Asia-Pacific Archives - Global Engagement

91��ɫ joins Canada Learning Initiative in China (CLIC)

amaav — Wed, 06 May 2026 13:05:34 +0000

91��ɫ is thrilled to have joined the Canada Learning Initiative in China (CLIC)!

A national consortium of a dozen leading Canadian universities, CLIC will further advance 91��ɫ's academic connection with China by providing funding opportunities and programs for our students to study abroad at Chinese higher education institutions. 91��ɫ currently has over 50 active partnerships with China, and by joining CLIC, 91��ɫ students have greater opportunity to travel and collaboration.

91��ɫ hopes to send its first student to China through participation with CLIC in Fall 2026 - to our valued partner Fudan University.

Take advantage of the opportunity at 91��ɫ

Dr. Douglas Proctor, Assistant Vice President Global Engagement & Partnerships

"91��ɫ is excited to join the Canada Learning Initiative in China (CLIC) consortium," announces Douglas Proctor, Assistant Vice President Global Engagement & Partnerships. "By providing Canadian students with funding to engage in transformative international experiences that enhance their academic, cultural, and professional development, members of the CLIC consortium reflect a shared commitment to academic excellence and global engagement. The consortium also plays a vital role in strengthening enduring academic partnerships between Canadian and Chinese institutions, fostering mutual understanding and collaborative scholarship through high-impact study and research opportunities in China. 91��ɫ is honoured to join this national initiative and looks forward to contributing to its continued success."

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91��ɫ U alumni couple supports global experiential learning through transformational gift

amaav — Sat, 31 May 2025 00:37:00 +0000

91��ɫ alumni Paulina Lau (BSc '81, mathematics) and Hian Siang Chan (BA '80, economics) have pledged an additional $1 million to sustain and expand the Paulina Lau Scholars Program, empowering the University to extend funding for students seeking experiential learning opportunities on the global stage.

The new gift builds on the family’s earlier donation, which first launched the program in Fall 2022. The program provides financial support to 91��ɫ students pursuing experiential learning opportunities globally, such as international internships, academic exchanges, research placements and conferences.

Through this program, the family aims to open doors for the next generation of global citizens. Lau and Chan first met as international students at 91��ɫ, where they forged lifelong friendships and a shared passion for learning across cultures. Because this formative experience shaped their own paths, they are passionate about giving more students the chance to embark on the same journey.

91��ɫ alumni Hian Siang Chan and Paulina Lau with Samia Zaman, a recipient of the 2024 Paulina Lau Scholars Program

“We know first‑hand how global learning opportunities can build resilience and creativity,” says Chan, CEO and executive director of Singapore‑based SP Chemicals Pte. Ltd. “When students go beyond their familiar surroundings, they learn to adapt and rise to bigger challenges. These qualities are essential to navigate our increasingly complex world, and there is no better way to gain them other than global immersion.”

Lau adds, “In the last three years, some exceptional students have gone on their own learning adventures through our program. It was delightful to watch their transformation, and I am very excited to see how many more bright minds will benefit from our program.”

Since 2022, the Paulina Lau Scholars Program has enabled 24 students to explore experiential learning opportunities in 20 institutions across 14 countries. From internships at NASA, to language training for diplomatic careers, to research on democratic systems, these scholars have gained a wealth of learning – none of which would have been possible without the couple’s generous support.

“Paulina and Hian’s generosity exemplifies how alumni partnerships can spark profound learning journeys,” says Susana Gajic-Bruyea, vice-president, advancement at 91��ɫ. “Their gift is a testament to the transformative power of philanthropy and the enduring connection our alumni share with 91��ɫ.”

Through this landmark gift, Lau and Chan reaffirm their belief that global learning is not a luxury, but a unique component of a 91��ɫ education and a cornerstone for positive change in an interconnected world.

Learn more about the and how to support global learning opportunities at 91��ɫ.

Originally published in YFile.

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New programs bridge career readiness gap, promote inclusion for Asian Canadian communities

amaav — Sat, 24 May 2025 01:02:00 +0000

Two major initiatives aimed at supporting Asian Canadian communities will launch this month at 91��ɫ through the Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP).

A unit of the 91��ɫ Centre for Asian Research (YCAR), ABMP provides professional development and management training to officials and professionals from across Asia. It also offers career experience programs for Asian students studying at home and abroad, while actively collaborating with Asian Canadian communities to support their growth and success.

