Representatives from the Government of Georgia experienced applied learning firsthand at Niagara College during a visit to the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake on June 5.
Hosted by the Partnerships and Enterprises team, the visit provided an opportunity to showcase the College’s strengths in hands-on learning, student experience, and international collaboration.
“As Niagara College continues to expand its global engagement activities, it was a privilege to welcome senior government representatives connected to Georgia’s education and youth affairs for a dialogue focused on international collaboration, cultural exchange, and experiential learning,” said Orel Ruiz, Director, Partnerships. “The visit also provided an opportunity to demonstrate how our applied learning model prepares students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.”
Developing global competencies
The visit included the panel discussion Global Perspectives: Food, Wine, Tourism & International Learning. Moderated by Maxine Semple, Director of Cultural & Global Engagement and co-creator of the Be World Ready (BWR) program, the session explored the role of international engagement in developing students’ global competencies, drawing on Georgia’s cultural heritage, food and wine traditions, and Niagara College’s BWR Global Learning Experiences (GLEs).
NC panelists included Gavin Robertson, School of Wine, Beer and Spirits Professor who previously led a BWR GLE in Georgia with NC students, and Catherine O’Donnell, School of Culinary Arts Professor. Georgian delegation panelists were Nino Tsilosani, Vice-Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia & Chair of the Georgian-Canadian Parliamentary Friendship Group; Mariam Lashkhi, Chair of the Committee on Education, Science and Youth Affairs; and Salome Kurasbediani, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Georgia to Canada.
The discussion also built upon Niagara College’s existing connections with Georgia and highlighted opportunities for expanded academic engagement, including the planned Winter 2027 GLE, which will provide School of Culinary Arts and School of Wine, Beer & Spirits students with an opportunity to explore the country’s culture, history, and renowned winemaking traditions.
The recorded discussion will be shared with students across multiple academic programs and through BWR initiatives to support future classroom discussions and global learning opportunities.
Guests sampled award-winning student-produced wines, highlighting the College’s expertise in wine education, applied research and experiential learning.
Exploring applied learning spaces
The delegation also included Tinatini Odilavadze, Head of the Secretariat of the Deputy Chairperson of the Parliament of Georgia; and Giorgi Khakhubia, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources.
Led by Associate Dean, Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies Caroline Chabert Delio, the delegation toured the College’s Culinary teaching facilities and experienced firsthand the applied learning environments that prepare students for careers in culinary, hospitality, and beverage industries.
The visit continued at the Niagara College Craft Beverage Centre, formerly known as the Wine Visitor and Education Centre, where Sean Coote, Vice President, Partnerships and Enterprises, joined the group.
Guests were introduced to NC’s learning enterprise model and sampled award-winning student-produced wines, highlighting the College’s expertise in wine education, applied research and experiential learning. The delegation also viewed the Georgian-style qvevri located at the Teaching Winery, which serves as a teaching tool for students exploring traditional winemaking techniques and reflects Niagara College’s longstanding interest in Georgia’s rich wine heritage.
Through visits such as this, Niagara College continues to strengthen international relationships, create meaningful global learning opportunities for students, and advance its commitment to applied education and international collaboration.
