Share your
IDEAS
Have you ever studied abroad? Why did you go and how did you benefit from this experience?
At one time, learning would occur primarily in the school across town, but in today’s interconnected world it is possible for students to take their classes across the globe. The Ministry of Advanced Education wants to learn from your experiences overseas to help improve programs that support more people to study internationally, and do a better job of welcoming international students that come to BC.
TOPIC:
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
Hello Everyone,
Thank you very much for your participation in the International Education discussion forum on the BC Jobs Plan website. The stories you shared relating to your study and work abroad experiences were enlightening and inspiring.
Through the International Education Strategy, the Ministry of Advanced Education plans to expand the work of the existing BC Study Abroad Consortium to increase access to information on post-secondary study abroad opportunities and benefits. The Ministry’s International Education team will use your feedback to develop and deliver a plan for the expansion of this Consortium, which is relevant and beneficial to the citizens of B.C.
Thank you again for sharing your ideas, thoughts and stories. I hope you continue to promote the multiple benefits of participating in study and work abroad opportunities!
Sincerely,
Kathryn Beaulac
I recently finished studying abroad in Innsbruck, Austria for a semester. I decided to go study abroad because I love to travel and wanted to receive better education. At the educational institution I attended, they designated one semester for internationals. This semester would be taught only in English, and would invite professors from all around the world to teach to an international group of students.
As a result, while I was attending Management Center of Innsbruck, I was exposed not only to Austrian culture and knowledge. I also benefitted by being exposed to professors from other places such as Hong Kong, England, Florida, etcetera. It was beneficial because it gave me a worldwide scope of knowledge about different markets and trends in the world. I am currently pursuing a Bachelors in Tourism Management, and international experiences are a key component to succeed in this industry.
The differences of why Europeans are so keen to study abroad is due to the set up of education. In Innsbruck, Austria where I attended, I interacted and had classes with students from Finland, Spain, France, etcetera. The reason why studying abroad is so accessible to Europeans within Europe a.k.a. Erasmus is due to the high availability of scholarships, and the low cost of tuition. For example. one of the students I met from Finland, received money and tuition waivers from the government, if she took 30 or more ECTS for the semester. This is open to all students, as long as they pass their classes, and have 30 ECTS or more. Also, in Europe, majority of the institutions have reduced tuitions, or no tuition fees at all. This is due to the “taxation” system that is installed in Europe.
I believe, the hurdles for international students and Canadians to study in Canada is due to the high price of tuition. If a fellow Canadian student wished to study abroad, they would either have to pay high high international fees, or participate through a “Study abroad” semester.
To encourage international education, as a government you could provide incentives to Canadian institutions to form more partnerships with other international institutions. This will provide more affordable options for potential international students inbound or outbound. Or a great way to really start international education, is to integrate it within Canada. A semester studying from British Columbia to New Brunswick could equally be as insightful and illuminating as abroad. Canada is so different in culture across the country, and why not first start testing the market within Canada.
Hello Frances,
Thank you for sharing your study abroad experience in Austria with everyone!
It was wonderful to read about the positive impacts this experience had on your life. As you said in your comment, your study abroad experience gave you a worldwide scope of knowledge about different markets and trends in the world. It was also wonderful to read that your institution of study designates one semester for internationals. This demonstrates the institutions commitment to international education.
As you stated in your comment, students are often required to make a financial commitment to participate in a study abroad experience. This can be challenging for students. As part of the International Education Strategy, the Province is investing in study abroad opportunities for B.C. students to allow more students to participate in this experience. This investment includes the following:
• $2 million to the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Society for the One World International Scholarship program to help B.C. students study or undertake co-op terms or internships abroad;
In your comment you also indicated the importance of providing B.C. students with opportunities to develop global perspectives while completing their studies.
Through the Strategy, the Province aims to create a globally-oriented education system. One of the actions under this goal is to promote the use of international education ‘best practices’ across B.C. By sharing ‘best practices’ — such as through partnerships and mentorships — every educational institution in every region can gain from our collective international education experience. Specific steps to reach this goal include:
• Developing partnerships and mentorships across the sector to help smaller educational institutions develop and implement internationalization strategies.
• Enhancing intercultural communications curricula at B.C. institutions.
