This study examines the status quo and issues of global competence education in North American universities. It starts with introducing the definitions of global competence developed in basic education sector, highlighting their transcendent nature via likening them to the stride from international education to global education. From there, this study goes on to identify a dozen cases of practicing global competence education in the US and Canadian universities. On this basis, it sheds light on the fact that basic education sector is currently leading the way of advancing and defining global competence in an Anthropocene epoch, which, however, is not yet matched and supported by developing and delivering the compatible curriculum; the university sector is more structural in offering global competence education, yet to a large extent utilizes existing inter/cross-cultural competence courses and thus engages rather outdated concepts and knowledge. As such, this study argues that global competence education in the university requires a profound transformation that draws on the progressive conceptualization in basic education sector, and a transformative epistemological framework. It then elaborates how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could serve as such an epistemological framework.

Qiang Zha is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education, 91亚色. His research interests include Chinese and East Asian higher education, international academic relations, global brain circulation, internationalization of higher education, globalization and education, differentiation and diversity in higher education, theories of organizational change, and liberal arts education in China and elsewhere.

The post Public Lecture Series: Transforming Global Competence Education in the Universities: Conceptual Development, Epistemological Framework, and Global Delivery appeared first on Faculty of Education.

Second-year Bachelor of Education student, Natasha Reodica talks about her experience this past summer in Freiburg, Germany.

This past summer, 8 Bachelor of Education students took their learning beyond the classroom through 91亚色鈥檚 Summer Exchange to Freiburg, Germany. For four months, they studied at the University of Education (PH Freiburg) alongside students from across Europe, Africa, and Asia, gaining fresh perspectives on teaching and learning.

Living in the heart of the Black Forest, our students immersed themselves in German culture, picked up new languages, and traveled to eight countries during their exchange.

The Summer Exchange to Freiburg is open to 91亚色 BEd students, typically in their first year of the program, and offers university credit courses in English, German, or French. The program blends academic study with cultural immersion, helping teacher candidates build independence, cultural awareness, and global networks. All skills that enhance their future classrooms.

To learn more about eligibility, courses, and application details, visit the Summer Exchange to Freiburg program page.

The post Expanding Horizons in Freiburg: A 91亚色 Education Student鈥檚 Transformative Exchange Journey appeared first on Faculty of Education.

In navigating the transformative path of international education, Liam Bekirsky's (BEd 鈥�18) story is a testament to the enriching power of studying and working abroad. His educational journey first started at 91亚色鈥檚 Glendon College, fueled by a deep-seated passion for the French language and an understanding that true comprehension extends beyond grammar and writing to embrace the rich tapestry of cultural narratives that shape its use.

鈥淭eaching a language not only requires the ability to speak, read, and write the language, but also to understand the contexts and cultures in which it is used,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd what better way to get this experience than going abroad to France!鈥� Driven by this conviction, Liam embarked on a remarkable journey that would take him from the historic battlegrounds of Vimy in France to the lecture halls of Sciences Po Paris, and eventually, to the University of Oxford.

The leap into international waters was motivated by Liam's desire to fully immerse himself in the French language and culture, grounding his theoretical knowledge in lived experiences. Securing a position as a tour guide at Canada's National War Memorial at Vimy, Liam found himself at the intersection of education, history, and personal growth. This government-supported role not only provided a platform for professional development but also served as a gateway to the authentic exploration of French cultural life. 鈥淚t was my first time living abroad, and gave me the chance to immerse myself in French culture through work, life and travel,鈥� he says.

During his time at 91亚色, Liam鈥檚 professors played a pivotal role in his journey, encouraging him to explore international avenues while nurturing his love for French language and culture. Their support was crucial as Liam pursued a dual Master's Degree at Sciences Po Paris and the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto. Spending a year in Paris, Liam's academic and professional horizons expanded, culminating in an internship at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) where he did work focusing on education policy. "Transitioning from teaching French as a Second Language to engaging with international education policy, broadened my professional scope,鈥� he notes.

Liam's international experiences were marked by significant achievements, notably the extensive network of friends and professionals he developed. This network, spanning several countries, started to emerge from his time in Arras in 2017, providing a valuable professional and personal support system. 鈥淚 got to experience the joys of living in a small French town, having drinks on the town square, visiting the shops, and enjoying the scenic side of the country,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t was also centrally located which made it easier to travel to neighbouring cities like Lille and Brussels.鈥� His academic success, highlighted by completing his dual master's degree and securing multiple scholarships, formalized his expertise in international education.