The launch of these programs – which are designed to empower and uplift Asian Canadian communities – aligns with Asian Heritage Month and also marks the ABMP’s 25-year milestone.

Sponsored by RBC, the Career|Fit Professional Experience Programs (running June to August 2025) offers Asian-identifying undergraduate students (ages 18 to 25) the opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience and develop essential career skills. Open to students at no cost, the programs bridge academic learning with real-world applications through experiential projects supervised by industry leaders from Fortune 500 companies.

“We are committed to helping young Asian leaders unlock their potential,” says Elena Caprioni, ABMP’s program director. “Career|Fit not only equips students with practical skills but also helps them explore career pathways and build confidence as they navigate their futures.”

The second initiative, which runs in partnership with NorthStar Special Needs Society, will present a series of workshops and panel discussions during National Accessibility Week, May 25 to 31. is an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the experiences of individuals with disabilities in Asian-Canadian communities, reducing stigma through education and open dialogue and fostering inclusion by celebrating the contributions and potential of all community members.

“This collaboration reflects our broader mission of inclusivity and engagement,” Caprioni says. “By supporting the diverse needs of the Asian Canadian community, we aim to create a more connected and equitable society.”

These initiatives are emblematic of ABMP’s ability to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of the communities, adds Caprioni. From partnering with local not-for-profit organizations to creating innovative programs for youth and newcomers, ABMP’s impact continues to expand beyond its original vision.

Since its establishment in 2000, ABMP has worked to foster cross-cultural understanding and professional development between Canada and Asia training more than 10,000 educators, officials, faculty and students from Asia, says Bernie Frolic, ABMP executive director.

“As we celebrate 25 years, it’s inspiring to reflect on the bridges we’ve built between Canada and Asia,” says Frolic. “These new initiatives reaffirm our commitment to fostering understanding and creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation.”

With files from Elena Caprioni

Originally published in YFile. ��

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91��ɫ to train next generation of climate ambassadors

amaav — Tue, 20 May 2025 12:43:15 +0000

91��ɫ will offer funding from the highly competitive Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships (QES) program to students and researchers from 91��ɫ, as well as partner universities in Costa Rica, Ghana and the Philippines to tackle issues at the intersection of climate change and human population displacement.

The highly competitive QES program was established in 2012 and is managed through a partnership between Universities Canada, the Rideau Hall Foundation and Canadian post-secondary institutions. To date, more than 2,600 scholars from Canada and around the world have received the award.

91��ɫ’s project, titled the , will direct scholarships valued at up to $10,000 to send 12 91��ɫ students overseas and welcome 10 international scholars to 91��ɫ over the next three years.

Professor Ali Asgary, director of CIFAL and executive director of the Advanced Disaster, Emergency and Rapid Response Simulation Lab, is academic lead for the QES project and says he is hopeful the program will inspire students to continue working in a field that needs fresh ideas and dedication.

Ali Asgary

“91��ɫ students will have the opportunity to visit places where they can make connections with what they are studying firsthand and get to know the challenges and complexities of these situations. They will be able to network with policymakers and researchers in other countries, and because the focus is interdisciplinary, they will get to know researchers in both climate change and population displacement.”

Additionally, scholars visiting 91��ɫ will provide invaluable insights to the University community on how they address these challenges in their countries, which can help inform how Canadians tackle climate change at home.

With these goals in mind, Asgary and 91��ɫ’s former assistant vice-president Global Engagement and Partnerships Vinitha Gengatharan, whose team is supporting the QES project, sought expert partners to bring the diverse expertise and perspectives required for this multi-continental project. At 91��ɫ, the new project brings together faculty leaders from 91��ɫ Emergency Mitigation, Engagement, Response and Governance Institute (Y-MERGE), 91��ɫ’s Las Nubes campus in Costa Rica, the Centre for Refugee Studies, the and the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.

International partners were chosen from countries specifically impacted by climate change and displacement, and include the University of Costa Rica, University of Ghana, the University of Cape Coast (Ghana), the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration and the University of the Philippines.

United Nations Institute for Training and Research’s (UNITAR), CIFAL, the Global Water Academy and Learning for a Sustainable Future, a Toronto-based NGO, are also among the external collaborators.

Amir Asif, vice-president, research and innovation, says the new scholarly exchange reflects 91��ɫ’s continued focus on advancing partnerships for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 91��ɫ’s global partners on this project carry out compelling climate and human displacement-related research which complements the University’s strengths and Canada’s climate diplomacy initiatives.

