This is the second of a series of three articles about the Winter 2023 Be World Ready (BWR) program’s International Field Studies (IFS).
Niagara College staff and faculty have unique professional and personal development experiences as trip leaders in Be World Ready (BWR) program’s International Field Studies (IFS).
This winter, Puerto Rico is one of the destinations where IFS trip leads will provide students with life-changing learning opportunities during the upcoming break week. The island is still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria in 2017 and during the Puerto Rico – Helping Hands trip, students and leads will participate in community rebuilding efforts, along with indulging in pristine beaches and rich culture.
“I am most excited to use my skills to help those in need,” said School of Trades Professor Julian Ledonne, one of the trip leaders. “Being a carpenter and helping rebuild a community is an opportunity I could not miss.”
The IFS trips also present an opportunity to facilitate faculty and staff career growth.
“This trip will support my growth when it comes to my adaptability, communication skills, and empathy, all of which will enhance my day-to-day work at the college,” said Pharmacy Program Assistant Michael Shelton, who is also a team lead.
Besides being ambassadors for Niagara College, IFS trip leads assist and support student coordination, logistics, and inquiries while abroad. The passion for helping students and diverse cultures motivated Laurie McPherson, Executive Assistant for the Vice President International, to get involved.
“I have been at the college for over 20 years but only joined the international team a few years ago and was instantly inspired by their passion,” said McPherson. “I have always loved travelling and learning about new cultures, so I felt becoming an IFS trip leader was a perfect way to be involved and reconnect with students firsthand.”
NC faculty and staff can periodically apply to lead a BWR IFS trip, which are available during NC’s fall, winter, and spring break weeks.
The BWR team also provides leads with fulsome training for their roles and responsibilities in supporting student success abroad.
“The BWR team has been extremely supportive throughout the entire process, and I feel confident co-leading this adventure,” said McPherson. As a large part of our current strategic plan and global strategy, I feel it is important to lead by example, grow my global competencies, and help spread our NC DNA around the world.”
For more information about BWR, visit: www.beworldready.ca/
To learn more about what being a BWR lead on an International Field Study entails, review the Staff FAQs here and keep an eye out on InsideNC to learn about upcoming learning sessions.
Read the previous article of this series below:
BWR IFS trip leaders take students on a journey through tradition and technology in Portugal
