From Halifax to Wrocław: Integrating Spatial Thinking Across International Curricula

Dr. Mathew Novak (Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Saint Mary’s University) visited the Wrocław University of Economics and Business (UEW) in Poland in May as part of the Erasmus+ faculty exchange program. The week-long visit offered Dr. Novak valuable opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, professional development, and a path for future research collaboration. These international experiences help foster a better understanding of places often overlooked, as Dr. Novak explains:

“Wroclaw is largely unknown to Canadians and even many Europeans know little about the city despite its stunning architecture, youthful culture, and growing economy. Such lesser-known cities, tucked away from the usual tourist routes, are quickly becoming my favourite places in Europe, especially as the more familiar capitals grapple with the effects of mass tourism,” says Novak.

During his visit, Dr. Novak delivered lectures and a seminar discussion on topics titled “EU Spatial Management,” “Real Estate Management,” and “Urban Space Planning.” The following is an excerpt from Dr. Novak’s teaching reflection:

“While I offered the option to cover Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for business analytics, all three course instructors were interested in hearing about urban development dynamics in Canada. In each session I provided an overview of how Canadian and American cities are evolving from their historical founding to their contemporary conditions, including the actors and policies involved. Comparisons were made between urban forms and functions between European and North American cities. I then tailored the content to the theme of each course, focusing on the urban planning policies and practices employed for the Urban Space Planning course and land ownership and development issues for the Real Estate Management course. In EU Spatial Management, I focused on the housing issues plaguing Canadian cities.

Teaching provided insights into how classrooms operate in different contexts, revealing many similarities as well as some distinct differences in learning. Students were typically engaged in the material, answering my questions peppered throughout the classes and asking their own. I was impressed by the quality of their responses to my queries, offering thoughtful insights and demonstrating a great deal of knowledge about North American cities despite many never having traveled to the continent. Their participation in the class discussions is even more impressive since their courses are normally delivered in Polish.”

Beyond teaching, part of Dr. Novak’s visit was dedicated to meeting UEW faculty members and visiting their programs and facilities. UEW has an active entrepreneurship centre and the Business Process Simulation Centre, a cutting-edge teaching and research lab. Interactions with researchers and graduate students sparked ideas for collaboration, new research questions, and perspectives that are currently lacking in the existing urban planning literature.

Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Novak recounts the knowledge gained during the exchange this way: “The exchange provided a wealth of knowledge for my personal research and teaching portfolio. I was somewhat hesitant to visit a university with a focus on business, but was very pleased to see how well I fit in as a geographer, demonstrating the universality of the discipline and its role on campus. It has validated my push to bring spatial thinking and techniques to other department on campus, including my work to integrate GIS into the MBAN curriculum.”

If you would like more information on opportunities for international faculty exchanges, keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities posted in the Community Bulletin or contact Miyuki.Arai@smu.ca.

Beyond the Comfort Zone: Returnees Inspire Global Exploration

Study abroad alumni recently returned from exchange programs in Finland, Colombia, Japan, and Croatia shared their firsthand experiences this week at the the Study Abroad Information Session. This interactive event, which featured five recent returnees, was offered as part of the “Year2 at SMU” initiative led by the Student Success Centre, Student Affairs and Services.

The group offered a variety of insightful takeaways, from cultural surprises to personal growth:

• “I was surprised how uncommon it is for people there to make small talk.”

• “When I started university, it never crossed my mind I was going to study abroad. Now that I’ve done it, I’m glad I took a leap of faith.”

• “Through my abroad experience, I gained a sense of independence, and, more importantly, the exchange showed me how rewarding it is to embrace the unknown.”

• “I met lots of people, not only from the host country but from other parts of the world as well. Now I have friends for life.”

“It’s so powerful to hear their stories in person,” said Miyuki Arai, Director of Global Learning Services. “They return with a renewed sense of curiosity and enthusiasm that encourages others to experience the world outside their comfort zone.”

Jonathan Shaw described the Global Learning Office's approach to fostering intellectual dispositions (such as empathy, courage, humility, and integrity) that study abroad experiences cultivate. "An exchange doesn't just check these boxes. It forces us to embody them each day, and more intensely than on campus at home. We like to think of study abroad exchances as a kind of critical thinking accelerator," he said. ​

To find out more about global learning experiences, contact the Global Learning Office at Global@smu.ca.

Now Open: Killam Fellowships Program 2026-27

Study abroad for a semester in the United States!

The Killam Fellowships program is an exceptional opportunity for full-time Canadian undergraduate students to pursue an exchange program at American universities. Applicants chosen through a competitive selection process are awarded a US$6000 scholarship (approx. CAD$8400) for their exchange study in the US. For information, see the website here.

Eligibility

To be considered for a Killam Fellowship to study in the United States, students must meet the following requirements at the time of application. The student must be:

• a citizen of Canada,

• a currently enrolled full-time undergraduate student in good standing

• expected to be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in good standing during the entire 2025-2026 academic year, should they be selected for an award,

• expected to receive an undergraduate degree in the Spring of 2027 or beyond,

• able to meet the eligibility requirements and regulations of the home university,

• proficient in English,

• in possession of a strong academic record, and

• able to complete all steps of the application process prior to the published deadlines.

Application

Interested students should submit the following documents by email to the Global Learning Office (Miyuki.arai@smu.ca) by December 5 2025:

1. Proof of Canadian citizenship (e.g., a passport scan)

2. Curriculum Vitae (up to 3 pages, 12-point font, 1" margins)

3. Unofficial academic record (i.e., a pdf printout from banner). Also submit unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary education institutions you’ve attended outside of SMU, if any.

