Sovereign, Bryant sign abroad-study deal

SMITHFIELD – Sovereign Bank has signed a three-year agreement with Bryant University that will provide second-year students the opportunity to travel abroad and participate in international study.
Sovereign, a subsidiary of Spanish bank Banco Santander S.A., said it will provide financial support of Bryant’s Sophomore International Experience program through the Santander Universities initiative.
“We are very pleased to announce our support of Bryant University’s initiative to expand students’ international knowledge,” said Jorge Morán, president and CEO of Sovereign Bank and chief of Santander U.S. unit. “We believe the best investment for the future is in higher education. The Sophomore International Experience program serves an important role in students’ futures by providing them the opportunity to learn about other cultures and how businesses operate globally.”
Bryant joins nearly 20 U.S. colleges and universities that participate in the Santander Universities Global Division. Those schools include Babson College, Bentley University, Boston University, Brown University, Columbia University, Harvard, Long Island University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, New York University, Providence College, State University of New York, Tufts University, University of Pennsylvania and Yale University.
“At Bryant University, we strive to contribute significantly to the larger world through the leaders we produce. The Sophomore International Experience is one component of this effort,” said Ronald K. Machtley, Bryant’s president. “Since its inception in 2007, this unique international program has helped 928 second-year students go abroad to gain a better understanding of their place and purpose in the global community. We are grateful to Sovereign Bank and Santander Universities for their support of our innovative program.”