WILSON, N.C. — January 31, 2023 — Barton College is pleased to announce official partnerships with international education partners at the University of Waikato in Waikata, New Zealand, Salzburg College in Salzburg, Austria, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, and Roehampton University in London, United Kingdom.
The purpose of these newly established articulation agreements is to promote a seamless pathway for Barton students to study abroad during their Barton Experience.
“Expanding education abroad options for Barton students elevates our curriculum and cultural competencies,” Dr. Douglas N. Searcy, president of Barton College, explains. “Global citizenship is a component of Barton’s mission, so we celebrate these agreements, which expand opportunities for students to study internationally, enhancing global awareness for today’s learners and tomorrow’s leaders.”
“Salzburg College was founded as an institution specifically for students who wanted to study from America, and now, 50 years later, they continue to bring students to Austria for semester-long travel or short-term travel,” shares Jacqueline Fischer, director of new student orientation and international initiatives in the Office of Academic and Career Planning at Barton College. “Salzburg also has teaching opportunities for our faculty. The central European location of Salzburg is appealing for any weekend/avid traveler; it is easy to visit many other countries via rail or quick flights. And, Salzburg is one of the more affordable places to travel.”
Fischer notes that Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, provides a highly historical and enriching experience in Europe, and it is in the top three percent of universities in the world. “Providing a highly affordable experience for our students, this university is equally appealing for the convenience of its central European location, making weekend travel an added benefit for those interested in exploring neighboring countries.”
The student’s experience at the University of Roehampton in London will provide an immersion of English culture, history, and politics that are world known. London has the appeal of being both historical and contemporary. And, the University of Roehampton offers a small community environment on a traditional campus. “At UR, the faculty teach from a career-centered approach,” she adds. “Studying in London appeals to students who may be hesitant to study in a country that does not share English as the primary language.”
Fischer is quick to also share that the University of Waikato in Waikato, New Zealand, is located in one of the safest and most picturesque countries in the world. “The University of Waikato prides itself on its business program, which is ranked as one of the top programs in the world. Students who study here will be immersed in the deep culture of New Zealand’s traditions and history, and they will have the advantage of English as the main language spoken.”
“Barton College welcomes this opportunity to partner with our international colleagues through these new articulation agreements,” Dr. Kevin N. Pennington, vice president for academic affairs at Barton College, emphasizes. “These articulation agreements support the ‘Barton Bold and Connected’ strategic plan, encouraging more students to participate in domestic or international study-trips, and further supporting collaborative experiences for students and faculty to study, teach, and conduct research on the campuses of our international education partners.”
Fischer concludes, “Studying abroad during the Barton Experience allows students to experience other countries’ cultures and traditions during this time in their lives. The affordability of study abroad is also an advantage for students, as their tuition abroad usually aligns closely with Barton’s tuition. And, financial aid that students receive at Barton is typically applicable for their semester abroad. Most appealing is the experience of study abroad that broadens the student’s perspective and helps to better prepare them to be world citizens.”
For more information about Barton’s study abroad opportunities, please contact Jacqueline Fischer at jefischer@barton.edu or 252-399-6380.
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