Jonathan Shaw
Pre-Departure Sessions Prepare Exchange ...

Nova Scotia Developers Event at MSVU

In June, SMU representatives joined colleagues from across the province at the first in-person Nova Scotia Developers event, hosted by Mount Saint Vincent University. The gathering brought together teaching and learning professionals to share ideas, explore inclusive teaching practices, and strengthen connections across institutions.

Sessions included a collaborative workshop on Universal Design for Learning and intercultural teaching competency, as well as a panel discussion featuring diverse perspectives on supporting faculty and students.

Click here to read more.

Innovation and Collaboration: Dr. Claudia De Fuentes at International Staff Week in Croatia

Dr. Claudia De Fuentes of Saint Mary's University recently participated in the International Staff Week at the Faculty of Economics and Tourism "Dr. Mijo Mirković" in Pula, Croatia, from May 26-29, 2025. This event, funded by the European Union's "Erasmus+" International Mobility Program, brought together international scholars to discuss their research, share teaching practices, and discuss potential joint projects.

Dr. De Fuentes delivered a lecture on innovation, entrepreneurship, and rural revitalization. The rest of the program included talks and seminars presented by international scholars from institutions including the University of Kragujevac, Serbia, and the University of Maribor, Slovenia. In addition to the academic sessions, participants had the chance to participate in social activities designed to foster informal networking among participants, including a walking tour of Pula. The city is situated on Croatia’s famed Istrian Peninsula overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and is famed for its Roman ruins, including the Pula Arena, one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters.

If you are a faculty member at Saint Mary’s and interested in participating in an Erasmus+ exchange, please email Miyuki.arai@smu.ca.

Faculty Visit Strengthens International Ties with Polish University

Dr. Rahman Khokhar, Associate Professor of Finance, participated in a productive week-long Erasmus+ visit to Wrocław University of Economics and Business (UEW) in Poland in October 2024. This visit, part of the European Union’s Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Program, aimed to foster international collaboration and enrich the academic experience for both institutions.

During his time at UEW, Dr. Khokhar delivered lectures on "Conducting Research in Finance" and "Working Capital Management" to finance students, offering them insights into Canadian teaching approaches and enhancing their multicultural learning. The visit also included discussions with the International Cooperation Centre Director and the Head of Section Erasmus Institutional Coordinator regarding the future of the partnership.

This engagement builds on an existing relationship with Professor Magdalena Chmielowiec-Lewczuk, Associate Professor and Finance Program Manager at UEW, who previously visited SMU in June 2024. These exchanges are important ways for exploring opportunities for joint research, curriculum development, and future student and faculty exchanges, ultimately benefiting teaching pedagogy and broadening academic perspectives at both universities.

If you are a faculty member at Saint Mary’s and interested in participating in an Erasmus+ exchange, please email Miyuki.arai@smu.ca.

Dr Rahman Khokhar in Wrocław, Poland

Stories to Inspire

Last Friday, a group of exchange students convened with future study abroad participants online to share their experiences of global adventure. This "Stories from Overseas" event, part of a Summer Pre-departure series, offered invaluable firsthand accounts from six recently returned students who had studied in Japan, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Colombia.

Outbound students (heading to Scotland, the Bahamas, and France) along with other Saint Mary's University students curious about international study heard insights from those who had already navigated the challenges and triumphs of living and learning abroad. Rita, Johnny, and Miyuki from the Global Learning Office facilitated this session, which was designed to foster an open dialogue to allow returnees to delve into their unique experiences.

This session allowed for an insightful exchange of information, providing future study abroad students with practical advice and a realistic preview of what to expect. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the returnees, asking questions and sharing their own takeaways from the experience of venturing abroad as part of their degree program as SMU. By connecting past, present, and future global learners, the Global Learning Office continues to foster a supportive community for those embarking on international academic journeys.

Pre-Departure Sessions Prepare Exchange Students for Success

"To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail," goes a quote often (perhaps apocryphally) attributed to Benjamin Franklin that encapsulates the spirit of the pre-departure workshop hosted this week by The Global Learning Office. The session focused on risk management for students participating in international travel and study abroad experiences, underscoring the importance of proactive preparation, not just in anticipating tangible risks, but also in developing the intellectual and emotional resilience necessary for navigating unfamiliar environments and unexpected challenges.

