To offer more international program opportunities for its students, Austin Community College is partnering with Denmark-based Aarhus Business College.
Representatives from ABC paid a visit to ACC's Northridge Campus on May 30 to explore how students might be able to access some of ACC's technology-related programs in the future. The representatives toured departments such as game development, visual communications, music business performance and technology, and TV, radio and film.
ABC focuses solely on business education and has about 3,000 students enrolled each year, ABC International Relations Officer Lone Hansen said. She said that having access to ACC's advanced technology could allow for ABC to become a frontrunner institution in Denmark.
"We love [ACC]; we are so impressed," Hansen said. "I think I've learned a lot [from this visit], and I have a lot to think about when I get back. It's been very inspiring."
ACC President Richard Rhodes said the partnership will allow ACC's students and faculty to gain insight into international business and the Danish culture.
"The world is growing smaller and smaller as globalizing gets larger and larger," he said. "One of the best things that can happen for our students and staff is greater exposure to global economies."
Rhodes said he hopes that partnerships will bring more international companies to Austin and greater support for the Texas economy.
In the future, ACC would like to develop faculty and student exchanges and courses with ABC, said William Hayden, ACC's director of international programs. He said ACC and ABC will have a formal virtual signing ceremony in the fall to celebrate the partnership.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for ACC to build on a variety of different developments between the Austin area and ABC, particularly in the creative and technology sector," Hayden said.
In November, 20 ABC students will come to ACC's Northridge campus for a two-week program, which will focus on professional communication, speech and presentation. Hayden said ACC would also like to have similar programs at ABC for its students.