College forges European partnership
12/8/2004 1:30:21 PM
December 8, 2004 – College of the North Atlantic (CNA) has extended its international reach with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Francoforum-institut de langue of St. Pierre et Miquelon, France.
The partnership provides a framework for development in the areas of workplace language training, trades training and certification, and the establishment of international work terms for business students.
Dr. Mike Graham, Campus Administrator at CNA’s Burin campus, helped develop the agreement with Joseph Enguehard, Director of the French institute. Graham says there is a spectrum of possibilities with this agreement, not the least of which is the language exchange.
“We have the opportunity here to offer French language training for our students that is tailored to the workplace,” says Graham.
“English-speaking students would not only study in a trades or business program but would simultaneously learn aspects of the French language particular to the industry for which they are training.”
Also, Newfoundland and Labrador students can study in St. Pierre either for European certification they need to work on international projects, or to gain useful European business experience.
“We’ve already done something similar at Burin campus – training our students to Norwegian standards to certify them for work on such developments as the White Rose Oilfield,” says Graham.
This works both ways, he says.
“With this new agreement, we hope to pilot a Welding program at Burin campus where students from St. Pierre receive Trades Certification with North American standards as well as the English language training they’ll require to work in the industry.”
The Burin Peninsula has had a long history of economic and social interaction with the Islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon. This agreement will enhance this relationship to the benefit of both institutions, says Corinne Dunne, Director of Development/College Advancement at CNA.
“This alliance is one that connects language, culture and geography,” says Dunne. “In this case education is the catalyst for positive growth between countries and institutions that will give our students an enhanced educational experience.”
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For more information contact:
Stephen Lee
Communications Manager
(709) 643.7929
Or
Tanya Alexander
Public Information Officer
(709) 643-7928