The first part of the workshop focused on an approach that explored how a lack of personal reflection and self-awareness hinders personal growth and rewarding international sojourns. The discussion highlighted how embracing discomfort, fostering critical thinking, and bridging diverse perspectives are essential for resilience, independence, and effective cross-cultural engagement, all vital qualities for a successful study abroad experience.

Later in the session, participants focused on elements of risk management aimed at mitigating harm, loss of property, and legal issues. Various categories of risk associated with international travel were discussed, including security, personal, health, political, environmental, and legal concerns. The session emphasized proactive measures like thorough research, planning for contingencies, and practicing self-advocacy. The Ethical Decision-Making Model and the Study Abroad Code of Conduct were introduced as frameworks to guide students in making responsible choices abroad, with a real-world example illustrating the serious consequences of poor decisions.

Participants in the workshop explore elements of critical thinking

Saint Mary’s Student Darcy Eygun Awarded 2025 3M National Student Fellowship

 

Saint Mary’s University student Darcy Eygun has been named a recipient of the 2025 3M National Student Fellowship, one of only ten students selected nationwide for this prestigious honour.

Presented by 3M Canada and the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE), the fellowship recognizes full-time undergraduate and diploma students who demonstrate outstanding leadership and a commitment to transforming education in ways that enrich both academic and community life.

A third-year Honours Political Science student with minors in Global Development Studies and Philosophy, Darcy’s academic and community engagement spans language education, social justice advocacy, and international policy research. He teaches French part-time with the Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial (CSAP), delivering inclusive language instruction to more than 600 students and developing culturally responsive lesson plans in collaboration with educators at École Mer et Monde.

“It’s an honour to be named a 3M National Student Fellow,” said Darcy. “More than recognition, the award affirms education as a catalyst for empowerment, connection, and justice. It reflects a commitment to leadership, community engagement and transformative learning—principles that guide my academic and public work."

“Having grown up navigating learning differences and linguistic barriers, I often felt out of place in traditional classrooms,” Darcy added. “Thanks to inclusive learning spaces, strong mentorship, and creative approaches to teaching, I not only found a way forward but also a deep sense of purpose in helping others do the same.”

Darcy’s academic journey includes leading Fair Trade initiatives on campus, conducting field research in post-conflict Colombia and The Gambia, and participating in the NATO Field School. He recently completed his Honours thesis, Extracting Profit, Exporting Harm: Canadian Mining and the Capitalist State in Ecuador, which explores how Canadian institutions facilitate extractive industry interests abroad.

“Education gave me the tools to overcome adversity, and now I’m committed to ensuring others have the same opportunity,” Darcy emphasized. “Whether in classrooms, communities, or global policy spaces, I’ll continue to champion education as a force for empowerment, interconnection, and justice.”

The 3M National Student Fellowship has been awarded annually since 2012 and is one of the highest honours for undergraduate students in Canada. Recipients each receive a $5,000 award and an invitation to attend the STLHE Annual Conference, which will be hosted this year in Saskatoon, SK, at TCU Place.

Darcy also expressed appreciation for the support he received throughout the fellowship application process.

“I’m especially grateful to Dr. Gavin Fridell, Jonathan Shaw from The Studio, and the CSAP for their continued support,” he said.

As part of his application journey, Darcy worked closely with the Scholars Academy, an initiative of Saint Mary’s Studio for Teaching and Learning that supports high-achieving students as they pursue prestigious scholarships and fellowships. Through personalized mentorship and academic advising, the program helps students apply for highly competitive opportunities such as the 3M National Student Fellowship, the McCall MacBain Scholarship, and the Rhodes Program at Oxford.

To learn more, visit: studio.smu.ca/scholars-academy

Celebrating the Success of the Global Skills Opportunity Program

Although it was organized to mark the end of the program, this week’s Global Learning Opportunities (GSO) Celebration was just that: a celebration of the tremendous success of a groundbreaking international student mobility and intercultural initiative at Saint Mary’s University. 

