During the fall 2025 break, Niagara College students participated in Be World Ready (BWR) Global Learning Experiences (GLE), engaging in life-changing opportunities abroad.
As part of its commitment to preparing globally minded and world-ready graduates, BWR has designed itineraries that blend cultural connections and hands-on experiences. Through these unique opportunities, students applied classroom learning in international settings while building industry knowledge and expanding their global competencies.
Barcelona, Spain
Designed for students across all Schools of Study, the Barcelona, Spain itinerary combined academic exploration with cultural immersion.
Highlights included exploring how Barcelona is advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) through industry visits, cultural experiences, and hands-on learning that showcased the city’s innovation, sustainability, and social impact.
The Barcelona GLE combined cultural immersion with academic exploration for students across all Schools of Study.
Even before arriving in Barcelona, student Juan Esteban Casas Correa, originally from Colombia, had a once-in-a-lifetime experience that set the tone for his entire time abroad, showing how BWR opens a world of possibilities for participants.
“In the immigration line in Spain, I was shocked to meet Colombia’s former president Juan Manuel Santos, the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize winner,” said Correa, a Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film student. “What were the chances that we would both be in the same place, coming from different flights and countries? I approached him and shook his hand–he kindly greeted me back. I was speechless. I have always dreamed of meeting important political figures. From that very first moment, I knew my time with BWR would be amazing.”
Carpentry and Renovation Technician student Yu Liu noted how the BWR Course played a fundamental role in her journey in Spain.
“Without the course’s guidance, I might have experienced Barcelona only as a tourist,” said Liu, who is originally from China. “Through the program, I learned about the city from many everyday perspectives that visitors often overlook–its clothing, food, living environment–as well as the importance of sustainability and urban design.”
For some students, the experience also proved to be personally transformative.
“I learned that slowing down and appreciating the simple things in life really increases quality of life,” said Construction Engineering Management Technology student Daniel Di Profio. “A moment that stood out the most for me was the walking tour of the ‘Superblocks’–an urban design concept focused on livability–and learning about their purpose and how they were conceived. The tour of the Sagrada Familia basilica was also incredible and heart-wrenching.”
Alba, Italy
Designed for School of Culinary Arts students, the Alba, Italy itinerary offered a five-day immersive cooking course in partnership with Alba Accademia Alberghiera, where participants crafted dishes of the traditional cuisine from the Piemonte Region.
Designed for School of Culinary Arts students, the Alba GLE offered an immersive cooking course in partnership with Alba Accademia Alberghiera.
Set in the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, students delved into Italy’s rich culinary traditions through interactive lessons, guest lectures from local experts, winery visits, and a truffle hunt during Alba’s world-famous White Truffle Festival.
“Personally and professionally, I grew immensely during my time abroad, experiencing a different side of life for the first time,” said Culinary Management student Samuel Wiens. “Being in a new country and culture brought challenges, like the language barrier, but I learned to communicate using hand signals and by picking out familiar words to piece together conversations. I also enhanced my culinary skills and earned a certificate as a Regional Certified Cook, which will help me stand out and improve my chances of being hired faster.”
Osnabruck, Germany
Designed for School of Business and Management students, the Osnabruck, Germany itinerary empowered students with invaluable insights into international business environments.
This GLE combined classroom sessions, cultural experiences, and hands-on business case studies, giving students the opportunity to develop global commerce skills. They learned alongside peers from around the world and visiting professors, earning Business General credit and their General Elective credit.
The Osnabruck GLE combined classroom sessions, cultural experiences, and hands-on business case studies for School of Business and Management students.
“This was a career-enhancing experience as it allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, strengthen my leadership and teamwork skills, and gain a deeper understanding of how cultural perspectives shape business and communication,” said Business Administration student Mackenzie Gould. “Interacting with students and professors from Germany and beyond opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and living, and connecting with professors on LinkedIn has been very inspiring to see how their careers have grown over the years.”
For many students, the BWR experience also offered the chance to gain new perspectives and learn from diverse peers and professors.
“I have gone abroad during school trips to apply what I had learned in the classroom before, but this was the first time I have been in a class setting in another country and learned something completely new,” said Business Administration – Accounting student Annica Draper. “I realized that fellow classmates and professors have different mindsets and backgrounds. We must acknowledge that the people we sit beside think differently. When we understand that, better understanding can be achieved.”
For more information about BWR, visit: www.beworldready.ca