Amir Asif

“We hope that through the QES, we will provide youth from Canada and around the world with unique opportunities to gain new perspectives from beyond their labs,” he says, adding that addressing climate justice is essential to reduce growing social inequities. “Future generations will need to have more empathy and stronger cross-cultural understanding. This is important to make difficult compromises and design effective climate policies that garner global consensus. It’s easy to talk about inequities without understanding what inequity looks like, in a different cultural and geographical context.”

In this project, 91��ɫ students attending the University of Cape Coast will have the opportunity to learn from the legacy of the transatlantic slavery at Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness how the industrialized West continues to have an impact on the lives of coastal communities in Africa by contributing to rising sea levels.

Asgary notes the project will help move the global goals forward. “This is hugely important for our future. Climate change has introduced a lot of forced or semi-forced displacement and may worsen in years to come," he says.

With files from Suzanne Bowness

Originally published on YFile.

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Unique 91��ɫ U initiative mentors Indian and Canadian students with entrepreneurial drive

amaav — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:15:00 +0000

By Gloria Suhasini

With public and private partnerships in both countries, Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the Schulich School of Business runs Together Mission, making startup dreams come true for several students and recent grads since 2021

91��ɫ’s Schulich School of Business successfully concluded the fifth edition of its Together Mission, recently. More than 150 students from India and Canada participated in the unique mentoring and venture pitching competition.

A deep tech company that’s focused on transforming crop waste into sustainable carbon, a patented reusable LED bulb with replaceable cartridge, and a painless testing technology to detect oral cancer, were among the top six startups competing in the , following a weeklong rigorous bootcamp.

After much deliberation, the judges announced ProtonCraft, a patent-pending electrolyzer as this year’s winner of the highly successful initiative that shapes the next generation of entrepreneurs emerging from Indian universities and Schulich’s graduate programs.

Dubbed as Together 5.0 this year, the global initiative by Schulich School in partnership with Government of India’s and the Consulate General of India in Toronto, and the City of Toronto, brought together multinational organizations, leading entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and investors from Canada and India to mentor participating student teams.

“Canada and India are natural partners. We share a commitment to pluralism and to excellence in education and innovation,” said 91��ɫ’s President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton, at the launch event, noting that she visited India last year, to explore research, entrepreneurship and education collaboration across the country. “It's fundamental to strengthening the well-being of the communities that we serve. This shared sense of purpose binds our present and our future.”

Schulich��Adjunct Professor Chris Carder, the person behind this innovative initiative also spoke about his visit to India earlier, during which time he presented the idea of a startup bridge between 91��ɫ and the Indian innovation economy to Schulich’s India Advisory Board members, including�� Mr. Ratan Tata.��, Carder recalled that the late Indian businessman and philanthropist expressed keen interest in seeing the initiative takeoff.

Lokesh Goswami, a past winner of the venture competition shared his experience as an engineer-turned entrepreneur. The co-founder and chief technical officer of Angirus, an innovative company that takes pride in its product, wricks, developed as an eco-friendly and sustainable technology to make waterproof bricks using 100 percent recycled waste material. He highlighted how his team made of only students who were trying their hands on entrepreneurship by participating in the pitching competition and “got a trailer of a whole startup” journey by the end of Together 2021. He also offered several tips to current participants ahead of the competition, asking them to have an open mindset and be willing to share their venture ideas with mentors for best results.

“With this year’s theme-based solutions, we aimed to improve people’s lives while addressing areas of national and global importance,” pointed out Carder, who is also the executive director of the Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and co-director of Entrepreneurial studies at Schulich. “Increasing access to the global startup ecosystem through coaching and mentorship sessions by industry leaders, plus offering these young entrepreneurs with feedback from judges during the competition were key parts of this year’s program.”

While the startups are founded by Indian students, Schulich MBA students are trained by Schulich Instructor Cherry Rose Tan and Carder himself, to guide Indian students on how to design commercialization strategies and express their concepts to investors.

Students from sectors including e-mobility, environment and energy, health care, income security and fintech, food and agriculture, telecommunications, textiles and education were among this year’s participants. Aside from learning to be efficient entrepreneurs, participants from both countries also had the opportunity to make new lifetime connections and perhaps collaborate in the future.

Originally published in News@91��ɫ

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Filipino Canadian trailblazers share experiences of success and overcoming obstacles

amaav — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 19:37:00 +0000

By Gloria Suhasini

91��ɫ and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto hosted the public forum and a reception to mark 75 years of diplomatic relationship between Canada and the Philippines

From academics to laypersons, more than 100 Filipinos from all walks of life gathered at 91��ɫ recently, to attend a public forum on achievements and challenges that are unique to members of the diaspora in Canada.

