Warner Robins, Ga. – Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) representatives returned from Ghana in November, where they explored opportunities for international collaboration in technical education and student mobility. The visit, funded in part by grant funding from the U.S. Department of State’s Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) Program, aimed to develop and expand study abroad programs, aimed to assess opportunity in Ghana for future Titans.
The visit aligns with CGTC’s mission to expand global learning initiatives and foster workforce development through strategic partnerships.
Coordinated with Hilltop Global Group, a leader in organizing international educational programs across Africa, brought seamless logistics and expert cultural guidance to a packed itinerary.
Hilltop regularly facilitates meaningful study abroad experiences, particularly for students of the African diaspora learning on the continent. Discussions are underway to establish a partnership to ensure the safety and organization of future CGTC, faculty-led study abroad programs in Africa.
In the November visit, potential partnerships were explored amongst leading Ghanaian institutions in technical education whose models of competency-based, industry-led education match objectives of CGTC to diversify and expand programming abroad for study abroad.
“Discussions focused on connecting CGTC’s Aerospace, Trade, and Industry programs and more with Ghanaian institutions,” said Mike Pace, CGTC’s dean for Aerospace, Trade & Industry. “Potential activities include student workshops, volunteer projects, and other formal collaboration that benefit study abroad. We look forward to exploring all the opportunities presented to us.”
Having previously established and increased participation in service-learning study abroad programs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the College, through the IDEAS Grant is working to expand that model across other program areas in new locations.
New opportunities in Ghana could offer aerospace, trade, industry, health sciences and more, hands-on experience in global settings, that engage diverse students in study abroad and broaden the destinations where Titans study.
Additionally, many discussions in Ghana included the potential for faculty exchange and virtual collaboration.
“Expanding global learning and study abroad enriches our students’ educational journeys and strengthens our commitment to workforce development,” said JoBen Rivera-Thompson, director of Marketing, Public Relations, and International Outreach.
“The people and organizations we encountered in Ghana were tremendous hosts and we appreciate their distinct commitment to technical education that meets the demands of an evolving global economy.”
For more about Global Initiatives at CGTC visit, www.centralgatech.edu/global.