In 2021 and 2022, the Studio’s Office of Global Learning and Intercultural Support was awarded GSO funding totaling just over $875,000 to support student mobility and innovative practices under the Federal Government’s five-year International Education Strategy (2019-2024). The successful funding application, led by Miyuki Arai, proposed responding to the pervasive gap in international mobility opportunities for all Canadian undergraduate students but especially Indigenous students, low-income students, and students with disabilities. “It’s always wonderful to see our students take their studies to all corners of the world, but tonight I’m reminded that over the past four years we’ve been able to support many students for whom international exchanges would otherwise have been out of reach,” said Miyuki. Indeed, more than 70% of the grant funding directly supported students from these backgrounds who traveled to some of Saint Mary’s 130+ partner universities around the globe and beyond. 

The GSO Celebration included a Student Expo featuring a dozen interactive presentations hosted by students who benefitted from GSO funding. Many of the visitors from the university community in attendance were students considering future study abroad options, so they had the chance to speak directly with peers and hear about study programs in South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Complementing the student presentations, representatives from Saint Mary’s Career & Experiential Learning Office were in attendance to describe how students can use what they learn on international learning programs to open new doors upon their return to Canada. And finally, Dr Cathy Conrad and Prof Greg Baker (still feeling the effects of jet lag after a long journey home from West Africa) brought the evening to a close with a lively presentation describing their latest highly successful field school in The Gambia, supported in part by GSO funding. 

The GSO projects could not have been possible without the support of a dedicated team of GSO ambassadors. They facilitated many activities and workshops to provide wraparound supports for GSO awardees in all stages of international learning. They themselves were on their own intercultural learning journeys through their involvement in GSO and cultivated much needed skills and competencies in the area of leadership, cross-cultural communication, teamwork, problem solving, empathy and more. 

The journey from writing the grant proposal to celebrating the life-changing opportunities it brought to so many Saint Mary’s students was a long one, and the challenges of administering this program were formidable. For this reason, the roaring applause in appreciation for the vision and dedication of Miyuki Arai were well deserved! 

To learn more about the GSO program and its legacy at SMU, please visit our website. 

This Project was funded by the Government of Canada through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Photo Highlights: GSO Celebration

2025 UArctic Webinar Series

The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is pleased to invite you to register for the 2025 UArctic Webinar Series, designed to explore key issues affecting the Arctic and Northern communities. As a network of universities, colleges, research institutes, and other organizations UArctic supports collaboration for education and research in and about the North. This Webinar Series will bring together experts, researchers, and community leaders to discuss leadership, education, economic development, and health in the Arctic.

Webinar Series Schedule:

Youth Leadership in the Arctic – [REGISTER HERE]

📅 March 5, 2025 | 🕑 2:00 PM NST

·       The role of youth in Arctic governance, climate action, and cultural preservation.

·       Challenges and opportunities for young leaders in the North.

·       Success stories of youth-led initiatives.

Moderator:             Laura Bass, Memorial University (Climate Collective)

Panelists:               Taya Tootoo, Executive Director at the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation

Linda Kristiansen, Professional in Indigenous Affairs at the Arctic Circle Secretariat, and Student Representant at the UArctic Board.

Viljo Vuorimäki, Chair of the LYY - The Student Union of the University of Lapland, Member of the Norwegian Chairship Youth Committee, and UArctic Board Member.

Decolonizing Education and Policy in Canada – [REGISTER HERE]

Moderator and Panelists TBD

📅 May 7, 2025 | 🕑 2:00 PM NST

·       Integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into education and policymaking.

·       Addressing colonial legacies in the education system.

·       Examples of successful decolonization efforts in Canada.

Arctic Economy and Business Development – [REGISTER HERE]

Moderator and Panelists TBD

📅 August 13, 2025 | 🕑 2:00 PM NST

·       Economic opportunities and challenges in the Arctic.

·       Supporting Indigenous-led businesses and entrepreneurship.

·       Sustainable development strategies for Arctic industries.

