Centennial College signs seven memorandums of understanding during trade mission to Israel

TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Centennial College has signed seven memorandums of understanding with learning institutions and organizations in Israel this month as part of a concerted effort by the Scarborough-based college to enhance student mobility and learning internationally.

The agreements will create linkages between Ontario's first public college and the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Hadassah Academic College Jerusalem, the College of Law and Business, the Jerusalem College of Technology and Tel-Hai Academic College. In addition, there are new ties with the Magen David Adom and VARAM, Israel's board of public academic colleges.

Centennial was invited to join the trade mission to Israel organized by City of Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, who led a delegation from the city's private and public-sector organizations to meet with key Israeli associations and industries in early October. The weeklong itinerary included Tel Aviv, the nation's business and financial capital, as well as trips to other Israeli centres.

While an important focus of the trade mission is to assist Canadian businesses to expand and succeed by linking with firms operating in Israel's innovative and dynamic economy, Centennial and other colleges are looking for new academic partners to enhance learning opportunities for their students, as well as opportunities for collaborative research, innovation and commercialization.

"We are continuing to build our global presence by coming to Israel for the first time, a market that is world-renowned for its technological innovations and entrepreneurial spirit," says Brad Chapman, CFO and Vice President Business Development, Centennial College. "We're excited by the prospect of creating pathways between institutions for students to gain remarkable learning opportunities across cultures and across oceans. Israel has much to offer us."

Centennial College will be joining the City of Vaughan at its new Tel Aviv trade office, which will facilitate information requests and business opportunities. With a permanent presence in Tel Aviv, Centennial will be able to recruit international students and offer corporate training programs to Israeli firms.

Established in 1966, Centennial College offers programs in business, community and health studies, communications, science and engineering technology, general arts, hospitality and transportation. Centennial has a presence in several countries around the globe and currently hosts 5,000 international students at its Toronto campuses.

SOURCE: Centennial College

Media contact: Mark Toljagic, Communications Officer, Centennial College, 416-289-5000, ext. 7142/[email protected]