A new partnership agreement between Conestoga and IT Carlow, one of Ireland’s leading institutes of technology, will provide business degree students at both institutions with opportunities to obtain dual credentials and gain international experience as part of their studies.
Representatives from IT Carlow visited Conestoga’s Doon campus on February 12, meeting with faculty and students and touring the campus before the official signing ceremony.
“This new partnership builds on links between Canada and Ireland and presents a unique opportunity for students to learn from each other’s countries and become more employable,” said Declan Doyle, vice president for Research, Innovation and Internationalism at IT Carlow.
According to Doyle, the “ideal fit” between the two schools helped facilitate the agreement. Both Conestoga and IT Carlow provide training in supply chain, human resources, marketing and general business as part of their degree curricula.
Like Conestoga, IT Carlow involves students in hands-on, real-world projects at every stage of their programs. Work is often completed with outside agencies, providing students with experience and understanding of today’s industry needs.
IT Carlow was named as Ireland’s Institute of Technology of the Year in 2013-14 by the Sunday Times Good University Guide, an annual publication that provides rankings for the country’s post-secondary institutions.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Conestoga students to learn more about international business and experience Ireland,” said Alan Vaughan, vice president for Enrolment Management & International Education at Conestoga. “Our common cultural history and language will make this an attractive option for students.”
Students who participate in the exchange program will spend one year of their program at the partner institution. Conestoga students will complete three years of study here, then complete their final year in Ireland. IT Carlow students will complete their third year of studies at Conestoga, then return to Ireland for their final year. Up to five students from each institution can participate each year.
Those who successfully complete the program will receive dual credentials, with business degrees conferred both by Conestoga and IT Carlow. The first student exchange will take place in Fall 2015.
This is the latest in a series of international exchange opportunities for Conestoga’s International Business Management degree students. Agreements with post-secondary institutions in 12 different countries allow students to gain international business experience as they build their knowledge and skills.
For more information about IT Carlow or other international exchange opportunities, contact Oded Tal, 519-748-5220 ext. 3346.