Arctic Health and Well-Being – [REGISTER HERE]

Moderator and Panelists TBD

📅 October 22, 2025 | 🕑 2:00 PM NST

·       Addressing healthcare access challenges in remote Arctic communities.

·       How environmental changes affect food security, water quality, and disease patterns.

·       Culturally relevant mental health and wellness initiatives.

2025 Mohammad Asadi Lari Council of Fellows Scholarship

In 2020, Mohammad Asadi Lari (3M National Student Fellow 2018) was one of the individuals who lost his life on flight 752, shot down near Tehran, Iran. At that time, Mohammad was in his second year of an eight-year MD/PhD program at the University of Toronto. When Mohammad’s 3M NSF cohort think of him, the words compassionate and dedicated come to mind. In memory of Mohammad, the Council of Fellows established the Mohammad Asadi Lari Council of Fellows Scholarship of $1,000.00 to cover the cost of registration* and other expenses for one recipient to attend Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) annual conference (cost and location vary each year). The annual STLHE conference for 2025 will be held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan from June 10-13.

Karen Young, a past recipient, details their experience preparing an application for the Mohammad Asadi Lari scholarship. Read more here. 

Guidelines:

  • You must be a past 3M National Student Fellow award recipient

  • You must demonstrate involvement in education advancement initiatives since receiving the 3M National Student Fellowship

  • You must not have received the Mohammad Asadi Lari Council of Fellows Scholarship previously 

  • Preference will be given to those who demonstrate a commitment to breaking down barriers to higher education

How to apply:

Applicants will submit a 500-word application stating the educational advancement initiatives they have been involved in since receiving the 3M NSF. The deadline for applications for 2025 is February 28. Please send your application by the due date to 3mnsf@stlhe.ca. The Council of Fellows will adjudicate this award based on the criteria and applicants will be notified of their decision no later than March 30, 2025.

Note: This scholarship of $1,000.00 will be put towards STLHE conference registration, travel, accommodation, per diem, Council of Fellows reunion dinner, or any other expenses associated with attending the STLHE conference. If needed, successful applicants will have to seek funding from other sources to cover some of these expenses.

SMU Hosts Government of France Delegation

Avenues for innovative academic and scientific collaboration between Canada and France were on the agenda of a meeting held at Saint Mary’s on Friday, November 29, where new and ongoing research and mobility initiatives between France and Canada were discussed.

The visiting delegation included Jean-François Doulet (Attaché for Scientific and Academic Cooperation), Denis Quenelle (Attaché for Cooperation and Culture in the Atlantic Provinces), and Maureen Berthelot (Chargée de mission, Embassy of France in Canada). The group was received by several Saint Mary’s Deans and department heads led by Dr Jean-Jacques Defert and Dr Sophie Beaulé of the Department of Languages and Cultures.

Maureen Berthelot (left), Jean-François Doulet (centre), and Denis Quenelle (right)

Celebrating Global Connections: International Education Week at Saint Mary’s

“I chose to study at Saint Mary’s because of this field school.” This remark from a student attending an Ancient Studies information session was to set the tone for International Education Week this year, affirming the importance of student mobility in fostering a “World Without Limits” at Saint Mary’s University.

This annual showcase, which included 19 events organized by students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members, came to a close with the 14th annual Stories from Overseas event, capping off ten days of thoughtful discussion and reflection. “Although it is commemorated in more than a hundred nations and territories around the world each year, International Education Week feels particularly special here at SMU, where internationalization and intercultural learning are so deeply woven into our institutional ethos,” said Miyuki Arai, Director of the Global Learning Office.

Many of this year’s sessions were hosted and attended by visiting international exchange students as well as outbound and returning Saint Mary’s students, all of whom participate in workshops hosted by the Global Learning Office year-round. Many of these sessions are led by Global Skills Opportunity Ambassadors as part of a project funded by the Government of Canada through Employment and Social Development Canada. Two of this year’s cohort of Ambassadors, Rita Andraous and Hanieh Azizi, agreed that finding facilitators to host International Education Week events this year was easy. “Our only challenge was coordinating so many events!” said Rita. Now that the five-year GSO project is winding down, “this year was also an opportunity to reflect on how the Global Learning Office was able to promote amazing study abroad opportunities and provide support for low-income students, students with disabilities, and Indigenous students,” said Hanieh. 