The panel discussion followed by a reception was facilitated by 91��ɫ and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, marking the 75th anniversary of Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations.

The turnout for the October 28 event at 91��ɫ’s Tribute Communities Recital Hall indicated attendees’ interest in learning more about their own community, while taking it as an opportunity to meet fellow diaspora members, even though it was a weekday.

Welcoming the guests and panelists, immediate past Provost and Vice-President Academic Lisa Phillips noted that as an academic institution, diversity and inclusion are 91��ɫ’s core values and that through teaching, research and community-engagement activities, the University is embracing differing perspectives and fostering global fluencies and cross-cultural knowledges. “Through global partnerships on shared goals and values, 91��ɫ is committed to addressing global challenges and supporting a more inclusive and sustainable planet for all.”

The event concluded with a reception, where community members also had an opportunity to meet with diplomats and panellists and share with them personal experiences in an informal setting.

In her remarks, Philippine Consul General Angelica Escalona said, “Many Filipinos I met since I arrived here told me that their migration experience to Canada was not easy. But migrating to another land is never easy. It takes hard work, adapting to a new culture and way of life, learning new knowledge, skills and possibly another language, as well as personal and financial sacrifices. But most of all, it is a commitment … a commitment to a better future. A commitment to contribute to Canadian society. I am happy that even though their start was not easy, many Filipinos in Canada eventually became successful. Others, whose parents were Filipino migrants, also became very successful.”

Titled “Public Forum on the Filipino Diaspora in Canada: Celebrating Successes and Addressing Persistent Challenges,” the panel of Filipino and Filipino-Canadian leaders and changemakers shared their thoughts on the success of Filipino professionals in Canada and the barriers that persist.

Panellists – Manitoba Senator Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler; Justice Steve A. Coroza, Court of Appeal for Ontario Professor Glenda Bonifacio, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Lakehead University and Dance Professor Patrick Alcedo, School of Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD), also highlighted contributions for the diaspora members in academia, politics, arts, culture and society. Professor Philip Kelly, Associate Dean for Research, Graduate & Global Affairs moderated the panel, while Assistant Professor Marissa Largo, Visual Art and Art History, AMPD served as the emcee for the evening.

From left: 91��ɫ U Dance Professor Patrick Alcedo, School of Arts, Media, Performance and Design; Professor Glenda Bonifacio, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Lakehead University; Manitoba Senator Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler; and Professor Philip Kelly, and Associate Dean for Research, Graduate & Global Affairs.

“Tonight’s discussion, led by our speakers and panellists has given us much to think about. Hopefully, the points raised will form a springboard from which we can build platforms and programs for action, to make policies that are responsive to building better communities for our community here,” said Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, addressing the audiences.

The Philippine Studies Group at 91��ɫ Centre for Asian Studies organized the public event with the support of 91��ɫ International, which leads the University’s global engagement initiatives and partnerships.

In her remarks closing the event, Associate Vice President Vinitha Gengatharan at 91��ɫ International said that the challenges overcame by the panellists resonated with many, including herself, who immigrated to Canada at an early age. “We learned so much from your insights and experiences as you navigated your careers and professions enriched by the unique cultures, systems, and contexts of both Canada and the Philippines.

The event concluded with a reception, where community members also had an opportunity to meet with diplomats and panellists and share with them personal experiences in an informal setting.

Speaking to OMNI Television’s Paula Saraza during the reception, Philipps said there is a strong representation of Filipino students at 91��ɫ. “We're very proud to have more than 400 Filipino heritage students here at 91��ɫ… some have come directly from the Philippines. That number has been growing and we hope to see it grow further.”

In the same , Consul General Escalona pointed out that it’s an excellent time to highlight the fact that the Canada-Philippines relationship is the strong people-to-people linkages. “What we actually want to see is, more Filipino Canadian leaders. More Filipino Canadian trailblazers.”

Originally published in News@91��ɫ.

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91��ɫ lauds Ratan Tata’s role in strengthening India-Canada relations through education��

amaav — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:31:00 +0000

By Gloria Suhasini

As tributes pour in from around the world following the passing of��Ratan Tata passing, the University is lauding the global visionary’s contributions to internationalization of education.
Tata has played a significant role in strengthening India-Canada relations not only through business operations in Canada, but also as a regular contributor to the higher-education sector, maintaining ties with universities, including offering motivational lectures and master classes to business students.

