BIDDEFORD — Late last week, the University of New England deepened its partnership with two Icelandic universities, signing an agreement with the University of Akureyri and Holar University College at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, Iceland.
“UNE, the University of Akureyri and Holar University College are already working toward the shared goal of educating the next generation of leaders in sustainability, and I am incredibly excited to work even more closely with these institutions to give our students a global educational experience,” said UNE President James Herbert, who signed the agreement.
“This new agreement between UNE and Iceland’s University of Akureyri and Holar University College creates a one-of-a-kind international transdisciplinary master’s program in ocean food systems,” says Dr. Barry Costa-Pierce, executive director of UNE NORTH. “After receiving this degree, our students will be prepared to not only be internationally capable employees but also entrepreneurs who can compete on a global stage.”
In 2016, UNE and the University of Akureyri and Holar University College signed an agreement to develop undergraduate exchange and travel courses. That agreement has allowed several UNE students to spend a semester in Akureyri, immersing themselves in Northern Iceland’s unique culture and developing crucial global competency skills.
“Integrated education and cultural experience facilitate global awareness, and we are proud to partner with the University of New England and University of Akureyri in a program on the pressing topic of sustainability, with the focus on aquaculture,” said Erla Björk Örnólfsdóttir, rector of Hólar University College.
“We are very interested in making the University of Akureyri a global center of excellence in education and research in the management and sustainable development of ocean resources,” stated Eyjólfur Guðmundsson, rector of the University of Akureyri. “We are excited to partner with the University of New England and Holar University College on this new international master’s program.”
“With the generous support of the Henry L. & Grace Doherty Foundation, UNE will be able to jump start the financial support of the best students from throughout the USA who will be trained in all aspects of modern seafood systems and be able to form life-long friendships and partnerships with Icelandic students and scholars,” said Costa-Pierce.
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