The Province will continue to promote study abroad opportunities for B.C. students and to support the development of a globally-oriented education system in B.C. The international connections B.C. students make in classrooms or while studying overseas will last a lifetime and these experiences will better prepare them for jobs in the global economy.
Yes, I was able to complete a semester of study abroad in Morocco this past spring.
The reason that prompted me to study abroad was my love of traveling and I thought, what better way to complete a semester of my degree than to do it in another country while being able to be having an awesome new experience at the same time, and that is exactly what it turned out to be for me. I was in Morocco for four and a half months and along with the schooling that I was able to accomplish while I was over there I was able to to travel all over the country and to experience a lot of Moroccan culture and to see the different natural beauties that the country has to offer if you take the time to look for them.
I think, that as a result of my semester abroad, I have become a more cultured and open-minded person more open now to new ideas that before might have proven foreign to me. When you live in another country for an extended period of time you become accustomed to things that are different from what you are used to and will be more open to things in the future as well, having learned that things can be done in ways you hadn’t though possible before. Overall, I am so glad that I did a semester of study abroad and would wish the same experience on anybody who has the chance to do something similar at some point in their life.
Hello Seth,
Thank you for your positive message regarding the multiple benefits you received while participating in a study abroad experience in Morocco this past spring. It sounds like you had a great time!
As you stated in your message, you gained more than just an education during this study abroad experience. You also gained an understanding of other cultures and it opened your mind to new perspectives and ideas. The international connections you made while studying overseas will last a lifetime and the experience better prepared you for jobs in the global economy.
Where did you find information about this study abroad opportunity in Morocco?
Yes, I have studied abroad in both Monterrey (North) and Merida (South) of Mexico. The program was supported by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This experience was extremely beneficial as it aided me in bettering my knowledge of the Spanish language, as I was completely submersed in the language. It also helped to further my public speaking abilities, as we were always in situations where we were working with students we had never encountered before. Being given the opportunity to work with American and Mexican students in another country allowed for us Canadian students to see how other countries run their classrooms and teach their students.
Hello Samantha,
Thank you for sharing your study abroad experience with everyone!
Your story encapsulates the multiple benefits of participating in a study abroad experience. As you stated in your comment, this experience gave you an opportunity to learn a new language, improve your public speaking abilities and experience a new style of learning. I am sure this experience will continue to positively impact your life in years to come.
Why did you decide to study abroad? Where did you find information about the study abroad program with NAFTA?
Yes, I have studied abroad in both Monterrey (North) and Merida (South) of Mexico. The program was supported by NAFTA. This experience was extremely beneficial to bettering
Although I did not study abroad, I did work as the Student Mobility and Exchanges Coordinator at a university and also did my Master’s Thesis on the experiences of exchange program participants.
Some relevant findings:
-exchange students tended to group together and not interact as much with local students;
-the experience increased participants’ feelings of competence and confidence;
-participants felt greater interest in world affairs after their time abroad;
-participants were more likely to make an effort to welcome international students after returning to their home country.
Based on my experience working with international students, the biggest challenge is finding ways for them to connect with Canadians. The Canadians who were most willing to connect with international students were the ones who had studied abroad as well, even for a short study period.
Please let me know if you are interested in receiving a copy of my study.
Hello Robin,
Thank you for sharing your experience as the Student Mobility and Exchanges Coordinator at a university and for sharing some relevant findings from your Master’s thesis on the experience of exchange program participants.
As stated in your email, exchange students may group together and not interact as much with local students, which may impact the cultural experience they receive while studying in B.C. Through the International Education Strategy, the Ministry of Advanced Education plans to make more information available on community supports for international students and their families and help to connect them to B.C. communities where they will live. The Province will also work to determine best practices for successfully incorporating international student populations into B.C.’s rural communities, to ensure these students connect with British Columbians.
It would be wonderful to receive a copy of your study! Please send a copy of your study, along with any other stories or photos relating to international education, to the following email address: AVED.InternationalEducation@gov.bc.ca.
I am currently doing my co-op program with Germany. I have been working here for the past 6 months and it has been one of the greatest experience. During this short time, I had the opportunity to work with numerous people from many different nations. All the people I have met have challenged me to think differently and open me to different views and ideals. This experience has changed me in a better way and I would recommend this to others.
