An agreement has been signed between Central Georgia Technical College and York St John University in York, England that may see students expand their learning overseas.

“This agreement expands opportunities for our Associates of Applied Sciences graduates to earn a bachelor’s degree in Great Britain.,” said Dr. Amy Holloway, vice president for Academic Affairs at CGTC, who visited the university last week along with Rick Hutto, director of Global Initiatives at CGTC to sign the agreement.

“Many students may think that overseas study is financially prohibitive; however, York St Johns University’s Pathways2Education program may allow CGTC students to complete a bachelor’s degree in less time and cost than many four year degrees at home,” Dr. Holloway said.

With the signing of the agreement, or Memorandum of Understanding, both institutions agreed to explore future co-cooperation and collaboration to maximize opportunities for students and staff. Patterns of future collaboration may include progression of students to YSJU’s final year undergraduate programs and Masters-level programs, development of exchange and summer programs, exchange and/or mobilization of students and teaching and research staff, additional discussion of collaborative models, and joint research projects.

Committees and senior management from CGTC and YSJU will follow each stage as specific forms of collaboration are agreed upon.

“We are excited to work with our new partner on specific program-level articulations so that students can begin planning for advanced study in England. Having survived Roman and Viking invasions, the city itself has tremendous history and tradition to offer students a culturally enriching experience,” Dr. Holloway said.

Program-level agreements are under development and expected for spring. In the meantime, Global Initiatives and Academic Affairs are developing a 2-week summer study abroad at YSJU for Summer 2018.

Hutto’s connections with YSJU made this signing possible and he said Global Initiatives is, “delighted to offer this additional opportunity for our students to study abroad in a historically-important venue within the ancient city walls.”

“York St John University overlooks the largest Gothic cathedral in all of northern Europe and its verifiable presence dates from the fourth century. Our students will be able to pursue first-hand studies in history and English literature.”