Now at the University of Oxford for his doctorate, Liam investigates how educators form professional networks, inspired by his OECD work and the diverse education systems he encountered. Teaching in UK schools has further enriched his research, underscoring the value of his global experiences. 鈥淎ll this to say, without my international experience, I never would have had the inspiration to apply, and the qualifications to get into Oxford,鈥� he affirms.

Liam stresses the importance of international experiences for early-career educators. 鈥淭hese experiences are vital for understanding and engaging with the varied student populations educators encounter,鈥� he says. 鈥淓ducation - what it means and how it is structured and practiced - is different all over the world. It takes on its own national and local character, and is shaped by trends from all over the world. To only know what education looks like in one place is not sufficient for educators, who must take a step back and critically reflect on their own practice and experiences,鈥� he adds.

To 91亚色 students interested in international education and exchange opportunities abroad, Liam's message is clear: "Just go for it despite any potential hesitations that you may have鈥攂e it funding, family commitments, or fear of the unknown鈥攖he personal and professional growth that such experiences bring is invaluable to both your personal and professional growth鈥�. 鈥淵ou will miss your family and friends, but they will be fine, and even more appreciative of the time you will give them and the experiences you will share when you are back,鈥� he continues. 鈥淎nd the whole point of going abroad is to meet new people and make friends for life. Be optimistic. You will have a successful career as an educator, and this opportunity will make it all the more enriching.鈥�

Liam's path clearly showcases the fulfilling nature of international experiences. "You never know who you will meet abroad, and how they may change or help you redirect your life," he muses, reflecting on the many connections and opportunities that have shaped his path鈥攆rom chance encounters that led to professional ventures, to the cultural and social explorations that broadened his worldview. Chief among these serendipities, perhaps, was meeting his partner in the UK, a personal milestone that underscores the boundless possibilities that await when one embraces the adventure of studying abroad.

Article by Dennis Bayazitov special contributing writer

The post Education alumnus enhances French language skills through international exchange to France appeared first on Faculty of Education.

New Ontario rules to deny private colleges international students will wipe out their partnerships, killing jobs and ending a lucrative source of income for public colleges, experts and advocates say.

Faculty of Education Associate Professor Roopa Trilokekar who specializes in the internationalization of education at 91亚色, weighs in on the new Ontario student-visa rules which will deny private colleges international students, wipe out their partnerships, and kill jobs. Trilokekar said the federal cap and provincial allocation of the study permits don't address the crux of the problem 鈥� the sector's addiction to foreign students. "The biggest issue we have in Canada is the funding of post-secondary education," said聽Trilokekar.聽

Read the full article on the .

The post In the media: Ontario's public colleges will be hammered by new international student visa rules 鈥� and the Ford government needs to act, critics warn appeared first on Faculty of Education.

In the summer of 2011, Rubecca Lui (BEd '13, MEd '15) embarked on a transformative journey through her time abroad in 91亚色's Faculty of Education鈥檚 Bachelor of Education program. Motivated by an interest to broaden educational perspectives, Rubecca opted for the road less traveled鈥攁n exchange program with P盲dagogische Hochschule Freiburg in Germany, facilitated by the Faculty of Education鈥檚 international education program. The objective was not merely learning, but rather immersive engagement with diverse teaching methodologies from around the world.

"My decision to pursue education through this program at 91亚色 was fueled by the anticipation that it would not only enhance my academic perspective but also contribute significantly to my professional development,鈥� Lui says, 鈥淚 was eager to step out of my comfort zone, explore diverse teaching methodologies, and engage with a global community of educators."

Driving this international education experience were collaboration and community. Lui found herself amidst a diverse cohort of like-minded individuals, guiding mentors, and her instructors. There, collaboration was not only encouraged; it constituted the heart of the experience. Imagine exchanging insights with fellow students from disparate corners of the globe鈥攁n eclectic confluence of ideas, cultural nuances, and a collective journey of learning.

"During my time abroad, my primary collaborators were my fellow students at the partner university and the instructors who guided our educational journey. Interacting with a diverse group of international peers allowed for a rich exchange of ideas, perspectives, and cultural insights,鈥� she says.

It was at P盲dagogische Hochschule Freiburg where her academic immersion would truly unfold. There, lecture halls resonated with global wisdom, workshops bustled as canvases of shared experiences, and collaboration with fellow students provided a panoramic view of German teaching methodologies.

"The majority of my learning during my international education experience took place at P盲dagogische Hochschule Freiburg.鈥� Lui mentions. 鈥淭his institution served as the primary venue for my academic pursuits, where I attended lectures, participated in workshops, and collaborated with fellow students, offering a comprehensive immersion into German teaching methodologies."