The most difficult part of the experience was financial problems. As a previous recipient of Pacific Horizon scholarship, I was grateful for the scholarship given. However, it was insufficient as the plane ticket only cost more than the scholarship. While I understand the price of a plane ticket is beyond the control of the BC government, I think one should increase funding for the scholarship or focus those limited sources on smaller number of students to provide a better experience.
During my process to finding a job here, I felt like many people were unaware of various opportunities available as well as numerous scholarships I could have applied for. By the time someone finally referred me to some applications I could apply for, it was already over the deadline. I think the BC government can help in raising more awareness of this unique opportunities. Informing the students that there are more international experience beyond exchange students. I had to research available positions and financial assistance by myself and I hope that the future students would have less trouble than I did.
I was wondering if it is possible for the BC government (or at least the university) to make formal proposal to companies abroad for an internship position for university students. What I saw in Germany is that all students studying in certain degrees are required to complete an internship in various companies before they graduate. The company provides small financial assistance to support the students while the students completed designated time, learning and working with professionals within their degree. In return, the students can return back to BC and share their experience with others, thus sharing the skills they have learned abroad.
Thanks for reading this long comment
Hello Steve,
Thank you for sharing your co-op work abroad experience in Germany with everyone. It sounds like you are having a positive life changing experience.
It is wonderful to read that you have met people who have challenged you to think differently and opened you to different views and ideals. Through this experience you are gaining an understanding of other cultures and you have an opportunity to share a bit of your own culture with the world. I am sure the work experience you gained in Germany through your co-op program will better prepare you for jobs in the global economy.
As you stated in your comment, students are often required to make a financial commitment to participate in a co-op or internship work abroad experience. This commitment can be challenging for students. As part of the International Education Strategy, the Province is investing in study and work abroad opportunities for B.C. students to allow more students to participate in this experience. This investment includes the following:
• $2 million to the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Society for the One World International Scholarship program to help B.C. students study or undertake co-op terms or internships abroad.
The One World Scholarships are awarded and administered by B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions.
Applications to this program are considered on the basis of academic merit, the students’ educational objectives, institutional and/or community involvement, and readiness to go overseas.
Co-op and internship programs are available at various post-secondary institutions throughout B.C. As a result, the Ministry of Advanced Education encourages students to contact the study abroad or co-op coordinator at their institution for further information on the co-op and internship programs, including the availability of work abroad opportunities through the programs.
Where did you find information about the co-op program at your institution? Why did you decide to complete your co-op work term abroad?
I found about the co-op program itself through my advisers in my university. However, the position itself was self-searched and it felt like most of the advisers lacked connection to international placements.
Just out of curiousity, does BC offer full international fellowship program for students as well? I found that most people here are funded through their government for limited times. According to them, as an exchange for the government funding their studies abroad, the students agreed to work within the government for certain periods. Does BC also offer this kind of deal with the students?
I wanted to place myself in a new environment and meet new people. The fact that I have the chance to live in Europe was also a factor in my decision. Learning new language and exposing myself to different cultures were also important to me. Can BC offer some sort of exchange program with our sister cities abroad?
Hello Steve,
Many of B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions offer student exchange programs. B.C. institutions partner with other institutions from around the world, allowing students to take courses or programs for one or more semesters in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and other international destinations. Student exchange programs allow students to earn credit towards their B.C. credential while studying abroad.
Many public post-secondary institutions offer courses or programs that have a mandatory field trip component, which may take place outside Canada. For example, some humanities courses may involve visiting historical sites in the Czech Republic, archaeology courses may include field trips to museums and archaeological sites throughout China, and biology courses may be based at field stations and various locations in Malaysia. Many of B.C. public post-secondary institutions offer a variety of other international programs in partnership with post-secondary institutions worldwide.
B.C. students attending an institution outside Canada are limited in their employment opportunities overseas. As students or temporary residents in another country, international students are not entitled to the same opportunities as citizens or permanent residents of that country. In fact, certain governments may ask international students for proof that they are able to financially support themselves before being granted entry to that country.
Some students may be able to work overseas if they pursue an international co-op placement or internship as part of their home institution’s program requirements. In addition, certain jurisdictions may have employment programs for international students.
