RED DEER POLYTECHNIC
RDP signs partnership agreements with two German post-secondary institutions

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has advanced its commitment to global engagement by entering into partnership agreements with two German post-secondary institutions. In conjunction with a major International Education Conference held in Toulouse, France, Red Deer Polytechnic leaders formalized partnerships that will offer new international opportunities for students and faculty. Alberta's Advanced Education Minister, the Hon. Rajan Sawhney was in attendance to celebrate these new agreements.

(L-R): Ulrike Bischoff-Parker, Head of the International Centre, EUF; Judith Peltz, Head of the International Department, HSBI; Stuart Cullum, President, RDP; The Honourable Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education, Government of Alberta.

In 2022, RDP initiated a Student Exchange Agreement with German university, Europa-Universität Flensburg (EUF), for students enrolled in RDP's Bachelor of Education program. A new Letter of Intent expands the availability of the exchange opportunity to eligible students in all programs and commits RDP and EUF to developing a cooperative Guest Lecture Series. The Letter of Intent also states that the two institutions will create Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects. Through the COIL projects, faculty at RDP and EUF will teach the same course -- or a specific project within a course -- to students from both institutions. This will create opportunities for RDP students to gain an international experience without having to leave the country.

The second agreement is a Memorandum of Understanding with Hochschule Bielefeld, University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI). This new partnership agreement will establish collaboration between RDP and HSBI in the following areas: exchange of academic faculty, student exchanges, visiting researchers and cooperative research activities.

"International partnerships contribute significantly to the success of RDP and our students, who will build their careers in an increasingly interconnected world," says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. "When we collaborate with post-secondary institutions around the globe, we open the door to new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and innovative practices that enhance research and academic opportunities for our students and faculty alike."

RDP's other international initiatives include study abroad opportunities for students in Biological Sciences (Costa Rica) and Practical Nursing (St. Lucia), collaboration on training and certification in skilled trades programs in Trinidad and Tobago and mentorship programs for international learners. RDP currently serves more than 1,200 international students.