Bellingham Technical College
Workforce Education Danish Exchange Program
During the 2005-06 academic year, BTC became a member of the Trans-Atlantic Technology and Training Alliance (TA3). The TA3 is a consortium of over 30 leading community and technical colleges, and several state system offices, from the U.S., Europe, and South Africa that promotes community college efforts to support their regional economies and promotes the value and importance of a global perspective on community college missions.
As a result of BTC's involvement with the TA3, they have developed a student/instructor exchange program with EUC Vest in Esbjerg, Denmark. In May 2006, 4 students and 1 instructor from EUC Vest visited BTC's Diesel Technology and Welding programs and in December of the same year, 4 BTC students and 1 instructor visited Denmark.
The exchange has continued since then with teams of Danish students visiting the Bellingham campus each year. Unfortunately, the BTC students have been unable to secure support and funding for their trips to Denmark. Beginning with the 2011-2012 academic year, the Foundation has provided exchange funding for the Bellingham Technical College Team of Students.
In late August 2011, four (4) students and their instructor traveled to Denmark for 2 weeks of training, touring, and cultural experiences.
December 2011, the Foundation awarded a three-year grant to BTC to fund this exchange program 2012-2014, to enhance the exchange for the Danish students visiting BTC for the annual Welding Rodeo held during May, and to set August for the trip to Denmark.
2011-2012 Exchange Students
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Kaitlyn Hampton
Kaitlyn is working to complete the Welding Technology Degree Program and would like to learn more about the Danish school system which allows students to begin training for technically challenging careers in industry while in High School. Evaluation
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Charles Rinehart
Charlie has switched careers to something he really loves and is working to complete the Welding Technology Degree Program. He hosted one of the Danish Exchange students and is looking forward to learning more about Danish culture and techniques. Evaluation
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Jay Yeager
Jay has traveled to many countries during his time in the U.S. Navy. He hopes to pursue a career working with Methane Digesters after he finishes the Diesel Technology Program. The EUC Vest exchange will allow him the opportunity learn more about the future of Diesel Technology. Evaluation
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Derek Stanbro
Derek is a first year student in the Diesel Technology program with future plans to transfer to Montana State to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in the Diesel program. He is excited to travel to Denmark and learn about Danish culture and how the trade is practiced in Denmark.
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2012-2013 Exchange Students
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Ian Winters
Ian is a first year student in the Diesel Technology program with future plans to work in the power generation field. The EUC Vest exchange will allow him the opportunity to learn more about the Danish power generation system. Evaluation
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Raul Soto
Raul is a second year student in the Diesel Technology program with future plans to work in the clean energy production field. He is ecstatic that the EUC Vest exchange will allow him the opportunity to see the world's largest reciprocating Engine. Evaluation
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Virginie Lacourte
Virginie is a first year student in the Welding program with future plans to work as an ironworker and continuing her involvement with recycled art exhibits. She is honored to be part of the exchange and looks forward to the exchange of ideas with the Danish hosts. Evaluation
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Alexandra Lihou
Alexandra is a first year student in the Welding Program with future plans to enter the structural steel and aluminum welding program next year. She looks forward to learning from the Danish and visiting their beautiful country. Evaluation
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Information for Prospective, Accepted, Currently Abroad, Returned, Incoming, and Alumni Students
Press Releases
Welding Rodeo
NPR Radio Spot 2010
Experience NW with Deb Slater 2010
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