Students are encouraged to contact faculties, departments and study abroad offices at their institutions that may have more information about international exchange or study/work abroad opportunities and may provide more travel resources.
The Ministry of Advanced Education’s study abroad website provides an overview of the things B.C. students need to consider prior to departing on a study or work abroad experience, including the availability of financial assistance and considerations around credential recognition in B.C.
The link to the Ministry of Advanced Education’s study abroad website is the following: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studyabroad/resources.htm
I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain for the winter 2012 semester. It was the best experience in my life because it taught me life skills, people skills, as well as educational skills. It combined everything I learned thus far and presented it in a different format, which is very beneficial as it allows you to test your knowledge and learn in a different method. The people I met abroad are some of my closest friends and the experiences are irreplaceable. I was reading someone else’s comment about student loans, I also have student loans but you can apply for bursaries and scholarships. There aren’t that many available but there are some really great ones if you look around. I immigrated to Canada so my parents weren’t in any position to pay or support me but if you want something bad enough there is a way to get it! Dont give up
All in all it was a fabulous experience that I recommend to anyone and I will look for more opportunities for Canadians to work and study abroad!
Hello Tetyana,
Thank you for sharing your study abroad experience with everyone, it sounds remarkable! I am delighted to hear that it was the best experience of your life.
As you said in your comment, participating in a study abroad experience can teach a student life skills, people skills, as well as educational skills. I congratulate you on your perseverance to participate in this experience and I am sure it will continue to positively influence your life in years to come.
I also want to thank you for mentioning the availability of bursaries and scholarships to support study abroad opportunities. As part of the International Education Strategy, the Province is investing in study abroad opportunities allow more B.C. students to participate in this experience. This investment includes the following:
• $2 million to the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Society for the One World International Scholarship program to help B.C. students study or undertake co-op terms or internships abroad
• $2.3 million to the Mitacs Accelerate program to support B.C. and international students pursuing graduate education/ industry internships in B.C
The Province will also continue to promote study abroad opportunities for B.C. students by increasing access to information on these opportunities through the BC Study Abroad Consortium is (BCSAC) website.
Where did you find information about the study abroad opportunities that were available at your institution?
Kathryn,
That is fantastic news! And thanks for your nice words! I was approached and informed by our International Studies department at BCIT.
Your International Education Strategy wants to increase international student enrollment by 50%. I agree that there are benefits to having international students but doesn’t that mean that universities and colleges will also accept less British Columbia students? The average GPA to get into UBC is pretty high. If UBC has room to increase its international student enrollment, why can’t it lower its average GPA by a couple of points and just enrol students from British Columbia? Public universities and colleges are supported by BC taxpayers. Shouldn’t they focus on educating BC students?
Hello Maddie,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the possibility of international students displacing B.C. students.
International education programs have always been fully cost recovered through international student tuition fees. A guiding principle in the International Education Strategy is that the presence of international students should positively impact British Columbia’s institutions and the experience of B.C. students, and not take seats away from B.C. students.
An example is Thompson Rivers University (TRU), where the presence of international students has enabled TRU to hire new faculty and to increase TRU’s capacity for B.C. students by 25 percent. International student demand has also supported TRU’s ability to offer a summer semester course menu, which also benefits local students.
The presence of international students can address some of the capacity concerns that B.C. institutions are facing, and the Province will continue to work with institutions to address any additional capacity concerns.
I am the first in my family to go to university. I have student loans and work part-time to pay for my tuition. As much as I would love to study abroad, it’s impossible for me to do because of the cost and the time committment away from paid employment. The only students I know who have done study abroad are white, upper middle-class and having parents helping them with the cost of schooling. If government is serious about developing global perspectives, then it needs to figure something that is scalable to the majority of the student population and it is not study abroad.
Hello Maddie,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the importance of ensuring study abroad opportunities are available to B.C. students, and the importance of ensuring B.C. students have opportunities, aside from study abroad experiences, to develop global perspectives.
International Education is the global two-way flow of students, faculty, staff and ideas. Under Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, the International Education Strategy was developed to attract more international students and, just as significantly, to send more B.C. students on similar exchanges abroad to bring social, cultural and economic benefits back home to B.C. communities.
