Ivy Tech Community College-Northeast will host a farewell completion ceremony for the 15 visiting French students from the University of Lille’s SKEMA Business School (Lille, France). The students participated in a cultural immersion partnership which was funded by the French Government and administered through Ivy Tech.

Students will receive certificates and a farewell reception in honor of their accomplishment June 29, 2011, 4:30-5:30 p.m. The farewell completion ceremony will be in Ivy Tech-Northeast’s Hospitality Room located on the Coliseum Campus (3800 N. Anthony Blvd).

These students participated in a Three Module Cultural Experience, which included: an intensive English as a Second Language course, a concentrated study of U.S. Business culture, and a three-week job shadowing opportunity. Along with the modules, the French students participated in company tours, cultural events, and various social activities. This curriculum provided these students with an in-depth perspective to American business and added to the students’ technical knowledge for future success.

“The French students have had an opportunity to learn about American leadership and innovation in hopes of strengthening our business relationship with France,” said Patrick McCormick, College for Working Adults Program Chair.

Local companies who participated: 80/20, Asher Agency, Bad Dad Custom Motorcycle Finishes, Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Holiday Inn, Indiana Benefits Recovery, Lincoln Financial Group, Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, Parkview Health, Quadrant, and Sweetwater Sound.

For additional information about this cultural immersion project with France, contact Andrea Robinson Hinsey, dean of the School of Business, at 260-480-4269 or arobinso@ivytech.edu.