Ratan Tata (left) and industrialist GM Rao, right, outside 91��ɫ’s Hyderabad Campus, ten years ago

Tata forged a relationship that served as a guiding force in establishing its business school in India. “91��ɫ community is deeply saddened by the passing of the extraordinary global icon and an esteemed friend to 91��ɫ,” said Vinitha Gengatharan, Assistant Vice-President, Global Engagement & Partnerships at 91��ɫ International, paying tribute to the legendary businessman and philanthropist. “His tremendous support helped shape our Hyderabad Campus will be cherished.”

Tata was a founding member of 91��ɫ’s India Advisory Council announced during opening of the University’s Hyderabad Campus in September 2014. Earlier that year, Tata was recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Laws by 91��ɫ.

, he said: “I had no idea that this university and this business school … moved beyond the shores of Canada to reflect the internationality of the world we live in.” He added, “Just remember that there are millions of people who are less fortunate than you are and that hopefully of the achievement you will make in your life will be making a difference.”

At the ceremony, Dezso J. Horvath, then dean of the Schulich School of Business, praised Tata as one of the great architects of modern India and a global visionary in business.

Then dean of Schulich School of Business congratulating iconic global industrialist Ratan Tata upon receiving Honorary Doctor of Laws from 91��ɫ in 2014

Horvath noted that Tata embodies core values taught at the business school – a global mindset, commitment to excellence and innovation, as well as a resolute belief that business can improve society.

Gengatharan also notes that Tata’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility echoed and inspired 91��ɫ’s own.

Originally published in New@91��ɫ.

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President Rhonda Lenton welcomes international students to 91��ɫ

amaav — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 15:41:00 +0000

By Gloria Suhasini

New and returning students enjoy a meet and greet with the University president, foreign diplomats and peers

“From the very first day I stepped on the 91��ɫ campus, what I found most appealing was the mix of students from all over the world! This led to new friendships and connections which continue to make my university experience even more rewarding.” said Damor McQueen, a fourth-year political science student from Jamaica, speaking at the President’s International Student Reception on September 25.

The Student Success Mentor Lead in the Black Excellence at 91��ɫ program urged his peers to build new connections and get involved in academic and extracurricular activities to make the be best of “this once in a lifetime opportunity being presented to you.” He cited his own experience volunteering last year at the��Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences��hosted by 91��ɫ that led to his current work/study student opportunity.��

President Rhonda Lenton with recipients of the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence, awarded to high school applicants around the world, who are entering their first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at the university

91��ɫ continues to attract students like McQueen from around the world, who join the community with great enthusiasm to receive worldclass education — often work-integrated — in their chosen field, be that in the arts, science, technology or engineering.

To make high quality university education accessible, 91��ɫ offers several . One such scholarship is the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence, awarded to high school applicants around the world, who are entering their first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at the university. Another scholarship popular among international students is the Tentanda Via Award. Named after 91��ɫ’s motto “The Way Must Be Tried,” it assists undergraduate students who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming significant personal barriers in the pursuit of a university education and progressive changemakers committed to sustainable development.

Other scholarships available for international students include Daughters for Life, the Global Leader of Tomorrow Award, and Mitacs Internships and Awards. Several��attended the president's reception. For additional information, students are encouraged to visit 91��ɫ’s��Global Engagement��website.

“While it is our intention to support you in your academic journey, you also bring a wealth of insights and strengths to 91��ɫ," President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton told the student audiences. “We are thrilled that you chose us, and we look forward to what we will accomplish together. Please remember that nothing is more important than your well-being and health and we have many student services to support you.”

The event organized by was also attended by China’s Education Counsels Renzhu Li and Wenjin Han; India’s Consul (Commerce & Political) Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh; and the Philippine Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate and Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague.

These diplomatic representatives to Canada were not only present to celebrate their respective country’s highly talented students, but also to assure support in their new country of temporary residence. “We wish them the very best in their courses of study,” said Singh. “The Indian Consulate remains at disposal for welfare and well-being of all Indian international students in Canada.”

Philippine Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, second from left, and Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, right, were among the foreign diplomats in attendance

Diplomats were also on hand to speak to the students during the networking hour, a rare opportunity for these outstanding future leaders of the world.

By the end of the event, it was evident that many students had forged enriching new friendships that could last a lifetime, while advancing their education and career aspirations.