More information

Visit the Global Learning webpage to learn more about SMU’s international mobility opportunities for students, staff, and faculty, and be sure to check the SMU Events calendar to find out about events hosted by the Global Learning office.

International Education Week 2024 Highlights

Welcoming our Fall 2024 Visiting Exchange Students

The Global Learning Office was delighted to host a welcome session for 20 new international exchange students joining our campus this semester from some of Saint Mary’s 100+ partner universities around the globe.

While some are here to take courses as part of a study abroad program and others to conduct research, all are eager to explore new experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Hailing from Japan, Germany, Mexico, France, Colombia, Norway, Lithuania, Sweden, and the Netherlands, “their presence creates a microcosm of many cultures, which makes the university community richer,” says Miyuki Arai, Director of Global Learning Services. “Visiting students make friends and even help SMU students open their eyes to the possibility of going on exchange themselves – peer-to-peer connections can be a powerful motivator,” she adds.

Several of the students at the welcome session described how they have already established great connections with classmates, and also with faculty, who they described as being passionate about their disciplines and dedicated to making the learning experience engaging. “I hope that the professors, too, enjoy having visiting students contribute different viewpoints in their classes,” says Arai. 

Exchange students are joined by SMU's Global Learning Ambassadors at the Welcome Session on September 5, 2024

SMU Welcomes Three African Scholars

Saint Mary’s University is delighted to welcome three PhD students from Africa who are here to conduct research on sustainable development and Black entrepreneurship.

Catherine Sinje, Prince Fredson, and Fredrick Nzioki will be here for a six-month research sojourn under the supervision of Dr Harvi Millar at the Sobey School of Business. Ms Sinje and Mr Fredson are from the University of Dar Es Salaam Business School, Tanzania, while Mr Nzioki is from Strathmore University Business School, Kenya.

Their visit to Saint Mary’s University is part of the Study in Canada Scholarship Program, funded by the Canadian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. 

From left: Fredrick Nzioki (Strathmore University Business School), Abdiaziz (Global Learning Ambassador, SMU), Rita (Global Learning Ambassador, SMU), Hanieh (Global Learning Ambassador, SMU), Catherine Sinje (University of Dar Es Salaam), and Prince Fredson (University of Dar Es Salaam)

Reflecting on Lessons from Abroad

The Global Learning and Intercultural Support Office recently held their latest re-entry workshop for Saint Mary’s students returning from study abroad experiences all over the world.

Re-entry workshops, held every fall and winter semester for returning students to bookend pre-departure sessions, are an opportunity for participants to carefully reflect on their experiences and engage with others still “processing” the significance of their time overseas. Last week’s event included students recently returned from France, Colombia, Japan, and Italy.

Using guided reflection, participants are asked to consider about how their experiences might have shaped their intellectual growth, intercultural understanding, independence, resilience, and global perspectives. “Whether they were abroad for a year-long exchange, a month-long field school, or language immersion programs, guided reflection can help make students’ experiences more impactful long after their sojourn has ended,” says Jonathan Shaw, Education Developer for Global Transitions, who facilitated a reflection session.

To inquire about global learning opportunities and support services, contact the Global Learning Office by email at Global@smu.ca or visit the office in the Atrium Building, Room 106.

Participants were asked to consider how experiencing another culture might help us better understand where we come from


Colombian Scholar visits SMU as part of Faculty Mobility for Partnership Program

Saint Mary’s University is delighted to welcome Dr Victoria Eugenia Díaz Facio Lince, Professor in the Department of Psychology at Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia. Dr Díaz Facio Lince is visiting Dr Andres Arteaga, Department of Languages and Cultures at Saint Mary’s University, as part of their multi-year research project titled Trauma Narratives and collective resilience among organized groups of women in Colombia after the implementation of the peace agreements between the FARC guerrillas and the Colombian government (2023 – 2026).