As you stated in your comment, students are often required to make a cost and time commitment away from paid employment to participate in a study abroad experience. This can be challenging for students. As part of the International Education Strategy, the Province is investing in study abroad opportunities for B.C. students to allow more students to participate in this experience. This investment includes the following:
• $2 million to the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Society for the One World International Scholarship program to help B.C. students study or undertake co-op terms or internships abroad;
• $2.3 million to the Mitacs Accelerate program to support B.C. and international students pursuing graduate education/ industry internships in B.C.
In your comment you also indicated the importance of providing B.C. students with opportunities to develop global perspectives while completing their studies.
Through the Strategy, the Province aims to create a globally-oriented education system. One of the actions under this goal is to promote the use of international education ‘best practices’ across B.C. By sharing ‘best practices’ — such as through partnerships and mentorships — every educational institution in every region can gain from our collective international education experience. Specific steps to reach this goal include:
• Developing partnerships and mentorships across the sector to help smaller educational institutions develop and implement internationalization strategies.
• Enhancing intercultural communications curricula at B.C. institutions.
The Province will continue to promote study abroad opportunities for B.C. students and to support the development of a globally-oriented education system in B.C. The international connections B.C. students make in classrooms or while studying overseas will last a lifetime and these experiences will better prepare them for jobs in the global economy.
Do you have any ideas regarding actions the government can take to help B.C. students develop global perspectives, which are scalable to the majority of the student population?
I did Industrial Chemisty in Brazil. I had grown up in Canada, but then at the age of 15 I went to Brazil because my family moved there. I ended up doing Industrial Chemistry there and came back to Canada. My degree was evaluated by WES as being only 2 1/2 years of an Ontario credited Universtiy. So I cannot use what I learned in Brazil. Also, I was a teacher for over 12 years in Brazil (Science teacher) and cannot teach here because I need a teacher’s certificate. So, neither my education or experience is worth much here in Canada.
Hello Lintz,
Thank you for sharing your study abroad experience with everyone. I also want to thank you for raising the issue of credential recognition by B.C. institutions for study abroad as well as credential recognition in B.C. for credentials obtained abroad.
Students who plan to study or work abroad through student exchange programs – field schools or internship placements, for example – should confirm that the courses or program they plan to take abroad will count towards their B.C. credential, or that it will be recognized by their B.C. institution. Students’ academic departments can help them carefully plan their course load to make sure they graduate within the expected timeframe.
Students who plan to continue their post-secondary education in B.C. following completion of a credential program abroad should be aware that B.C. post-secondary institutions have the sole authority and autonomy to recognize (or not) the courses or programs taken at other institutions, including institutions abroad. Students in these situations will have to confirm the transferability of the courses or program completed abroad with the B.C. institution at which they plan to study for a subsequent credential.
Certain professions are regulated in British Columbia through the respective professional or trade associations. Examples of such regulated professions are nursing, medicine, and engineering. Students who plan to complete a program or credential overseas in a regulated profession and would like to return to British Columbia to work should confirm with the appropriate professional or trade association in B.C. that their credential will be recognized upon their return. Programs or degrees that are recognized may allow students to begin work immediately upon their return to B.C., without requiring further education and/or training. Please note that there may be examinations which students must successfully complete, as required by the provincial government and/or professional and trade associations.
Through the International Education Strategy, the Province plans to work with institutions to help B.C. students who study overseas, in K-12 or post-secondary education, receive credit for those studies and have credentials they earn recognized in B.C., to ensue B.C. students have a positive study abroad experience.
Sincerely,
Kathryn
I studied abroad for six and a half years, in Switzerland, where I did my Ph. D. It was a very enriching experience indeed.
Hello Gerald,
Thank you for sharing your study abroad experience with everyone!
It sounds like you had a great study abroad experience while completing your Ph D in Switzerland. I am sure studying abroad for six and a half years had a lasting impact on your life.
What were some of the benefits that you realized from this experience?
Where did you find information about the study abroad opportunities that were available at your institution?
My primary reason for completing my MBA at the University of Victoria was that I wanted an International Business concentration that provided plenty of opportunity to broaden perspectives from outside of Canada. During my 17-month full-time program I managed to have my passport stamped in 9 different countries, including a week in Guadalajara learning of Mexico’s role in NAFTA, a 6-week work-study project for a multinational firm in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and a 4-month exchange semester at City University of Hong Kong.
