Students looking to further their post-secondary education abroad and experience the international culture of one of the world’s most dynamic and lively countries were given a unique meet and greet opportunity on March 28 when the Institutes of Technology Ireland (IOTI), the representative body for 13 of Ireland’s institutes of technology, visited Durham College’s Oshawa campus to meet with students.

Designed to support an agreement between Colleges Ontario, an advocacy organization for Ontario’s 24 community colleges, and IOTI that gives graduates from specific college programs an opportunity to complete their honours degree in Ireland, the visit offered students an open opportunity to meet with IOTI representatives in Vendor’s Alley during the afternoon. In addition, targeted events were held for students enrolled in programs housed under the schools of Business, IT & Management and Science & Engineering  Technology (SET).

The agreement enables graduates of specific, two-year  Ontario college programs (e.g. business, electronics engineering, internet applications/web development and hospitality) to earn their honours degree with two further years of study in Ireland and, in some cases, allows graduates of three-year college programs to earn their degree requirements with just one additional year of study. Students also have access to reduced tuition fees and numerous scholarships through the agreement.

A targeted session for students enrolled in Durham College’s Business Administration – Accounting; Business Administration – Human Resources; Business Administration – Marketing; Business – Accounting; Business – Marketing; Business – Human Resources; and Hospitality Management – Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism was held from 3 to 4 p.m. followed by a mix and mingle event for Electronics Engineering Technician and Electronics Engineering Technology programs students.

“Durham College is committed to ensuring that the student experience comes first and as part of that commitment is excited to be part of this diploma to degree agreement designed to offer graduates the opportunity to further their post-secondary studies overseas,” said Susan Todd, dean, SET. “Having IOTI spend the day on campus to meet with students and share information one-on-one has provided an excellent opportunity for them to learn more about the specific degree opportunities and academic institutions available to them in Ireland post-graduation and most importantly, how their Durham College diploma can open doors for them both here and around the world.”

Students can visit the College’s Ontario website for background information on the agreement itself in addition to the IOTI website, which offers additional information on specific academic bridging requirements per program/institution.