Dr. Díaz Facio Lince is an internationally renowned leading expert on trauma studies and mourning with 3 books on mourning and more than 20 peer reviewed papers in some of the most prestigious academic journals in psychology.  This research project is considered a foundation for the two universities’ partnership and will benefit researchers and students from Universidad de Antioquia and Saint Mary’s University.

Dr Arteaga is also planning a two-part visit with Universidad de Antioquia this year to collect data, conduct interviews and facilitate digital storytelling workshops with Dr Díaz Facio Lince. His activities in Colombia are part of the Faculty Mobility for Partnership Building Program, funded by the Canadian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (“DFATD”).

Dr Andres Arteaga (SMU) and Dr Victoria Eugenia Díaz Facio Lince (UDEA)

Polish Scholar visits SMU

Saint Mary’s University is happy to welcome a visiting scholar from a Polish partner institution, Wrocław University of Economics and Business (UEW) this week (September 16-20). The visiting scholar is Dr Marta Nowak, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Management and Co-founder of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Accounting Research at UEW. Dr Nowak’s visit is funded by the European Union’s "Erasmus+" International Credit Mobility Program.

During her visit, Dr Nowak presented lectures in Economics and Accounting courses in the Sobey School of Business as well as engaged in discussions about teaching and research interests and attended the Atlantic Schools of Business Conference being held at Saint Mary’s University.

UEW and SMU have been partner institutions since 2017. UEW’s accreditations and memberships include EUA, IEP, CEEMAN IQA, AMBA, EFMD Global, AACSB, PRME, CFA and more.

Dr. Marta Nowak at Saint Mary’s University

Visiting Scholar from Poland

Saint Mary’s University is happy to welcome a visiting scholar from a Polish partner institution, Wroclaw University of Economics (UEWroc) this week (June 3-7). The visiting scholar is Dr Magdalena Chmielowiec-Lewczuk, Associate Professor in the Department of Insurance as well as the Manager of the Finance Programs at her home university. Her visit is funded by the European Union’s "Erasmus+" International Credit Mobility Program.

During her visit, Dr Chmielowiec-Lewczuk will give lectures in a few Sobey School classes as well as engage in meetings to discuss Finance programming. 

SMU Welcomes Delegation from Caribbean and Latin America

Collaboration Mission for the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)

Saint Mary’s University was delighted to welcome a delegation from Caribbean and Latin American institutions to our campus on Tuesday November 21, 2023.

Once on campus, the group had a tour of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory led by Dr Vincent Hénault-Brunet, Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory, followed by a guided walk through the Inspiration Hub by the President, Dr Robert Summerby-Murray, and an introduction to the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre by Jason Turner, Manager of Student Engagement. 

The group then had the chance to learn about nature-based solutions supporting coastal communities from Dr Danika van Proosdij, Department of Geography & Environmental Studies and Director, TransCoastal Adaptations Centre for Nature-Based Solutions. Their visit finished with a welcome luncheon where each guest had the chance to interact with Saint Mary’s faculty, staff, and students from a wide variety of areas and disciplines.

The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) organized the 2023 Collaboration Mission for the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP). This year’s Collaboration Mission is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and focuses on the theme of Natural Resource Management and Environmental Technology. The delegation consisted of representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Peru, and Turks and Caicos as well as members of GAC and CBIE.

During the Collaboration Mission, a group of 11 delegates from Caribbean and Latin American institutions travelled around Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick from November 19-24, 2023, to visit universities and colleges, meet with their counterpart representatives and participate in networking events. Saint Mary’s University was chosen as one of the hosting institutions.

The goal of the Collaboration Mission is to encourage formal partnerships between Canadian and Caribbean and Latin American institutions that lead to increased bilateral mobility and research opportunities. The Collaboration Mission is a key feature of the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP). After the tour of the Maritime institutions, the delegation attended CBIE’s Annual Conference in Vancouver from November 26-29, 2023.

International Education Weeks 2023

Celebrating Global Citizenship: International Education Weeks 2023

"Every conversation is a journey into a new world." This remark from a participant at this year’s International Education Weeks (IEW) at Saint Mary's University encapsulates the spirit of the annual celebration highlighting the value of international and intercultural education.

