Following an agreement with a partner educational network in Amsterdam, students from Ballsbridge College of Further Education will have the opportunity to complete an international work placement in Amsterdam in 2010.

Students from a variety of business-related courses in the college will spend two weeks working in event management companies, financial institutions and other relevant businesses in the Amsterdam area putting their business skills and knowledge to practical use in an international setting. Funding for the student exchange is provided by Léargas, the Exchange Bureau.

“We are very excited about the student exchange programme we have agreed with ROC Amsterdam,” said Dan Bradley, Principal of Ballsbridge College.

“Our students will gain invaluable experience from their time in Amsterdam as will the ROC students who will spend their time in Ballsbridge College developing their academic and skills base alongside our own students.”

The student exchange programme between ROC and Ballsbridge College of Further Education is the outcome of year-long discussions between ROC Amsterdam and colleges within the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee (CDVEC). Preparatory work on the link took place between the principal and staff from Ballsbridge College and their colleagues in ROC during two staff visits held in Amsterdam and Dublin.

The partnership between Ballsbridge College and ROC Amsterdam is considered a long-term link and it is hoped to further develop ties between the two educational institutions over the coming years.