Amidst the academic crescendo, personal milestones emerged. One notable achievement was the evolving connection with a roommate in Freiburg, Germany. Overcoming language barriers showcased the magic of cross-cultural connections and personal growth.

Fast forward to the present, and Rubecca finds herself navigating the intricacies of the public sector. Today, her enthusiasm for learning and adaptability, nurtured during the journey, has evolved and branched out into different realms. In working as an administrative assistant in the public sector, her exposure to diverse cultures has proven invaluable in navigating the complexities of a multicultural workspace.

"Although my current role doesn't directly relate to my teaching degree, I've found that my enthusiasm for learning and my eagerness to acquire new skills easily transfer across different areas,鈥� she notes.

Zooming out, the potential of going abroad with 91亚色 becomes apparent. Its value extends beyond just an educational program; it is a global rendezvous鈥攁n opportunity to explore, connect, and cultivate personal and professional growth beyond borders.

"Taking my education abroad with 91亚色 brings great value to education professionals,鈥� Lui says. 鈥淚t's a chance to explore new ideas, meet diverse people, and understand learning from different perspectives."

And for those sitting at the edge of possibility, contemplating a career into the world of education, Rubecca offers a direct recommandation鈥攖ake the leap! Embrace the unknown, and let the skills acquired pleasantly surprise. The journey, as she attests, unfolds where the real experience abroad happens.

"Go for it!鈥� She says. 鈥淵ou won't know until you try, and the skills you gain are really valuable. If it interests you, give it a shot鈥攜ou might be surprised at what you can achieve."

The post Transformative Education: The Gems of Studying Abroad in Germany appeared first on Faculty of Education.

In January, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced new restrictions on international education in Canada, including cuts to spousal work permits for certain international students and a 35 per cent reduction in the number of study permits issued. These cuts are especially pronounced in Ontario, which expects to see a 50 per cent reduction in study permits.

In January, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced new restrictions on international education in Canada, including cuts to spousal work permits for certain international students and a 35 per cent reduction in the number of study permits issued. These cuts are especially pronounced in Ontario, which expects to see a 50 per cent reduction in study permits.

But how did we get here? And how can the province move forward? TVO Today speaks with Roopa Trilokekar, an associate professor in the Faculty of Education at 91亚色 who focuses on government policy in international education, about the reasons for the announcement, how students might be affected 鈥� and what comes next.

Read the full article on the .

The post In the media: 鈥楬ave to be hard questions鈥�: An education expert on Canada鈥檚 approach to international students appeared first on Faculty of Education.

This talk chronicles the origins, launch, and impact of 8 innovative colleges/universities in Africa, Asia, Middle East, and North America, describing the combination of intellectual courage, entrepreneurial audacity, and adaptive leadership needed to invent educational institutions today. Their experiences offer lessons for future founders of new universities鈥揳nd for those who want to renew and rejuvenate existing ones.

Join participants:

Speaker:
Noah Pickus - Associate Provost & Dean for Academic Strategy and Learning Innovation (Duke Kunshan University)

Discussant:
Lisa Philipps - Provost & Vice-President Academic, 91亚色

Organizer & Chair:
Qiang Zha - Associate Professor, Faculty of Education (91亚色); Chair | Interim Director, 91亚色 Centre for Asian Research (91亚色)

The post The New Global Universities: Reinventing Education in the 21st Century appeared first on Faculty of Education.

By &苍产蝉辫;鈥�&苍产蝉辫;Published 

On September 18, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the Canadian government was investigating  of a link between India鈥檚 government and the assassination of  in Surrey, B.C, on June 18. The Indian government had previously accused Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, of leading a militant group called the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). 

In response to these allegations, the Indian government  for Canadian citizens, and both India and Canada have ordered some of the others鈥� diplomats to withdraw. 

Many Indian students on campus face increasing uncertainty about how the diplomatic standoff will affect their futures. Additionally,  that the travel advisories issued by both nations could affect the number of aspiring international students from India who seek higher education in Canada.  

In an interview with , Roopa Desai Trilokekar 鈥� a professor of education at 91亚色 鈥� said that the diplomatic tensions could cause a 鈥渄ip鈥� in the number of Indian student applicants. She said their repercussions would depend on the 鈥渙fficial stances鈥� either government takes. 

Read the full article on website.

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Join us for an information session to learn more about the Faculty of Education's Partnership with PH Freiburg in Germany and the student and faculty exchange opportunities that are available through this partnership. Presenters at the session will be Verena Bodenbender (Director of the International聽 Office at PH Freiburg, Germany) and Natalia Balyasnikova (Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, 91亚色).

All are welcome to attend.

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