This is the third of a series of three articles about students’ experiences during the Winter 2023 Be World Ready (BWR) program’s International Field Studies (IFS).
Niagara College students developed strong intercultural skills while learning about sustainability on the Be World Ready (BWR) International Field Studies (IFS) trip to the Dominican Republic during the winter break week.
The Dominican Republic – Colonial Discoveries itinerary included visits to the Puntacana Foundation, a pioneer organization advocating for sustainable development, the Ojos Indigenas Ecological Reserve, and the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo.
Student Christopher Fullerton said the itinerary was perfectly aligned with his program, Environmental Technician Field and Lab.
Getting a new perspective on sustainability was a highlight of the trip for many students
“The ecological reserve was magical, especially when we were hiking on a trail through a forested area and came upon turquoise and emerald ponds,” said Practical Nursing Program student Nabila Muizelaar. “At the Marine Innovation Center in Punta Cana, we learned about coral restoration and had the chance to contribute in a small but impactful way, making our own ‘coral babies’ from an adult coral.”
“The itinerary aligned very well with my program,” said Environmental Technician Field and Lab (Co-Op) Program student Christopher Fullerton. “The Punta Cana Foundation’s main studies are in sustainability and ecology, and in the city of Santo Domingo we had a chance to interact with the University’s students. The immersive experience of staying in a research dorm as opposed to a resort vacation was incredible.”
Being on the trip also helped students develop global citizenship values increasingly required in an interconnected world, helping them feel more work ready.
“I was able to embrace my leadership qualities and also made progress in the ongoing challenge to learn Spanish,” said Fullerton. “I have recently secured a co-op for the summer, and I believe that having the BWR trip on my resume and speaking to those experiences has been a tremendous asset.”
“It was a great experience being immersed with the Spanish-speaking locals,” said Muizelaar. “As we have a diverse population in the Canadian health care system, it is a strong asset learning to communicate and overcoming the language barrier.”
Student Nabila Muizelaar highlighted how being immersed in a new culture and learning about sustainable practices was advantageous.
“As a Spanish speaker originally from Latin America, I was super excited to utilize my understanding not only of the language but also my Latino heritage to enrich the students’ experience,” said Orel Ruiz, Director, Global Campus Operations, Compliance and Reporting, who was one of the leaders for the trip, along with School of Hospitality & Tourism Professor Christine Blane.
The students also had the opportunity to create a lasting impact in the community by participating in the Pack for a Purpose initiative when they dropped off school supplies donated by the NC community to elementary school children.
“Traveling into the smaller mountain village of Los Cacaos to participate in this initiative and sample some coffee at a plantation was unique and beautiful,” said Fullerton.
For more information about BWR, visit: www.beworldready.ca/
Read the previous article of this series below:
NC students enjoy life-changing experiences on BWR IFS trip to Puerto Rico
NC students get work-ready and world-ready on the BWR International Field Study trip to Portugal
