In mid-November, the Centre for Academic Excellence (CAE) offered its second Spotlight On session for the fall term. In these sessions, NC faculty highlight specific classroom techniques and strategies they employ to support student success. Joe Otta, faculty member for the Mechanical Technology (Co-op) program and Maxine Semple, manager, Cultural & Global Engagement, shared their experience collaborating and organizing a trip to Germany for Otta’s Mechanical Engineering Technology and Technician students.
The trip was sparked by a chance meeting between Otta and Rebecca Morrison, International Mobility assistant with the Be World Ready (BWR) program. As luck would have it, Joe ran into Morrison while walking his dog – perfect timing since his students had recently inquired about international opportunities. Soon after, Otta spoke to his associate dean and some of his students to gather their thoughts. It wasn’t long before he was in Semple’s office with ideas in hand. Two months later, they had a concrete plan in place.
During October break week, 38 students, two faculty leads, and two associate deans took part in what would be a life changing trip for many of the participants.
Associate dean, Fred Deys, explains: “This International Field Study trip to Germany was an incredible experience for our students as it combined visits to some of the best manufacturing facilities [BMW and Porsche] anywhere, producing some of the world’s finest automobiles, with the opportunity to visit some of the most iconic historical sites such as the Dachau Concentration Camp and the Brandenburg Gates. These experiences will stay with these students for a lifetime and help shape who they become.”
All aboard! School of Technology students board the bus in Welland for their Be World Ready experience.
A transformative experience for students
From Munich to Berlin and Hamburg, the trip not only opened students’ eyes to a different culture, but also taught them important skills and global competencies to bring to the workforce.
Student Eric Matkowski shares: “We learned about the history and culture of Germany firsthand. The experience that stood out to me the most is the feeling of walking into the Dachau Concentration Camp, and how massive the place was, and knowing this was only one of many. That was the most eerie feeling I’ve ever had by far. We were told to take a stone from the camp and keep it. Our guide told us to take the stone out and look at it for perspective when times get tough in life. That is something I’ll have for the rest of my life.”
Another student, Alex Mooren, explains: “This trip was an experience I will never forget. It grew me closer to my friends, allowed me to get to know my classmates, and experience learning opportunities that cannot be recreated in a classroom. Over my entire education, I can say that this IFS trip is truly the highlight.”
Student Alex Mooren (second from the right) on a walking tour of Berlin with his fellow students.
Support and resources available to faculty to plan an International Field Study
For faculty at the College who are interested in exploring this type of experiential learning opportunity but may be concerned with the logistics and time to arrange it, the overall process is led by the BWR team.
“All you need as a Faculty Lead is passion, an idea and the ability to connect with your students,” said Semple. “There is no doubt that Joe had all of these qualities, and more, which is what made this experience a highly successful international field study. The BWR team helps faculty to develop the itinerary, line up strategic partners, arrange the logistics, as well as facilitate pre-departure training for both the students and the leads. We’re also available 24/7 when the trip is in progress.”
“It was one of the best experiences I’ve had, and to do that with my students was an added benefit,” said Otta. “Even after the trip, students are still talking about it. There’s a real energy that’s there.”
In terms of planning, Joe explains: “I literally walked into Maxine’s office with a napkin sketch and by the time I left, I knew the trip would happen. Maxine and her team were the engine behind everything.”
In addition to professional development and seeing first-hand the experiences of his students, Joe also learned many things along the way:
- Aim to organize an information session for students to generate and gauge interest about the international field study;
- As a lead, the trip is covered by the BWR program;
- Students receive $500 towards their trip;
- The trip can be counted towards an elective/credit course;
- To maintain excitement for the International Field Study, and to encourage relationship building between the students, consider arranging a class trip to a local business and ensure regular communication with students prior to the travel – even with those on co-op;
- The travel always falls on a Break Week.
At present, approximately 500 students participate in the Be World Ready program. The goal is to double that number by 2021.
Learn more
To learn more about the Be World Ready program visit the website or email Maxine Semple. To learn more about Spotlight On sessions, or if you are a faculty member who would like to share your classroom techniques or resources, please visit the CAE web site or email Dana Wetherell.
