Throughout their stay, they lived on campus, building friendships with their American peers and immersing themselves in local life. Weekend adventures included day trips to New York City and Washington, D.C., offering a broader view of American culture and history.

The program emphasizes both academic growth and cultural exchange. Outside the classroom, students attended social events, explored Philadelphia neighborhoods, and engaged in meaningful conversations with classmates and faculty, helping to build a sense of international community.

Arcadia University and its CEU partners are already planning for the future of this successful collaboration.  With its second successful summer completed, the Arcadia-CEU partnership continues to serve as a model for international academic exchange, enriching students and faculty on both sides of the Atlantic.