Students and staff of Holland College have the opportunity to participate in exchanges with The College of The Bahamas following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the two post-secondary institutions recently.

Under the terms of the agreement, students who participate in an exchange visit will be able to receive credit for the course work at The College of The Bahamas to put toward their area of study at Holland College. Likewise, Bahamian students will be able to study at Holland College to earn credits that will be recognized at their home institution.

Holland College Vice President of Innovation, Enterprise and Strategic Development Michael O'Grady sees the agreement as enhancing the educational opportunities for students and the development of research and academic projects for staff.

"This agreement establishes a cooperative exchange of students and staff to enrich learning, studying, teaching, research, and joint academic projects. We have developed a strong relationship with our colleagues in the Bahamas over the past few years. With a formal agreement in place, I'm sure that we will see an increase in exchanges between the two institutions," he said.

Current areas of interest include culinary arts, tourism management, policing and law enforcement, paramedicine, and marine training; but students and staff interested in other areas of study are encouraged to explore the possibilities offered through the exchange program.

Dr. Linda Davis, Vice President, Research Graduate Programmes and International Relations for The College of The Bahamas, said the agreement is advantageous for both institutions.

"The partnership between The College of The Bahamas and Holland College has been evolving for several years now resulting in successful student exchanges and carefully crafted plans for future collaboration. Nurtured by the genuine commitment of Vice President Michael O'Grady and his colleagues we have worked collaboratively, identifying four strategic areas of focus which we feel will permit growth in mutually beneficial directions. The disciplines identified are areas in which Holland brings a rich tradition thus enhancing The College of The Bahamas' ability to provide education and training in critical areas. We know too that Holland College will gain many benefits as both institutions bring unique yet similar characteristics of islandness to create special experiences for both students and faculty. Holland College represents the kind of relationship that The College/University of The Bahamas is pleased to count among its partnerships," she noted.

Holland College is currently hosting a Bahamian student in the Journalism program. Last spring, an exchange student was enrolled in the Travel and Tourism Management program.

In this picture: Dr. Linda Davis, Vice President, Research Graduate Programmes and International Relations for The College of The Bahamas and Holland College Vice President of Innovation, Enterprise and Strategic Development Michael O'Grady sign a memorandum of agreement between the two institutions. The agreement will facilitate student and staff exchanges.