This is the first of a series of three articles about student experiences during the Spring 2023 Be World Ready (BWR) program’s International Field Studies (IFS).
Niagara College students enjoyed unique academic and personal development opportunities on the Be World Ready (BWR) International Field Studies (IFS) trip to Italy, April 23 to May 2.
First-year Business Administration – Human Resources student, Ma Veronica Abesami.
The Italy – That’s Amore itinerary included tours in Milan, Florence, Rome, and Vatican City, with visits to some of Italy’s historical and cultural landmarks, and food and wine experiences. The students also joined NC’s academic partners at Università Cattolica for educational sessions at their campuses in Brescia and Piacenza.
This opportunity was funded in part by Global Skills Opportunity, the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program.
First-year Business Administration – Human Resources student, Ma Veronica Abesamis, who has previously travelled to Europe, decided to sign up for the IFS trip in to develop global competencies.
“Whenever I come home from my trips, I am a better version of myself – full of inspiration and positivity,” said Abesamis. “As a future Human Resources professional, I need to be familiar with the different employee cultures and labour laws in other countries since I might work overseas in the future.”
Second-year Dental Hygiene student, Olivia Staffen.
For some students, the BWR IFS trip was their first international travel experience and a fulfilling opportunity to grow academically and become world-ready.
“I had not travelled outside Ontario or had ever been on a plane before, and this trip allowed me to visit another country and learn more about the Italian culture,” said Olivia Staffen, second-year Dental Hygiene student. “I was able to adapt to new environments, be independent and explore different cultures. Engaging with new people on this trip also helped me develop key social skills I need for my career in Dental Hygiene as I will be interacting with new clients daily.”
The trip leaders also highlighted the rewarding experience of assisting students during their time in Italy, which included Administrative Assistant for the School of English Language Associate Dean, Kelsey Hendrick, School of Food & Wine Sciences Professor, Peter Rod, and Science Lab Technologist, Jaclyn Harriman.
“I was inspired to get involved with a BWR IFS to learn about our students, who I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to meet,” said Hendrick. “It was rewarding being able to witness how impactful this opportunity was for so many students who got to travel to a new country and learn about a new culture.”
For more information about BWR, visit: www.beworldready.ca/
