SMU Students Making Global Learning Accessible for Peers

A unique opportunity for students to work as Global Learning Ambassadors for SMU was launched this past semester.  Global ambassadors have interest and experience in international learning, and can help or coach other students. They inspire interest in studying abroad, and offer support to fellow students by offering peer mentorship along the way.

A team of 34 participants from diverse fields of study joined the new Saint Mary’s Global Learning Ambassadors program.  They worked in teams on building the foundation for promoting international learning opportunities available to students, giving special emphasis to those with disabilities and of indigenous backgrounds.  During the process they gained insight into overcoming barriers to studying abroad, including issues of accessibility and systemic social issues. Their work included:

• Knowledge-building about Sustainable Development Goals relating to global issues and engaged citizenship

• Intercultural competence training for leadership as Global Learning Ambassadors

• Research into partner universities’ academic offerings and their policies on accessibility and inclusion, and using the findings to prepare student information materials

• Production of pre-departure orientation resources for SMU students preparing to study abroad

Participation in various public lectures and conferences on international education topics was included as part of the program, and this helped students to deepen their knowledge and skills in intercultural matters and accessibility issues.  Through team discussions on lessons learned, they created transformational experiences for each other, while developing a sense of engagement and contribution to the Saint Mary’s community.  One student stated, “I enjoyed the teamwork and friendliness of all the Ambassadors… I enjoyed working as a team, dividing up our work and brain-storming together.  I believe this has greatly improved my teamworking capabilities.”

The Global Learning Ambassadors program was initiated and led by The Studio’s Global Learning Office with project grant support obtained from the Innovation Fund offered by Universities Canada for projects aimed at promoting outbound student mobility.

“It was an incredible learning experience for everyone involved. There were challenging topics, but with teamwork and open-mindedness, our Global Learning Ambassadors courageously participated in conversations of accessibility, equity, and the Sustainable Development Goals. As a result, we will all benefit from those thoughtful, engaging community builders”, recalled the Global Learning Office staff, Emily LeRoux, Michaela Peters and Miyuki Arai collectively.  

Building on the experience from Winter 2021, the Global Learning Office is excited to re-offer the program and work with Global Ambassador Volunteers this summer! Interested students can visit Career360° (Job ID – 7180) for more detail. This volunteer position is CCR-certified.  In the next phase of the Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program, funding will be available for students participating in outbound mobility programs through the Global Skills Opportunity Call (2021-25).

This project, Intercultural Learning for Students by Students, is funded by the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program.