This fall, members of the Niagara College community will strengthen their global citizenship in three Be World Ready (BWR) International Field Studies (IFS) trips during the mid-term break week (October 21-29): one in Costa Rica and two in Ireland.
The itineraries will enable students, faculty and staff to share life-changing experiences and benefit from unique professional and personal development opportunities.
During the BWR IFS trips, students can use their fall, winter or spring break weeks to learn, have fun, and earn course credit outside the walls of their classrooms.
As trip leaders, faculty and staff assist and support student coordination, logistics, and inquiries while abroad, in addition to being ambassadors for NC. Individuals interested in becoming a lead should read our Lead FAQs and keep an eye out for future NC International’s Global Learning Lounge sessions about the BWR program.
The BWR team provides the leaders with fulsome training for their roles and responsibilities in supporting student success abroad, which also presents an opportunity for faculty and staff career growth.
These opportunities are funded in part by Global Skills Opportunity, the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program.
Below is an outline of the Fall 2023 BWR IFS trips and leader insights.
Regenerative Development in Costa Rica
The Costa Rica – Pura Vida itinerary will enable students and staff to experience the country’s vast biodiversity, dedication to sustainable initiatives, amazing scenery, and friendly people. The trip includes the most iconic areas of Costa Rica, such as San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, Punta Leona Forest, and also the Blue Zone of Nicoya, one of the five Blue Zones in the world – areas where residents enjoy an extraordinarily long and healthy lifespan.
Heidi Lambrechts, Dental Clinic Technician, and Charmaine McNeil, Administrative Assistant of Student Services, are eager to learn more about the sustainability efforts of Costa Rica.
“During this trip, I look forward to learning more about cultural diversity and sustainability initiatives that can be put into practice at NC,” said Lambrechts. “In our dental programs, we have a diverse group of students. We are also trying to find ways to become more sustainable and enhance our waste management.”
“This trip will allow me to gain new skills, potentially overcome challenges, and even learn a few words of a new language,” said McNeil. “Learning about different cultures gives us a better appreciation for other ways of life and helps us to be a better person.”
Community Services in Ireland
The Ireland – Thriving Communities itinerary begins in Dublin, continues into the West Coast until Galway, and then explores scenic spots along the Wild Atlantic Way. In Castlebar, the NC team will participate in activities at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU), visiting multiple service partners, discovering community services’ impact on the community, and attending sessions to learn about Early Childhood Education and Care, Outdoor Education, Social Services and Play Learning in Ireland. NC and ATU enjoy a flourishing relationship and have previously provided mutually beneficial academic and cultural experiences for students, faculty, and staff.
“Learning about other countries’ education systems enhances our teaching as we bring the world closer together,” said School of Community Services Professor, Ann Marie Raos. “Collaborative learning is what global engagement is all about. We need to learn from each other to strengthen our understanding of different cultures and education systems.”
“Being able to explore the world on BWR IFS trips helps to support us all in being more culturally aware and committed to safe and equitable service delivery,” said School of Community Services Professor Erin Wilkie. “We can learn a lot from books and digital resources, but the immersive and connected experiences provide relatable learning sources and opportunities to share stories that help to link concepts being taught within the classroom.”
“NC’s dedication to student success and employee professional development opportunities is unique and inspiring,” said Thomas Good, Director of Enrolment Services – Systems and Reporting. “Participating in an IFS experience will be both personally and professionally rewarding and will offer an opportunity to engage with students and other members of the college community in a greater way while expanding my professional network globally.”
Exploring Leadership in Ireland
The Cork Ireland – Global Leadership on the Emerald Isle itinerary includes Galway, Cork, Dublin and famous sights such as Jameson Distillery and Blarney Castle, in addition to thought provoking activities and seminars at the Munster Technical University (MTU), and experiencing a Friday evening football club game between Cork City and Derry City.
“Being a trip leader for the BWR trip to Ireland allows me to contribute to the College’s goal of fostering well-rounded, world-ready graduates,” said Kerri Simich, Professor in the School of Business & Management Studies. “My parents were born and raised in Ireland, so I feel deeply connected with this tour. I’m excited about facilitating an immersive journey for students. The prospect of witnessing their personal growth, as they step out of their comfort zones and develop a global perspective, is fascinating.”
“As a representative from Enrollment Services, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to participate and meet different staff and students while experiencing a different country and representing NC,” said the Financial Aid Advisor Karishma Sumathi. “The BWR team has thoughtfully planned and organized this trip with much detail and consideration for everyone participating.”
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 Lead FAQs and keep an eye out on InsideNC to learn about upcoming learning sessions.
