Brock University is going the extra mile to alert students to learning opportunities and enrichment experiences that exist outside of Canada.
The University has joined a national initiative called Learning Beyond Borders that encourages more students to take advantage of educational experiences abroad.
As a partner, Brock will contribute to a national communications campaign that promotes the value of overseas learning by sharing stories about the impact and outcomes of international experiences.
The Learning Beyond Borders initiative, launched by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), supports the University’s strategy to increase international learning opportunities for students, said Christina Bosilo, Brock’s Manager of International Learning Programs.
CBIE is a not-for profit organization that works closely with a membership of more than 150 education providers from all levels nationwide. Established in 1966, the national organization strives to raise awareness of global learning opportunities.
Bosilo said hundreds of students participate each year in the Brock Student Exchange Program and other global education opportunities, but for many, the international experience still seems beyond reach.
“We hear from students who would like to incorporate an international experience within their studies, however there are various factors that keep them from going overseas as part of their academic program,” Bosilo said.
Financial barriers, and uncertainty about whether overseas courses will transfer to a degree back home, are some of the biggest reasons that affect participation in international study programs. Bosilo said this is a Canada-wide issue, which is why a national conversation is important.
“It’s great to see the discussion move to a national level. My hope is that we can start to break down the barriers that hold our students back from participating in Exchange and Study Abroad programming.”
Reports indicate that each year about 3.1 per cent of full-time Canadian undergraduate university students participate in an educational experience abroad. That number is even lower for full-time college students, at only 2.5 per cent.
Students who participate in overseas experiences often describe them as transformative, having an impact on their academic and career achievements while also enhancing communications skills, self-awareness and adaptability.
“As a dynamic post-secondary institution, Brock University aims to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals within the Brock community and around the world,” said Tom Dunk, Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic.
“Positive student experiences of internationalization on the Brock campus and through foreign travel and exchanges is pivotal to realizing this goal.”
The University, he said, is “enhancing international learning and mobility program opportunities for students.
“We are making great strides and our current involvement in CBIE’s Learning Beyond Borders initiative demonstrates our continued commitment to internationalization and our confidence that it will lead to even greater global opportunities and experiences for our students.”
Karen McBride, President and CEO of CBIE, said Canada faces a challenge of getting more students to take advantage of educational opportunities abroad.
“It is time to leverage the leadership role of education institutions in a concerted and co-ordinated effort,” said McBride, “to give our generation of young leaders the knowledge, skills and global outlook they will need to thrive in our interconnected world.”
The Learning Beyond Borders initiative will be discussed and promoted on the CBIE website, including a landing page showcasing content created by the organization and its partner institutions.
