Article by Samer Al-Salahi
During the winter 2026 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.
Dominican Republic
Designed for students across multiple Schools of Study, the Sustainable Development Goals in the Dominican Republic itinerary offered a cultural collaborative program between Niagara College and Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD).
Students participated in collaboration sessions focused on global issues, sustainable development, and culture, fostering academic and cross-cultural exchange. Participants also learned from global experts, including a presentation by the United Nations Development Programme on the progress and challenges of advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the country.
For Police Foundation student Katie Napolitano, the experience exceeded every expectation.
NC student Katie Napolitano participates in a hands-on activity during the Dominican Republic BWR GLE.
“Before the GLE, I was hesitant and admittedly somewhat prejudiced — I doubted it could truly be that transformative,” said Napolitano. “However, I was proven wrong.”
While the program offered a thoughtfully designed mix of lectures and site visits, it was the human connection that left the deepest mark.
“The most impactful aspect of my Global Learning Experience was the connections I made — with fellow peers, team leaders, and students at UASD,” she added. “These relationships are what I will carry with me long after the program has ended.”
For Practical Nursing student Kassi Davies, the GLE deepened her understanding of cultural competence in ways that will shape her career.
“The BWR GLE was truly a unique, humbling, and eye-opening opportunity,” said Davies. “It encouraged self-reflection on biases and assumptions and helped me understand how to contribute to change while educating others. I will carry this experience with me and continue to build on how I think, act, and grow within my nursing career.”
Police Foundations student Isaiah Benjamins found that navigating a language barrier sharpened skills directly relevant to his field.
“Since I do not speak Spanish, I would often be communicating using actions, gestures, and observations,” said Benjamins. “This taught me the importance of patience and adaptability when interacting with people from other cultures — and allowed me to see the Dominican Republic through a local perspective rather than a tourist lens.”
Costa Rica
Designed for students in Horticulture and Environmental programs, the Rancho Margot – San José, Costa Rica itinerary offered immersive, hands-on learning in environmental responsibility practices in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
Students participate in hands-on learning during the Costa Rica GLE.
Centered around experiential education at Rancho Margot, the GLE included a Regenerative Farm Tour and interactive experiences focused on native plants and pollinators, composting, microorganisms, agroecology, and chemical-free gardening.
For Greenhouse Technology student Meladori Weaver, the GLE brought unexpected moments of discovery.
“This experience has opened my eyes to a whole world of natural diversity which I am excited to further explore,” said Weaver. “In any spare moments, day, or night, I would go on walks to take pictures, then later further educate myself on the species I found. Another highlight was learning from an entomologist about native pollinators — specifically stingless bees — and their relationship with Orchids.”
For Greenhouse Technician (Co-op) student Kevin Guillemette, the Costa Rica GLE left a lasting impression.
“It was a life-changing experience, and I am thankful to the College for organizing a program like this,” said Guillemette. “A key reason to participate was to get a chance to share ideas with like-minded people and forge strong networks with peers and teachers.”
Students learn about environmental responsibility practices during the Costa Rica BWR GLE.
For more information about BWR, visit: www.beworldready.ca
