Students at Bucks County Community College now have the option to pursue a bachelor's degree in Wales.
Bucks County Community College (BCCC) has announced a new partnership with Wrexham University in Wales, offering students the chance to continue their educational journey overseas.
According to Greg Luce, dean of the School of Business, Innovation and Legal Studies at BCCC, the partnership could see a few students starting their studies at Wrexham University in the fall of 2026. This exciting development comes as a result of serendipity, sparked by the purchase of Wrexham's professional soccer team by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
Wrexham University boasts strong relationships with employers in both the U.K. and the U.S., making it an attractive destination for students seeking to boost their professional growth. The university is known for its efficient degree programmes, with bachelor's degrees able to be completed in three years, offering financial savings for students.
Tracy Timby, vice president of workforce and strategic partnerships at BCCC, played a key role in initiating the partnership. She messaged a Wrexham administrator on LinkedIn, setting the wheels in motion for this exciting collaboration.
Business administration students at BCCC will have the opportunity to transfer to Wrexham University to receive their bachelor's degree after one year and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in two years. This unique programme gives students a "huge advantage" in finding jobs after graduation, as living and studying in another country can contribute significantly to their professional development.
Information sessions on the programme will be offered this semester at Bucks County Community College, giving students the chance to learn more about this exciting opportunity.
The partnership could potentially evolve to include shorter exchanges of faculty and students, as well as investing in education in Wrexham, an element that hasn't been explored yet by McElhenney and Reynolds.
As U.S. students' interest in study abroad increases, the partnership between BCCC and Wrexham University could be a game-changer. Some students are already applying to colleges overseas due to federal funding cuts to U.S. higher education institutions. With the tuition and housing expenses, it will still be cheaper for students to go to Wales and study than to complete their degree at Temple University.
Tracy Timby thinks the partnership could be a good next feature in the growing connection between Greater Philadelphia and Wrexham. Greg Luce believes there is a potential time savings for students in the partnership programme, making it an attractive option for those seeking a fast-track to a successful career.
However, an exchange programme is high on the list to figure out how to make it work, as not every student can commit to living a year in Wales. Nevertheless, this partnership offers a unique and exciting opportunity for BCCC students to broaden their horizons and gain a truly international education.
