PHILIPSBURG:--- The University of St. Martin (USM) and the Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen in the Netherlands recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding enabling USM to offer the first two years of two of the Hanze University's Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs in English.This will go into effect as of the next academic year or August 2012. The two programs that will be offered at USM are International Business and Management Studies (IBMS) and International Facility Management (IFM).
"USM is very happy to be able to add these two accredited programs of Hanze University especially since both are very relevant for the island's economy. Students who choose these programs not only stay longer on the island while studying, but they also have - after finalizing their study successfully - a realistic chance of finding a rewarding job on St. Maarten," says USM President Annelies van den Assem.
USM's Business Division Head Erwin Wolthuis, confirms that the curriculum offered will be the same as the one at the Hanze University and all tests and exams will be set in close cooperation with the Hanze University. After students have successfully fulfilled all the requirements of the first two years at USM, they can enroll straight into the third year at the Hanze University.
Students will benefit from staying longer on St. Maarten, as compared to leaving straight after graduating their secondary education, says Wolthuis. He adds that students, in the meanwhile, will still be exposed to a very international environment in year 3 and 4; not only because the student population of these programs is very international, but also since both programs have a compulsory international internship in the second phase of the education.
"USM is both pleased and proud to have this partnership with the Hanze University, since it is known as a provider of quality higher education. Not only are both programs accredited by the NVAO, but they both have received additional recognition as well," says Wolthuis, reiterating President van den Assem's statement.
The IBMS program of The Hanze University scored very high in the 'Keuzegids Hoger Onderwijs 2011' and the IFM program is also recognized by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
Persons interested in these programs can contact the University of St. Martin's Student Service Center at telephone 542-5171 ext. 1000 and provide their contact information so that they can be presented with more information prior to the start of registration and classes.