This session shares experience of obtaining and implementing a highly successful University Linkages Program between the University of Cincinnati, USA and Salahaddin University, Kurdistan, Iraq. The authors will reflect on practices and make recommendations for setting and implementing achievable goals; negotiating and maintaining personal and institutional relationships; and strategies for addressing potential challenges during and beyond the linkage. This session should be of interest to administrators, faculty, and staff who are currently involved in and/or planning on working with international partners.