Between work, study and independent travel I have been fortunate enought to have spent time in more than 25 countries around the globe and have made a career in the field of international education that is now two decades and counting. My international experiences have provided me not only a better understanding of the world in which we live, but have allowed me to open countless doors and to forge countless personal and professional relationships that would otherwise have remained not only closed -- but possibly ignored.
By incorporating interculturalization into the very core of our curricula at all levels, British Columbia will produce future generations of global citizens that are better equipped to open the doors and forge the relationships that will be needed to succeed in the 21st century and beyond.
Staying at home is no longer an option if we don’t wish to be left behind…
Hello Glen,
Wow, your study abroad experience sounds very exciting and very rewarding. I commend you for traveling to 9 different countries during your 17-month full-time program, this is quite an accomplishment!
It sounds like you made the most of the international opportunities that were available through the MBA program at the University of Victoria by obtaining both study and work abroad experience during the completion of your program. As you stated in your message, your international experiences provided you with a better understanding of the world in which we live, and it allowed you to open countless doors and to forge countless personal and professional relationships that would otherwise have remained not only closed — but possibly ignored.
Under Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, the International Education Strategy was developed to position the province and its residents to benefit even more from the social, cultural and economic opportunities that flow from international education activities. Your story is a real life example of the tremendous benefits of international education.
Through the International Education Strategy, the Ministry of Advanced Education plans to expand the work of the existing BC Study Abroad Consortium to increase access to information on post-secondary education study abroad opportunities and benefits.
Where did you find information about the study abroad opportunity that was available through the MBA program at the University of Victoria?
I studied abroad twice while earning my Bachelor of Business Administration Degree at Capilano University in North Vancouver. The first trip was a 3 week exchange to China. This is a country that I knew I could never travel on my own to because of the language barrier, so going with a group of 8 other students and professors who could speak both Mandarin and Cantonese made it a care free way to see the country. I decided to do this field school because it was a lot less expensive as a group rate then it would have been to go on my own, as well as I knew a few students who did the excursion the previous year and their explanations about their experiences and the pictures they had made me eager to experience the same.
The following year I went on a 6 month exchange to Vlissingen, Netherlands. The China trip did a good job in preparing me for living away from home. This was my first time living away from my parents as well as venturing out to Europe on my own. I went because I am a thrill seeker, and it was also a good way for me to see lots of Europe while also completing a full semester of school.
My understanding of cultures has broadened tremendously, I saw various areas of business from a European perspective rather than a North American one and I met and connected with people from all over the world who I still stay in contact with. Studying abroad is something I will remember for the rest of my life and will continue to talk about with everyone I meet.
Hello Michelle,
Thank you for sharing your study abroad experience with everyone, your story is very inspiring!
It sounds like you had a great experience in both countries. Your study abroad story demonstrates the impact this experience can have on an individual’s life. People who participate gain more than just an education in the traditional sense. They also gain an understanding of other cultures and have an opportunity to share a bit of their own.
Where did you find information about the study abroad opportunities that were available at your institution?
Hi Kathryn,
I found out about the study abroad opportunities through many avenues at my school. The first was information sessions that were hosted to inform first and second year student about the chance to study abroad in many countries in Europe, as well as a shorter field school trip to China. Then as I began making connections with students that had already gone abroad they encouraged me to go also. Professors at Capilano are constantly encouraging us to go abroad now while we have the chance, because they never got an opportunity like we have when they were younger. Now after going abroad I have become an ambassador to the program at my school and encourage others to go abroad and try to get the word out about the current programs available to students at Capilano. While some students may have fallen into the idea of going abroad, or decided last minute to do somethings unique like this, I had always been looking for the chance to study abroad, so my experience was very self driven. Hope this helps!
Michelle
Hello Michelle,
Thank you for responding to my question regarding the ways by which you received information on study abroad opportunities at Capilano University.
It is great to hear that Professors at Capilano are constantly encouraging students to participate in study abroad experiences. As you know, those who participate in a study abroad experience gain more than just an education in the traditional sense. They also gain an understanding of other cultures and have an opportunity to share a bit of their own culture with the world. The international connections B.C. students make in classrooms here or while studying overseas will last a lifetime and better prepare them for jobs in the global economy.
