Talks are under way for Bismarck State College to offer online classes in Brazil.

BSC administration started talking with a utility company there earlier this month, when president Larry Skogen presented at three forums about online education. Skogen visited Rio de Janiero, Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte on June 2-6.

"At least we need to explore the international piece, particularly online," Skogen said.

The college wants to reach students internationally through distance learning. It wants to expand into an economically emerging country. Skogen has considered China, India and South Korea, but decided Brazil would be a better fit.

"What we have to do is go where the students are," he said.

The countries that are expected to lead to the biggest growth in the world economy are Brazil, China, Russia and India. These countries account for 37 percent of workers entering the marketplace in the last 10 years, Skogen said. He sees it as an opportunity for U.S. institutions.

His visit to Brazil hinged on him meeting with a utility company while in Brazil. He met with the training director of of a utility called Light, he said. There is a Light Servicos de Electricidades S.A. utility company in Rio de Janiero.

Distance education, like what is proposed by BSC, is a newer concept in Brazil. Businesses appear to like its flexibility, Skogen said.

If plans move forward, BSC would offer online classes in energy and be the degree granting institution. The program would be set up similar to the online energy programs that the college runs, but instead of teaching U.S. standards, it would teach Brazilian energy standards. The classes also would be in Portuguese.

Now that Skogen is back, vice president Kari Knudson is talking with the utility company to move forward on planning. There would need to be modifications that need to be made to curriculum and agreements would need to be made with the government and companies before the program could be offered.

"We'll see what comes of it," Skogen said. "I'm optimistic."

A program in Brazil would mean additional faculty members, increased enrollment in online classes and more student revenue for BSC.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@bismarcktribune.com.)