The collaboration of Drexel University (https://drexel.edu/) with UCRC focuses on the acceptance of students completing their studies in Drexel University, on their training and participation in research projects of the Center during creative and hybrid coop placements for 6-month projects. The outcomes of students’ visits in the past years have been presented in several venues (e.g. the US National Undergraduate Research Conference, the International Research days etc.), building a strong partnership for the years to come and revealing the catalytic role of University of Crete in the Mediterranean area. Drexel coop in Crete is made possible thanks to the support of the Vidalakis Family Cretan Scholars Scholarship Program, which is dedicated to re-brand Crete as a hub for education beyond stereotypical tourism.