Through the International Education Strategy, the Province plans to increase opportunities for B.C. students to study abroad to ensure other B.C. students are exposed to new cultures, ideas, and perspectives while studying in another country.
How do you think your study abroad experience helped you transition into the labour market in B.C.?
In our day, going for a study term or two abroad is simply an asset. Not only do you engage with a different culture, way of life and language, you learn how to adapt away from the norm. Making home away from home, sharing with others, i.e locals and international travellers alike only makes for an enriching experience. Furthermore, the friends we make today, are tomorrows decision makers so essentially international travel allows you to network globally. Above all, it is a different classroom from what your are used to, be curious, go out, experience what the world has to offer. It is life changing in that a new way of viewing the world becomes apparent based on where you go-This is a major benefit too!
Hello Wanja,
Thank you for your positive message regarding the multiple benefits of participating in a study abroad experience. As you stated in your message, studying abroad allows students’ to experience different cultures, languages and styles of learning. It also provides an opportunity for students’ to expand their circle of friends to include individuals from all over the world, which prepares them to participation in the global economy.
Do you have a study abroad experience that you would like to share?
I travelled to Chile in April 2012. The trip was part requirement towards my MA-Human Security & Peace Building-Royal Roads University. The objective of my trip was twofold.
First, to engage with the Mapuche community of the Mehuin and Mississippi regions near San Jose, Chile in an effort to get a glimpse of some of their daily activities as they seek to maintain their way of life along the coastline.
The second objective was to get culturally immersed.
Outside my class activities, I engaged with local University students, we spoke about our experiences at universities in Canada and Chile. As well, I decided to travel to Peru and Argentina since I was so close to both countries. In both countries, I met with people from all across the world, and told them about life in British Columbia. The fascinating part of my journey was the undying curiosity regarding Canada. Many local Peruvians, Chileans and Argentines were interested in the diversity in terms of people found in Canada. In Chile, I visited an elementary school, in a remote area of Mehuin. The children had been learning about diversity on the day our group arrived. They were all very curious to know about the background of our class. We all explained that Canada is a very diverse nation. In our class, we have people of Asian, African and Indian origins yet we are all Canadian.
My study abroad opportunity has been a great stepping stone for my career internationally allowing me to learn to speak and represent Canada in the most diplomatic way I know.
Hello Wanja,
Thank you for sharing your international education experience with everyone. It is clear in your message that your study abroad experience had a tremendous positive impact on your life. I am sure the intercultural benefits of this experience will continue to influence you in years to come.
It is also wonderful to read that you represented British Columbia and Canada in a diplomatic manner. During your visit to the elementary school in Chile, you may have influenced a student to choose British Columbia as their future study destination.
Under Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, the International Education Strategy was developed to position the province and its residents to benefit even more from the social, cultural and economic opportunities that flow from international education activities. As part of this Strategy, the Province plans to increase opportunities for British Columbia students to study abroad and students from around the world to study and work in British Columbia.
The Ministry of Advanced Education plans to increase access to information on post-secondary education study abroad programs, to ensure students take advantage of these opportunities.
Where did you find information about the study abroad opportunities that were available at your institution?
I have a BA from Europe and had an amazing study abroad experience during my BA studies. Based on my past experience, I decided to look for a MA program that allowed for the same opportunity. I was very lucky to get into Royal Roads-MA Human Security & Peace Building. In this program, it is a requirement to go abroad to a developing country for a 3 week residence. Also, international student offices at Universities offer a lot of information of study abroad programs available to Canadian students-UVIC has this information well developed too.
Hello Wanja,
Thank you for responding to my question regarding the ways by which you received information on study abroad opportunities at your institution. You really embraced the study abroad opportunities that were available to you during your BA and MA. It is clear that your study abroad experience had a positive and substantial impacted your life.
As you said in your comment, international student offices in B.C. post-secondary institutions offer a lot of information on study abroad programs. Through the International Education Strategy, the Ministry of Advanced Education plans to expand the work of the existing BC Study Abroad Consortium to increase access to information on post-secondary study abroad opportunities and benefits to ensure B.C. students are aware of the opportunities.