Celebrated in more than 100 nations around the world each year, the event highlights the important role that international education plays in fostering global citizenship. Here at SMU, it’s also an opportunity to showcase wonderful opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to participate in intercultural learning on campus and around the world. 

Held this year between October 30 and November 17, the Global Learning and Intercultural Support Office hosted a wide range of information sessions and workshops offered in partnership with various university departments and community members across campus. “This year, we were able to offer a record number of events thanks to the support of SMU community members and a mighty team of Global Skills Opportunity Ambassadors,” said Global Learning Office Director, Miyuki Arai. Global Skills Opportunity Ambassadors are SMU students who help promote study abroad opportunities and deliver supports for low-income students, students with disabilities, and Indigenous students. Learn more about the program here.

More information

Visit the Global Learning webpage to learn more about SMU’s international education opportunities as well as how students can participate in the Global Skills Opportunity Ambassadors program. Any inquiries or request for more information about opportunities and events presented during IEW2023 can be directed to Global@smu.ca.

IEW2023 Showcase

Day of the Dead Community Altar

The week began with the Day of the Dead Community Altar at the Patrick Power Library. This tradition, running from October 29 to November 3, offered a space for the SMU community to honor and remember departed loved ones.

Study Abroad Information Sessions: Bangladesh, France, Thailand, Norway, and Korea

A series of informative sessions about studying abroad in Bangladesh, France, Thailand, Norway, and Korea offered students a global perspective. Exchange students, including Anas from North South University, Pat from Srinakharinwirot University, Samuel from ESSCA Ecole de Management, Vilde from the University of Oslo, and Daeun from the University of Ulsan, shared their unique experiences, providing insights into the academic and cultural dynamics of their respective countries.

Colombia Field School & Study, Research, Teach in France

On October 31, attendees engaged in a presentation by Dr. Andrés Arteaga on the Colombia Field School, which illuminated the significant roles of grassroots organizations in shaping Colombia's historical memory and peace initiatives. Following this, the session titled 'Study, Research, Teach in France' welcomed Noémie Thirot and Mélaine Ricard-Boulieu from the French Embassy (Ottawa) and the French Consulate (Moncton), who detailed diverse opportunities available in France for study, teaching, and research.

Global Learning Open House and Global Vending Machine

The Global Learning Open House and Global Vending Machine offered an opportunity to meet with Global Learning Team and exciting exploration of global cultures through snacks.

Killam Fellowships Information Session

The Killam Fellowships Information Session presented a transformative opportunity for Canadian students to study in the United States.

Metaponto Field School & Villa of Titus Archaeological Field School

Following, Drs. Sveva Savelli and Myles McCallum provided archaeological perspectives in the Metaponto and Villa of Titus Archaeological Field Schools sessions.

Year 2 at SMU: Study Abroad & Intercultural Panel Discussion

The 'Year 2 at SMU: Study Abroad' session informed students about study abroad opportunities, spanning all faculties, and detailed the application timeline, accompanied by a pizza lunch. An Intercultural Panel Discussion, facilitated by international students, fostered a dialogue on developing intercultural competence.

Women & Gender Studies Special Event

Nuestras Muertas, Nuestros Muertos: Decentering Gender & Decolonizing Feminist Epistemology

The week concluded with 'Nuestras Muertas, Nuestros Muertos,' a conference featuring guest speaker Yuderkys Espinosa Miñoso and the screening of "Las Tres Muertes de Marisela Escobedo." This full-day event was organized with support from SMU Dean of Arts Office/Arts with Impact, SMU WGST Program, SMU Patrick Power Library, SMU Global Learning and Intercultural Support, SMU Languages and Cultures, MSVU Library, MSVU International Education Centre, and the MSVU Office of Student Experience.

Urban Meadows Project Update

The Global Learning Office was pleased to welcome back the Better with Bees Team from Charles P. Allen High School in Bedford, NS, for their second presentation. Reflecting on the year since their initial appearance during IEW 2022, they shared updates about the Urban Meadows Project, impressing the SMU community with their continued dedication, knowledge, and enthusiasm. To watch the Better with Bees' work, view their documentary at https://youtu.be/7mxWywgq8gg, produced by their skilled documentary team.

