SUNY Canton Welcomes Study Abroad Program

A new study abroad experience in the Balkans will immerse SUNY Canton students in a part of the world famous for its traditional religious diversity and long and rich history.The College's School of Business and Liberal Arts, as well as the Canino School of Engineering Technology, have implemented a study abroad program with the American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina beginning in the 2011-12 academic year.

Through conversations I've had with students from the American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina,I've learned how much they've valued their experience and how much they've learned about better serving the global community,President Joseph L. Kennedy said.We are now able to offer our students this same opportunity and the chance to work with the wonderful faculty and staff members at the university. As our two institutions continue to build upon the relationship we have with each other, the biggest benefactors will be our students.

Students can spend a summer, a semester or an entire year abroad at AUBiH's Sarajevo campus. Because of the College's dual degree program with AUBiH, students studying legal studies, finance or information technology will be encouraged to take part because of the ease of course selection. Those interested in science, humanities, history and other related disciplines should also consider participation in the study abroad program. Students who are eligible to apply for the program are sophomores with a 2.7 GPA or higher.

Students from other SUNY institutions as well as private colleges and universities can also participate in the program. SUNY Canton is the only school in the SUNY system to offer a study abroad program in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Many of our students have expressed a sincere interest in this program,said Marela Fiacco, director of international programs.Becoming immersed in another culture, no matter how long, can be a life-changing experience. It gives students a different perspective on global business and politics, as well as the global economy.Students can also get a lot of exposure while studying in such universities and different course Global Production Engineering,Cultural Encounters and Economics and Management Science.Employers love to see students who embrace opportunities such as this because they understand how invaluable the experience is.The institutions' relationship dates back to 2006, when discussions began about SUNY Canton offering AUBiH students a summer abroad program. Since, the College has developed a dual degree program with AUBiH that allows students to remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina while taking SUNY Canton courses, delivered in an asynchronous online format, in order to earn degrees from both the College and AUBiH.

AUBiH students can earn bachelor's degrees from the College in finance, information technology, and legal studies. President Kennedy recently traveled to AUBiH to graduate SUNY Canton's second class of students earning dual degrees from both institutions. The number of students in the program has more than tripled in its second year with close to 70 students graduating in 2011, compared to 21 in 2010.SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor's, associate, and certificate programs. Most of SUNY Canton's new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 150 courses online each semester. The College's athletic teams belong to the NAIA's Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. SUNY Canton's 2011 Commencement was the first event held in the College's brand new Roos House athletic center. The facility will open later this summer. The new apartment-style residence hall, featuring 305 single-occupancy rooms, is nearing completion and will open in August 2011.