The University of Lethbridge and its oldest international partner, Japan’s Hokkai-Gakuen University (HGU), have further cemented their relationship with the recent signing of an agreement that allows HGU students to complete their first two years at their home university followed by two years at the U of L to earn degrees from both institutions.
“We are extremely pleased to be part of this double-degree agreement,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, U of L president and vice-chancellor. “The U of L is proud of its friendship with Hokkai-Gakuen University and our longstanding partnership has benefited so many students and faculty. We are excited to provide HGU students with two years of outstanding learning and the opportunity to earn a U of L degree.”
Under the existing agreement, HGU students would come to the U of L for two semesters, the first in English for Academic Purposes and the second in undergraduate studies. Now, these students will have the opportunity to stay on for an additional year of studies within the Faculty of Arts & Science.
Hokkai-Gakuen, located in Sapporo, and the U of L have enjoyed 38 years of faculty and student exchanges. More than 70 U of L faculty members have been to HGU as visiting exchange professors and 60 HGU faculty members have visited Lethbridge. Since 1986, almost 300 HGU students have studied at the U of L and almost 220 U of L students have attended HGU.
Summer programs are part of the U of L-HGU partnership. Every two years, a group of 15 to 20 HGU students come to the U of L and focus on learning English. Similarly, the U of L sends a group of students to HGU every two years for a summer cultural program.
This news release can be found online at Double Degree.
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Caroline Zentner, public affairs adviser
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