Angers Program Information Session

Dr. Sophie Beaulé hosted an informative session about SMU’s longstanding partnership in Angers, France. Students have been attending this French language-learning program since the 1970s, and it remains one of our most popular study abroad destinations today. Allons-y!

Canadian Summer School in Germany (CSSG)

Dr. John Plews led a virtual presentation on the Canadian Summer School in Germany, a program where students can learn German, explore the country, and meet local friends.

Travel the World with SMU Student Societies

Travel the World with SMU Student Societies session allowed attendees to interact with representatives from different student societies, offering insights into diverse global cultures.

Interactive Session: The Sounds of Culture

On November 16, 'Interactive Session: The Sounds of Culture' took participants on an auditory journey, exploring the diverse cultural sounds from across the world. This session offered a distinctive approach to understanding global cultures through their auditory landscapes.

Info Session: Difficult Heritage Field School (Paris and Berlin)

An informative session on the Difficult Heritage Field School, presented by Drs. Jason Grek-Martin and Kirrily Freeman, explored historical sites in Paris and Berlin, illuminating aspects of history and memory in these European cities.

IEW Signature Event:
13th Annual Stories from Overseas

The International Education Week culminated with the 13th Annual 'Stories from Overseas' event. This gathering was designed to help participants challenge their preconceptions and beliefs, fostering a culture of understanding through the UNESCO Story Circles workshop. Aimed at addressing the Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) of the 2030 Agenda, the program showcased the broad scope of international education. Reflecting on the event, an attendee noted, “These stories highlight the transformative nature of international education,” emphasizing the profound impact of the shared narratives.

Stay tuned for the 2024 call of proposals and join us in next year’s celebration of international and intercultural experiences at Saint Mary’s University!

 

Unissued Diplomas Exhibition

A student reads about the lives of Ukrainian students killed in the Russian war against Ukraine

Unissued Diplomas puts a face to “interrupted lives” in Ukraine

By: Jonathan Shaw, Educational Developer

Polina had planned to be an English teacher and dreamed of visiting the ocean with her fiancé, but she was killed in an artillery strike in March at the age of 20. Oleksandra had been studying Spanish and Turkish and wanted to be a diplomat, but she died in July at the age of 18 when she was hit by Russian missile as she headed to a driving lesson.

These are just two of the 36 young Ukrainians featured in a photographic exhibition that opened on Tuesday at Saint Mary’s. More than 50 universities around the world are hosting the “Unissued Diplomas” installation to commemorate the lives of Ukrainian university students killed during the Russian war against Ukraine, which has now entered its second year.

Each photograph is paired with a ‘diploma’ that provides biographical notes, and they are all connected by red string representing what Kateryna Rudenko calls the “blood thread of interrupted life”. One of three Ukrainian student organizers of the exhibition at Saint Mary’s, Kateryna was displaced by the war and is now studying at Dalhousie University. “As Ukrainian students abroad, it’s our duty to tell the stories of these young people, which all assemble into one narrative of Ukrainian resistance,” she says.

Some of these students were killed while going about their lives on the streets of towns and cities across Ukraine, while others were soldiers who fell on the battlefield. “With this exhibition we would like to show that full-scale war in Ukraine is still going on. Every day, our country has losses among civilians and military. The world should not stop supporting Ukraine in our fight for global freedom and democracy until we achieve victory,” says Yaryna Tylchak.

To many Canadians living on the other side of the world, the war in Ukraine might seem like a distant nightmare. “This war is a brutal reality for so many people. I want you to see their faces and read the stories of ordinary people,” says Artem Kichydzhy, “and I want you to emotionally connect with them”.

The Unissued Diploma exhibition is being held on the second floor of the Atrium, and runs until Wednesday, March 22. Read more about this project on the Unissued Diplomas website. The exhibition is accepting donations for students who stay behind and “sacrifice their time and education to work for Ukraine's freedom”.

 
 
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