"January in New York State" Program Sets Stage for Growth in Hartwick College’s International Presence

Hartwick College Welcomes Australian Students for Groundbreaking Global Education Opportunity

Hartwick College has expanded its J Term exchange program with the inaugural "January in New York State" initiative. On January 1, ten Australian students arrived, marking a significant milestone in the college’s partnership with CISaustralia. This program offers Australian students short-term study and work-integrated learning, combining academics, practical experience, and cultural immersion. Through this innovative initiative, Hartwick is fostering international collaboration and providing unique educational opportunities.

Since its establishment in 2012, CISaustralia has been dedicated to helping Australian university students study abroad. Impressively, over 98% of its students receive academic credit from their home universities in Australia. Having supported over 7,000 students across 80 countries, the organization runs more than 100 group programs annually and has formal agreements with over 90% of Australian universities to support their students. While CISaustralia runs a July study abroad program with the University of California, Los Angeles, Hartwick is the only other U.S. institution offering a similar opportunity in January. Thanks to the efforts of Noah Goldblatt, the director of global education, and Sarah Busche, the assistant director. Goldblatt stated that the partnership strengthens Hartwick's international presence, helping the college expand its global brand.

The visiting students enrolled in one of four J Term courses at Hartwick College: Business Analytics with Tableau, Mass Violence, Introduction to Augmented Reality, and TIP: Risk Factors in Childhood. For instance, Britney Henderson, a senior from the University of Newcastle in Australia, took the Childhood Risk Factors course with Assistant Professor Erin Kenney. Originally a business student, Henderson found the class to be a positive experience, deepening her interest in psychology and confirming her desire to pursue it further. She praised Professor Kenney for being both knowledgeable and inspiring.

Outside the classroom, the group explored the region by attending the musical Hadestown in New York City, skiing at Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury, and visiting the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in North Adams. Before their departure, President James Mullen hosted a dinner for the Australian students and other international guests at Hartwick College. The College's Center for Global Education hopes the "January in New York State" program becomes an annual event. Louise Crook, a junior from the Queensland University of Technology, shared her enjoyment of the program and mentioned she was considering returning due to the kindness of the Hartwick community and the valuable experience she gained.

Brad Dorahy, founder and CEO of CISaustralia, praised the launch of the partnership with Hartwick College, highlighting the strong support from Noah Goldblatt, Sarah Busche, and the entire Hartwick team. Dorahy noted that the students valued their time at Hartwick, especially the small classes, close faculty interactions, and the chance to connect with local students and explore the Oneonta community. With its successful launch, the program is expected to grow, further strengthening Hartwick’s global connections and providing international students with a unique academic and cultural experience.

This enriched program illustrates the benefits of cross-cultural exchange and the value of building global educational networks. Through such initiatives, institutions like Hartwick College and CISaustralia are not just expanding horizons but also nurturing a new generation of globally aware and culturally sensitive graduates.

Editor's Note

In an era where borders are increasingly blurred and knowledge is limitless, the partnership between Hartwick College and CISaustralia is more than just an exchange program; it represents a pioneering vision brought to life. The arrival of ten Australian students, traversing continents to immerse themselves in the academic, cultural, and social fabric of New York State, is a testament to what can be achieved when vision meets execution. This initiative is not merely about attending classes; it is about building connections, experiencing diversity, and embracing the richness that global perspectives bring. The value of this global exposure is immeasurable as it provides an opportunity to understand diverse cultures, navigate different educational systems, and prepare students for a world that demands global competence. Moreover, the experiences these students gain are invaluable, shaping them into not just better professionals but more empathetic, culturally aware human beings.

This initiative highlights Hartwick College's commitment to global expansion and the value of international collaboration in higher education. It emphasizes the power of cross-border partnerships to enhance learning, celebrate cultures, and prepare students for a connected world.

Skoobuzz appreciates this forward-thinking approach and strives for a future where every student has the opportunity to become a global citizen.