I think the experience to study abroad is great. You learn a new language, learn new ways of thinking, and develop connections. I think there is a great idea to include long term BC jobs planning to have BC residents go study in other countries. I think the BC jobs plan about targeting people to come here is just going to make BC students less competitive internationally compared to those who get the experience. If we want longer term success we need to implement this program in the opposite way to get our youth experience overseas so they can build new international industries in the province as opposed to training people overseas to develop their export oriented businesses.
This is very short-term thinking.
Hello Mike,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the importance of ensuring study abroad opportunities are available to B.C. students and the benefits that students realize from this experience.
International Education is the global two-way flow of students, faculty, staff and ideas. Under Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, the International Education Strategy was developed to attract more international students and, just as significantly, to send more B.C. students on similar exchanges abroad to bring social, cultural and economic benefits back home to B.C. communities. As you said, this helps to create new relationships between British Columbia and other regions.
As part of the International Education Strategy, the Province is investing in study abroad opportunities for B.C. students. This investment includes the following:
• $2 million to the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Society for the One World International Scholarship program to help B.C. students study or undertake co-op terms or internships abroad;
• $2.3 million to the Mitacs Accelerate program to support B.C. and international students pursuing graduate education/ industry internships in B.C.
The Province will also continue to promote study abroad opportunities for B.C. students by increasing access to information on post-secondary study abroad opportunities and benefits thought the BC Study Abroad Consortium is (BCSAC) website. We are hoping to use the feedback we receive through this engagement process to ensure this website includes information that is relevant and beneficial to students who want to participate in a study abroad experience.
Did you study abroad? If so, can you share your experience?
An absolute must. I went to Australia for one year, and Taiwan for three. Being multi lingual, other than french, is going to be a key asset if the Pac Rim.
AN IDEA FOR GOVERNMENT: If students were allowed to travel to a Pac Rim country and earn money over seas teaching, while learning a third language, if they pass a standardized exam, they should be able to bring back income used to pay off student loans tax free.
Hello Blake,
Thank you very much for sharing your study abroad experience with us! It is definitely a great idea to learn additional languages. This will increase your ability to communicate with the world and it will increase your future employment opportunities.
Where did you find information about the study abroad opportunities in Australia and Taiwan? Why did you decide to study abroad?
The “Idea for Government” that you posted is an interesting one. Are you aware of similar programs in other countries?
At one time, learning would occur primarily in the school across town, but in today’s interconnected world it is possible for students to take their classes across the globe. For a new generation of British Columbians, a smaller world means bigger opportunities to learn, to work in the global economy and to live as citizens in the global village.
Today we are proud to launch the International Education Strategy that aims to position the province — and BC residents — to benefit even more from the social, cultural and economic opportunities that flow from international education. Specifically, the Province plans to increase opportunities for British Columbia students to study abroad and students from around the world to study and work in BC.
Study abroad programs offer students the opportunity to study in a foreign country while earning credits toward their degree in their home country. Short-term programs can range from one week to a full academic term while other programs run from several terms to an entire degree program that spans several years.
The BC Study Abroad Consortium is (BCSAC) is a group of BC post-secondary institutions that work together to encourage students to gain international academic experience.
BCSAC aims to assist post-secondary students in studying abroad and offer one-stop access to short term, study abroad resource information and program offerings from participating BC post-secondary institutions.
Through the International Education Strategy, the Ministry of Advanced Education plans to expand the work of the existing BC Study Abroad Consortium to increase access to information on post-secondary study abroad opportunities and benefits. As a part of this initiative, we would like to understand the reasons why students studying abroad, as well as the benefits they realize from this experience.
The Ministry’s International Education team will use your feedback to develop and deliver a plan for the expansion of the BC Study Abroad Consortium. You will see comments from the Ministry’s International Education team on this thread, as they work with you to generate ideas.
How to get started:
1. Read the International Education Sector Strategy to understand the government’s overarching plan for international education in B.C.
2. Think about the ways you share connections with international education – Did you study abroad?
3. Tell us about it here on this discussion thread.
Hello Everyone,
My name is Kathryn Beaulac. I am a member of the International Education team in the Ministry of Advanced Education. I will be responding to your comments and questions as a moderator for this discussion.
I am looking forward to working with you to collect your stories, to answer your questions and to generate your ideas on a number of topics related to international education in B.C.