George Brown College leaders recently travelled to India to strengthen our partnerships, promote our programs and attract new international students. The trip helped raise the college's profile in the country and provided an opportunity to explore new opportunities in the region.
George Brown President Dr. Gervan Fearon led the GBC team that included Associate Vice-President of Global Partnerships & Education David Begg and Director for South Asia, Middle East & Africa Ian Honey. The team connected with colleagues and students at Chitkara University, a George Brown College partner since 2006.
Renowned as one of the best private universities in the Punjab region of northern India, Chitkara offers multi-disciplinary and industry-relevant programs. In 2019, we established new opportunities for teaching and learning mentorship, curriculum development, applied research, and faculty and student exchanges. The agreement also provides eligible Chitkara students advanced standing in the Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Culinary Management) program.
"Our partnership with Chitkara University is unique, allowing students to pursue an innovative degree between our two institutions," Fearon said. "This partnership represents the foundation of what we can do together with international partners in support of student success."
The George Brown team also met with Canada's High Commissioner in India, Cameron Mackay, and Canada's Consul General in Chandigarh, Patrick Hébert, to showcase the college's strategic priorities and discuss potential opportunities in India.
George Brown's key priorities include engaging and attracting diverse learners and building connections that contribute to a better future (George Brown currently attracts students from more than 120 countries).
"We believe that this rich mix of cultures and perspectives is essential for fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence," Begg said. "It has informed the college's efforts to attract strong international partnerships in 27 countries to enhance the quality of our educational programming and provide opportunities for our students to succeed in a globally competitive economy."
Indian organizations have provided meaningful real-world learning opportunities for George Brown students at the Centre for Community Service and Early Childhood. Students have completed field placements with non-governmental organizations and childcare centres in and around New Delhi. George Brown students last travelled to India in 2020.
