Lakehead University business students have an opportunity to forge international connections by studying a year abroad in France.
The Thunder Bay university's faculty of business administration has partnered with Rennes School of Business on an international dual degree program for students at both schools.
Lakehead students in Thunder Bay and Barrie who complete this program earn two degrees in four years, one from Lakehead, one from Rennes, that involves going on a one-year exchange in third year.
Participating students will receive an honours bachelor of commerce from Lakehead and a bachelor in management from Rennes.
Rennes students who go to Lakehead in their third year will earn a bachelor of administration before returning to France to earn the bachelor in management at their home university.
Founded in 1990 and located in northwestern France, Rennes is located in the region of Brittany. Programs are taught in English by an international full-time faculty. Students come from all over the world, some through exchange agreements with international partners. Being an international school is very much embedded in the institution's culture.
A Lakehead news release said Canadian students participating in the program can apply directly from high school and be admitted to their first year of the International Dual Degree program, or transfer into the program prior to third year from another Lakehead’s business degree program. There are a limited number of spaces.
“Our collaboration with Rennes will allow us to strengthen our international partnerships and support our goal of developing cultural competencies and global skills necessary for the future,” said James Aldridge, Lakehead’s vice-provost, international, in a statement.
Thomas Froehlicher, director general and dean of school of business at Rennes, was "delighted" to forge this alliance between Ontario and the region of Brittany.
“It is also a great achievement to structure an excellent academic relationship at an undergraduate level with Lakehead University.”
David Richards, Lakehead's dean of business administration, said this "first-of-its-kind program at Lakehead will provide a rich learning experience for our students."
Lakehead University’s faculty of business administration is AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant). The Rennes School of Business is accredited by AACSB, EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), and AMBA (Association of MBAs).
