On June 16, two representatives from GEA College in Slovenia were at St. Francis College (SFC) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalizing an agreement to develop a dual-degree program between both institutions.

The partnership, more than two years in the making, persevered despite challenges posed by COVID-19 and related restrictions on international travel and study abroad. This spring, the situation proved favorable to solidify it.

Founded in 1989 in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, GEA College specializes in business education, with a focus on entrepreneurship and management. Under the terms of the MOU it signed with St. Francis College, students at GEA will have the opportunity to earn a dual degree from both institutions by studying approximately three years at GEA and one year at SFC.

“We are excited to have GEA College as a new partner,” said Reza Fakhari, Vice-President for Internationalization and Strategic Initiatives at SFC. “In a spirit of friendship and mutual understanding, our two institutions are agreeing to promote academic linkages and cooperation. We have worked closely with GEA to fully articulate course offerings.”

Signing the MOU on behalf of St. Francis College was Dr. Jennifer Lancaster, Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, while Katja Kraškovic, GEA College’s Chief Executive Officer and Dean of the Entrepreneurship Faculty, did so for her institution. Elizabeth Baldwin, Manager of SFC International, and Rok Koželj, of GEA College, were present at the signing ceremony.

The first cohort of students from GEA College is expected to arrive on the SFC campus in the fall of 2023, joining the current group of more than 370 international students who hail from 70+ countries and, collectively, speak more than 40 languages.