Originally published in News@91��ɫ.

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Summer program boosts knowledge exchange, career readiness

amaav — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:21:00 +0000

This summer, 12 Chinese students completed an intensive, three-week program at 91��ɫ called Jumpstart Your Future: A Career Bootcamp for Undergrads. A collaborative effort between 91��ɫ U’s Asian Business & Management Program (ABMP) and the Faculty of Science, the summer program embodied the University’s commitment to a multidisciplinary educational approach. It brought together students from Shandong Second Medical University and Wuxi Taihu University in China, and blended medical and business insights to prepare them for their future careers.

“The boot camp was meticulously designed to build critical soft skills, enhance business knowledge, and equip participants to become competitive applicants for post-secondary education and the job market,” said Elena Caprioni, ABMP program director.

Students engaged in a combination of dynamic lectures, workshops, networking opportunities and group activities with 91��ɫ U students, culminating in a capstone project outlining their career roadmap. A key aspect of the program was a series of visits to prominent local institutions, including RBC, the IBM Canada Software Lab, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and the 91��ɫ Centre for Vision Research, among others.

“These experiences provided invaluable real-world perspectives, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical industry insights,” said Caprioni.

The program not only benefited the visiting students but also enriched the learning experiences of 91��ɫ U students, allowing them to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and broaden their perspectives.

“One of my best memories was hosting a coffee chat that brought together Chinese students with professionals in the medical fields,” said 91��ɫ U student Tien Thuy Hoang, a member of the Global Leaders of 91��ɫ Science volunteer group. “We had a great time exchanging ideas and exploring cultural differences, which made the whole session really special and memorable.”

Hugo Chen, director of international collaborations and partnerships in the Faculty of Science, witnessed the impact of the boot camp on students during their final presentations.

“The program concluded with these bright minds presenting their individual career plans, reminding us of the importance of such initiatives in shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” said Chen. “91��ɫ Science is proud to have played a pivotal role in this transformative educational journey and looks forward to continuing this enriching collaboration, fostering growth and nurturing potential in the generations to come.”

The program’s success in bridging cultural and academic gaps underscores 91��ɫ’s commitment to fostering global knowledge exchange. Looking ahead, ABMP and the Faculty of Science will continue to provide in-person programs that enhance cross-cultural interactions, thereby enriching students’ cultural understanding and academic experience.

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Students gain experiential education in South Korea

amaav — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:37:00 +0000

Fifteen undergraduate students, from across Faculties and disciplines, travelled to South Korea for a Global Political Studies course designed to immerse undergraduates in the history and culture of the country – both academically and experientially.

Each year, students in the course South Korea: The Politics of Youth and Old Age participate in a unique opportunity representative of 91��ɫ’s commitment to experiential education.

Beginning with one week of study at 91��ɫ U’s Keele Campus, students in the course embark on a three-week trip to Seoul, South Korea. There, the students “take advantage of every opportunity to understand, and participate in, Korean society,” notes Professor Thomas Klassen, who teaches the annual course.

This year, in addition to absorbing the culture through visiting museums, palaces and temples, the students learned to cook, watched live shows and a professional baseball game. They also met with staff at the Canadian Embassy in Seoul for a presentation on Canadian diplomacy and the life of diplomats. The course – and trip – concluded with a full-day guided tour to the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. Kavindi Perera, a student in the course, says, “Getting to visit and study in South Korea was a dream come true for me. I was able to learn and experience so much.”

During their visit, students spent two days collaborating with Korean undergraduate students at Chung-Ang University, exchanging knowledge on – and designing solutions to – major social problems in both Canada and Korea. ��

91��ɫ students wearing traditional Korean clothes while visiting a palace.

Each student developed a research project while in Seoul, covering topics such as the K-pop industry, gender inequality, Korean beauty standards, fertility trends, education fever and international relations. Speaking and observing Koreans, seeing local advertisements and clothing, and living in Seoul provided students with a rich knowledge base that would have been impossible to obtain otherwise.��
“I learned enormously by being immersed in Korean culture, politics and society,” says student Alex Singh. “The knowledge I acquired helped me grow as a person and will be an integral part of my university education.”

Another student, Samantha McConnell, says the course was “the greatest and most fun adventure of my academic career.”

Klassen adds, “The students learned more, not only about Korea but about themselves. They returned with a much deeper understanding of the world around them, but also their place in it, and the possibilities they have to make positive changes.”

Originally published in YFile.

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