Students from Rift Valley Institute of Business Studies to study abroad after MoU with US technical college
Many students in Kenya who are enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) rarely consider studying overseas.
The Rift Valley Institute of Business Studies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Madison Technical College of the United States, giving its students every incentive to work diligently.
One of the most notable aspects of this partnership is that it enables Kenyan students to study at the prestigious college and develop their abilities for the global job market.
As a result of the agreement, students will be able to reduce the expense of traveling overseas for further education, as they will learn remotely and those who desire to move to the United States will receive credit transfers to Madison Technical College.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Renewable energy, hospitality, metal fabrication, interior design, welding, cybersecurity, software engineering, computer science, and agro-business are among the teaching programs.
Mark Thomas, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Madison Technical College, stated that the relationship provides a wonderful chance for students and professors from the two institutions to learn from one another.
“This is a genuinely two-way exchange program for both institutions to learn from different programs and working cultures. Madison Technical College will be a pathway for Kenyan students who may wish to study in the US as the world is now a global village. The global competency for the two countries will grow and benefit the two countries,” said Dr. Thomas.
The MOU inked on Monday marked the beginning of student and faculty exchange collaboration as the two universities solidified their partnership.
“This is good news to our students. Students who will go for an associate degree program in Madison Technical College will take two years and this will prepare them for a bachelor’s degree,” said Mr. John Kimemia Gitau, the institute’s director.
He added: “Alternatively a student can learn in Kenya for one year and then proceed to Madison Technical College and study for one more year to qualify for the Associate degree program which takes two years before studying for a degree course which takes two years. This is a win-win situation for local students as they will cut a lot on accommodation which is very expensive in the US.”
Mr. Gitau stated, “Madison Technical College has a collaboration arrangement with 150 colleges in the United States, and if a Kenyan student wants a program that is not provided at Madison Technical College, he will acquire one elsewhere in the United States and it will take two years.”
Local students will also have the opportunity to participate in online courses taught by American professors.
Mr. Gitau stated that the professors at the institute will benefit much from the experience of American lecturers since they will be able to utilize their abilities through exchange programs.
“Madison Technical College collaborates strongly with the industry. They teach for the industry and as an institute, we want to borrow that kind of curriculum approach to ensure our students get employment opportunities after completing their studies,” said Mr Gitau.
Ms. Pacy Kihumba, the school’s principal, stated that the relationship will expose both students and faculty to foreign opportunities, hence enhancing the teaching methods of the faculty and encouraging pupils to take their studies seriously.
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The signing of the MOU, Ms. Kihumba says, dispels the idea that technical vocational training is reserved for society’s lower classes adding that technical abilities are crucial on a local and global scale.
In addition to the main in Nakuru City, the institute includes satellite campuses in Njoro and Gilgil.
Students from Rift Valley Institute of Business Studies to study abroad after MoU with US technical college
