Niagara College’s Be World Ready (BWR) program attained a remarkable milestone this fall with the launch of the BWR Course, aimed to foster intercultural competencies, global leadership and global employment skills of students who participate in BWR International Field Studies (IFS) trips.
Since the fall, students interested in partaking in a BWR IFS trip must complete this newly-introduced course, representing a significant evolution in the program.
The BWR Course (SOCL 1128 or IDPL 9103), offered through the School of Academic & Liberal Studies, was developed by the School of English Language, School of Academic & Liberal Studies professors, and Associate Director, Cultural and Global Engagement, Maxine Semple, in collaboration with the Center for Academic Excellence.
The first cohort to complete the course was a group of 48 students who embarked on three BWR IFS trips during the mid-term break week (October 21-29): one in Costa Rica and two in Ireland.
“This course represents a huge milestone and is a paradigm shift for the BWR program,” said Semple. “The program now provides the academic integrity and value-added educational and practical support for our learners, to ensure they can understand, develop, and articulate the intercultural competencies and global leadership skills necessary for them to thrive in their future careers.”
The BWR course was developed to ensure that students, when participating in transformative experiences abroad, are prepared both before and after to share these experiences as valuable assets to employers. This is achieved through the important process of reflection, which provides them with the current language to present these skills during interviews and on their resumes.
“As a cornerstone in our strategic plan, this course reflects NC’s commitment to preparing students for a culturally adept and internationally competitive workforce,” said Dean of Academic & Liberal Division, David Atherton. “By blending theory and practice, the course equips students with the cultural awareness and tools needed for success in an interconnected world. Through an immersive field studies opportunity, students are empowered to navigate the complexities of global dynamics confidently.”
The course modules include BWR Competencies, Intercultural Learning, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), Community Engagement, Indigenous Perspectives, Reflective Learning, Career Development, and Global Leadership. This comprehensive approach ensures that students acquire a well-rounded understanding of the cultural, social, and academic aspects of their international experience.
Student experience:
Environmental Technician – Field and Laboratory student Ron Warwick took the BWR Course and participated in the Costa Rica – Pura Vida trip, which enabled students and staff to experience the country’s vast biodiversity, dedication to sustainable initiatives, and friendly people.
Warwick particularly valued the course for its practical application of intercultural learning in real-life situations, which was brought to life during the trip.
“The entire trip, I was focused on immersing myself in the culture and the people, practicing Spanish with locals and supporting them in practicing English,” said Warwick. “The seven weeks of preparation beforehand really ingrained the fact that I was going abroad. Having never travelled before, I had no idea what to expect, and the preparation classes helped alleviate my anxiety.”
Business Administration – Human Resources student Jesse Scott joined the Cork Ireland – Global Leadership on the Emerald Isle itinerary, which included thought-provoking activities and seminars at the Munster Technical University (MTU) and visits to local companies.
“While the BWR course helped open my mind to different cultures around the world, the trip helped me discover my future dream job,” said Scott. “I am now seriously considering exploring job opportunities in Ireland, as I have gained global competencies and visited companies where I can thrive both personally and professionally.”
Recreation Therapy program student Emma Loucks participated in the Ireland-Thriving Communities BWR IFS trip, which included activities and sessions at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU), visiting service partners, and discovering the local impact of community services.
“The BWR course made me look at my experience abroad through a learner’s lens, understanding that what I experience abroad can be brought back to my career and life,” said Loucks. “During this trip, I was able to witness social programs that inspired me as a future recreation therapist.”
The role of trip leaders:
Faculty and staff serving as BWR IFS trip leaders each term are expected to support students with developing assignment content and completing surveys while abroad. Although not responsible for facilitating or teaching any modules, leaders must attend portions of the course in person to ensure a complete understanding of student expectations abroad and to support the building of group rapport prior to departure.
A notable shift in the BWR program is the introduction of a policy allowing students to participate in only one BWR experience during their studies at Niagara College, prompting them to choose their international experiences wisely. The adjustment aligns with a funding model change.
The transformative experiences provided by the BWR IFS trips are funded in part by Global Skills Opportunity, the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program.
For more information about BWR, visit: www.beworldready.ca/
Click here to learn more about the BWR Course.
To learn more about the responsibilities of being a BWR lead on an International Field Study trip, review the Lead FAQs and keep an eye out on InsideNC for information on upcoming learning sessions.
