CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Conestoga professors share knowledge through partnership in France

From March 12 to 15, two professors from Conestoga's School of Business travelled to Troyes, France, to share knowledge and network with students and faculty in an academic and cultural experience at South Champagne Business School (SCBS) - a member institution of Y Schools Troyes.

The visit was part of International Education Week organized by SCBS, in which professors from partner institutions around the world are invited to travel to Troyes, a city that's approximately 150 kilometres southeast of Paris, to lecture at their institution.

Professors Fatih Yegul and Kevin McDermott took advantage of this opportunity to give a series of two-hour lectures to bachelor- and master-level students. Yegul shared insights from a case study that he co-authored about a shipment of biomass materials for a sustainable heating system, while McDermott's lesson focused on the transformative potential of blockchain technology.

"Engaging with eager minds on a case study I co-authored was a great experience," said Yegul.

"The vibrancy of Troyes mirrored the students' enthusiasm. I also had a chance to meet and exchange information with other faculty members from several other countries."

McDermott also benefited from the ability to collaborate with colleagues while experiencing the hospitality of his hosts.

"I enjoyed interacting with French and international business students. We were welcomed by SCBS staff and faculty, and we were able to learn about the research of visiting researchers from around the world."

SCBS and Conestoga's School of Business have been partnering on student and faculty exchanges and knowledge sharing for a number of years. The relationship is supported by Conestoga's global initiatives and partnership development program, which promotes international engagement and mobility opportunities for faculty and students.

"Y Schools Troyes and South Champagne Business School are valued partners of Conestoga College. We are excited to be able to provide the opportunity to our business professors to visit them, lecture at their institution, meet their students, and explore their campus and city," said Mariam Raza, manager, Global Initiatives and Partnership Development.   

Raza and her team lay foundations and liaise with partner institutions throughout the globe to create an atmosphere of collaboration, with the goal of enriching the learning environment at Conestoga and amplifying the work of the college's students and faculty. In this case, it entailed working with SCBS to identify the opportunity, working with Conestoga's School of Business to communicate the invitation to faculty, and also supporting Yegul and McDermott throughout their journey.

"Faculty are an important part of creating a culture of global citizenship in our classrooms. I know Professor McDermott and Professor Yegul will bring their experiences of cultural, disciplinary and academic exploration back to their classrooms and to their students for years to come," added Raza.

Conestoga's School of Business provides numerous opportunities and pathways to complete, specialize or expand business education through full- or part-time studies. Its programs reflect today's business needs across a wide range of credentials from apprenticeships, one-year certificates, two- and three-year advanced diplomas, to graduate certificates and degree opportunities that include multiple specializations.