From London to New Jersey: new international exchange programme takes flight

A new international exchange programme between Capital City College (CCC) and an American college is taking shape.

The US–UK Community College and Technical Education Exchange, now in its second year, pairs American community colleges and technical colleges with UK further education and technical colleges to develop student exchange programmes, with a particular emphasis on sustainability, green skills, and technical education.

With funding support from the Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, this new year of the programme will include CCC, which has been paired with Hudson County Community College (HCCC) in New Jersey, USA.

The courses CCC is providing will focus on hospitality curriculum, with a close look at vocational skills that include sustainability practices. Initially set up by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) and the Association of Colleges (AoC), participating partners like CCC and HCCC will receive valuable support from the ACCT and AoC experts in designing their exchange programmes.

The exchange aims to build global capacity in workforce-oriented technical and vocational education, strengthen ties between US and UK colleges, and prepare students for sustainable industries.

For approximately one week, CCC will host students from New Jersey at its Westminster campus, and a small number will visit the US. Visiting students will be treated to a mix of vocational sessions, cultural visits and development opportunities.

Debbie Houghton, Group Principal for Apprenticeships, Partnerships & Innovation at Capital City College, said: “We are delighted to be part of this international exchange. Our students will gain so much, not only from the academic classes they’ll attend, but also from immersing themselves in the rich and varied campus culture that American colleges offer.”

Hudson County Community College President, Dr. Christopher M. Reber, said: “Our sincere thanks to the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) and the Association of Colleges for this great honour to partner with Capital City College. This alliance will provide students, faculty, and staff from HCCC and CCC with invaluable opportunities to exchange ideas, learn new techniques and methods, and make connections and friendships that can last a lifetime.”

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