This fall, members of the Niagara College community will strengthen their global competencies in five Be World Ready (BWR) International Field Studies (IFS) during the mid-term break week (October 19-27).
The Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, and Sweden itineraries will enable students, faculty and staff to share life-changing experiences and benefit from unique professional and personal development opportunities.
BWR IFS allow students to learn and earn course credit outside during the fall, winter or spring break weeks. Since the fall of 2023, students interested in joining a BWR IFS must complete the Be World Ready Course, aimed to foster intercultural competencies, global leadership and global employment skills of students, preparing them for the experience abroad.
As IFS leaders, faculty and staff support student coordination, logistics, and inquiries while abroad, in addition to being ambassadors for NC. The BWR team provides the leaders with comprehensive training for their roles and responsibilities in supporting student success abroad, which also presents an opportunity for faculty and staff career growth. Individuals interested in becoming a lead should read our Lead FAQs and keep an eye out for future NC International Global Learning Lounge sessions about the BWR program.
These opportunities are funded in part by Global Skills Opportunity, the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program, and in part by the Be World Ready program.
Below is an outline of the Fall 2024 BWR IFS and leader insights.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic –Historic Beauty, Modern Charm itinerary includes a comprehensive journey through Prague and its surrounding regions, delving into its rich history, vibrant culture, and dynamic industries, in which cutting-edge technology meets sustainability and creativity.
The opportunity to engage directly with NC students inspired Senior Director of International Students Shawna Luey and Manager of Newcomer Programs Allison Radko to become IFS leaders.
“This is a unique opportunity to be involved in learning in action and witness global competencies being developed,” said Luey, who has the BWR program in her portfolio. “Travelling with the group will help inform my perspective around the needs of our students and staff. Also, learning about new cultures and ways of living helps us expand our understanding.”
Radko is also excited about the chance to see the group step outside of their comfort zone and grow from their experience abroad.
“I cannot wait to foster the spirit of adventure, learning, and cultural appreciation amongst our students,” said Radko. “I am also excited to explore the rich history, stunning architecture, and lively local culture and see how these experiences will inspire and change our group.”
Ireland
The Ireland — Thriving Communities itinerary offers NC School of Community Services students the opportunity to discover the local impact of social services and engage in thought-provoking activities and seminars at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Castlebar, one of Ireland’s fastest-growing communities.
The opportunity to support students in a global experience inspired School of Community Services Placement Officer Roxane Hendrie and International Student Advisor Anna McQuiston to get involved.
“It is important to build relationships with our global partners and introduce our students to opportunities across the globe,” said Hendrie. “This experience also pairs well with my interest in outdoor pedagogy, community, and connection. I have facilitated outdoor learning in the early years and am excited to learn more about this in a global context.”
McQuiston is also excited to immerse in a new culture and get a taste of an international student experience in another country.
“I want to gain global exposure and experience what our international students feel when coming to Canada and transitioning to a new country, although on a much smaller scale,” said McQuiston. “This is a great opportunity to build resiliency and be empowered to take on new challenges. I am also excited to see how the students will engage with our partner ATU, use the leadership skills that they will develop and become better problem solvers.”
Italy
The Italy — Ancient Grains itinerary is designed for NC Baking & Pastry Arts, Culinary Management, and Culinary Innovation & Food Technology students. This IFS includes experiencing culinary delights of Milan and a five-day hands-on cooking course, crafting authentic Milanese dishes in Alba, with NC’s academic partner, Alba Accademia Alberghiera.
The chance to support students in a life-changing experiential learning endeavour inspired School of Food & Wine Sciences Professor Antonio de Luca and Career Consultant Emily Caldwell to become BWR IFS leaders.
“I am mostly excited about the opportunity to experience the yearly white truffle festival in Alba, where students will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience and gain an appreciation for a concrete example of eating ‘local’ and foraging for a very rare and unique food,” said Luca. “I will appreciate the opportunity to lead the students and share my passion for Italy and cooking local, seasonal traditional recipes.”
Caldwell is also excited about the professional and personal development opportunities.
“I constantly encourage students to expose themselves to new opportunities to understand their passions,” said Caldwell. “I am a strong advocate for learning by doing, taking risks, trying new things, and doing what makes you a little uncomfortable. By participating in this experience, I’m excited to learn more about myself and share that with students.”
Italy
The Italy — Cultivating Knowledge, Inspiring Minds itinerary explores Milan’s dynamic business environment and startup scene. It then dives into Leonardo’s cutting-edge technology before experiencing the compassion of the Italian Association for Solidarity Among People (AISPO) health initiatives. Finally, it offers a tasting experience in Brescia’s Franciacorta wine region.
School of Academic Studies Professor Gianluca Agostinelli and Academic Quality Consultant Kristen Nilsen were selected as the trip leaders for this itinerary.
“The IFS journey has introduced me to students and colleagues across multiple programs and departments,” said Agostinelli. “I look forward to getting to know and spending time with each of them as we navigate a new educational journey and foster an enriching sense of community abroad. I have much to learn from the participants’ backgrounds, ambitions, and narratives.”
Nilsen is eager to support students and bring new perspectives to her work at the Centre for Academic Excellence after the experience.
“It is a great opportunity to do something completely different from my day-to-day work, contribute to student learning, support students through a potentially life-changing experience, and positively represent the college abroad,” said Nilsen. “It is also a unique professional development opportunity, and I didn’t want to miss it. I will come back with many ideas to share.”
Sweden
The Sweden — Horticultural Urban Sanctuary itinerary blends culture, history, and sustainability. Students will discover Sweden’s sustainability efforts, exploring environmental stewardship and social responsibility examples. Students will also learn about modern sustainable urban planning alongside Stockholm’s historical gems.
Academic Business Manager Joe Cavers and Administrative Assistant, Marketing & Student Recruitment Stacey Wilson will lead the IFS in Sweden.
“After meeting with the students, I am excited to support them through their IFS journey,” said Cavers. “I have always wanted to go to Sweden and travelling with Niagara College provides the perfect opportunity to learn more about a country which is a leader in sustainability. Of course, I am also excited to try new kinds of food.”
Wilson also hopes to make the most out of the experience abroad as a personal and professional development opportunity.
“Travel opens your eyes to the world and makes you more empathetic to others, as well as more resilient to life’s little twists and turns,” said Wilson. “I work with students every day, and I look forward to connecting with them on a whole new level and putting my world travel skills to the test to have everyone walk away with one of the best experiences of their lives.”
Be World Ready
The Be World Ready program at Niagara College prepares you for global success through education, exchange, and international experience. This program offers you the opportunity to experience culturally diverse learning environments, understand different perspectives and connect practical skills with a global mindset to help you launch your career.
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.
