Community College of Rhode IslandCCRI hosts educators from Denmark
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CCRI might soon become as popular with some Danish students as it is with Rhode Islanders. The idea of a study and cultural program between CCRI and several business colleges in Denmark was one of several topics of discussion during a recent visit to the Warwick campus by a delegation of Danish college leaders.
According to Georg Bank Mikkelsen, an international coordinator from Skanderborg Odder Business College, the delegation represents a network of 11 small- and medium-sized business colleges called Synergi Schools. “There is tremendous interest in globalization that is reflected in several study abroad programs that are available to Danish students,” said Mikkelsen.
The business colleges offer a three-year curriculum and first-year students are given an opportunity to study languages in Ireland, Scotland, England, Spain or France. In the second year, joint exchange programs are held where students visit partner schools in other countries, and in the third year, two-week study abroad programs concentrate on globalization, cultural awareness, trade and international cooperation.
Mikkelsen offered preliminary details of a unique partnership with CCRI in which Danish students would come to CCRI for a four-week program that would include lessons in team building, presentation skills, American cultural topics and branding and marketing. The visiting students would live with Rhode Island families during their stay. Officials also noted that the business school students had already completed six years of English so language would not be a problem. It was agreed that officials from CCRI and the Synergi Schools would discuss the proposal in greater detail over the coming weeks.
Other matters of joint interest included discussions on testing,
developmental education and behavioral problems. Following the meeting, a
tour of the Warwick campus was conducted.
The Danish delegation was in New England attending the annual meeting of the
American Association of Community Colleges being held in Boston.