4. Personal Statement (1 page, single spaced, 12-point font, 1" margins) – In your statement,
   · Provide a narrative statement explaining why you want to study in the United States as a Killam Fellow.

   · Discuss what you hope to accomplish during your exchange in the United States and how the experience fits your current interests and future goals.

   · Highlight any experiences demonstrating your ability to adapt to other cultural settings, a willingness to share with or learn from others of different national identities, and your ability to serve as an ambassador for Canada.

   · Provide a unique statement.

5. Abroad term, expected graduation date, references and host school preferences – in a Word document, please provide:

a) Preferred abroad term, e.g., Fall term 2026, Winter term 2027, One academic year (Be aware that preference will be given to students requesting a single-term placement)

b) Month and year of completion of your current degree program

c) Name and email of 2 people who have agreed to provide an academic or a professional reference (at least one of them should be academic, e.g., a SMU professor)

d) Information about your top 3 selection of host institutions:

1) 1st pick of an American university partner (see list here) and a preliminary list of 5-6 courses you are interested in taking (see the partner website)

2) 2nd pick of an American university partner (see list here) and a preliminary list of 5-6 courses you are interested in taking (see the partner website)

3) 3rd pick of an American university partner (see list here) and a preliminary list of 5-6 courses you are interested in taking (see the partner website)

 What happens after December 5, 2025:

The Global Learning Office will contact applicants who are receiving SMU’s nomination and will ask them to submit a complete Killam Fellowship application online by December 15, 2025. Guidance and instructions will be provided.

Number of students to be nominated by SMU for Direct Exchange:

Up to 3 full-year candidates (or 6 one-semester candidates)

In March 2025, selected candidates will be determined by an independent adjudication committee comprised of faculty members from participating universities and senior officials from the Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the United States of America (“Fulbright Canada”). The committee will rank all candidates based on their proposed program of study, their personal statement, their record of academic achievement, and their letters of reference.

In April 2026, selected candidates will be notified of the result (and the matching of the selected candidates with host institutions).

Credits and tuition

Academic credits may be earned to the extent that they are applicable to your SMU degree. Book an advising appointment with your academic advisor to review which of the remaining program requirements may be completed on a transfer-credit basis and how the Letter of Permission Request Form works for the transfer of credits. You will pay SMU tuition at SMU for the transfer credit hours.

Please note:

• The selection is highly competitive. Not all applications will be selected. Even if your application is chosen, you may not be given a placement at one of the preferred schools.

• Your exchange study at an American partner is only possible when chosen as a Killam Fellow.

Questions?

Contact the Global Learning Office at Miyuki.arai@smu.ca.

Cultural Exchanges at the heart of Global Learning

The Global Learning Office is a hub of intercultural exchanges especially during our weekly fika, a Swedish inspired tradition for people to gather and enjoy a shared moment with friends and colleagues. Our visiting exchange students from partner schools around the world as well as our Global Learning Office’s student ambassadors light up the space with conversations and perspectives that are so interesting and intriguing.

“They are miles away from their home and I’m sure they face many challenges of living and studying abroad, but they find a community of friends with whom they can play games, share snacks, or just relax at the end of a busy week,” says Miyuki Arai, Director of Global Learning Services. 

“It’s fun playing games with friends.” “Great snacks – arepas from a Colombian exchange student was a real treat!”  These are just a few of the comments shared by a group of students who come to fika on Fridays.  Lisbeth, an exchange student from Dominican Republic and frequent attendee says “Fika has been an amazing way to bring excitement to my Friday afternoons. Meeting people who are going through the same experience as me and realizing I’m not alone has been crucial in my journey in Canada so far. Plus, it’s very fun!”

These weekly gatherings prove that even miles away from home, community can be found, one fika at a time. Join us every Friday at 2:00 pm in AT 106. Everyone welcome!

UArctic Panel: Arctic Health and Well-Being

The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is pleased to invite you to register for the final webinar of the 2025 UArctic Webinar Series, designed to explore key issues affecting the Arctic and Northern communities. 

We’re excited to announce the panelists for the final session of the series: Arctic Health and Well-Being. Join us for an engaging webinar exploring critical health and wellness issues facing Arctic communities. Discussions will highlight the importance of traditional knowledge, culturally grounded practices, and community-led approaches, while addressing issues such as access to care, mental health, and the impacts of climate change. Panelists will also reflect on how respectful research partnerships and decolonized health systems can better serve Indigenous communities across the Arctic, and share examples of innovative practices that are fostering hope and positive change.

Upcoming Event:

Arctic Health and Well-Being – [REGISTER HERE]

📅 October 22, 2025 | 🕑 2:00 PM NST

Moderator:                

Jennifer Shea, Associate Professor of Indigenous Health, Memorial University

Panelists: 

Helga Bryant, Vice-President Academic and Research, University College of the North

Anita Daniels-Black, Director, Northwest Territories Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research at the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research

Vasiliki Douglas, College Professor, Coast Mountain College

·       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.

Past Events:

Youth Leadership in the North – [WATCH RECORDING HERE]

·       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:

Patti Bruns, Secretary General of the Arctic Mayors Forum

Panelists:

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

Laura Bass, Lead on Memorial University's Climate Collective

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 – [WATCH RECORDING HERE]

·       Integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into education and policymaking.

·       Addressing colonial legacies in the education system.

·       Examples of successful decolonization efforts in Canada

Moderator:

Dr. Kirk Anderson, Former Dean, Faculty of Education, Memorial University and UArctic Chair in School Effectiveness and School Improvement

Panelists:

Dr. Ramona Neckoway, Vice-President, Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation and University College of the North

Councillor David Swanson, Norway House Cree Nation

Dr. Shauneen Pete, Chair, Emerging Indigenous Scholars at Royal Roads University

Arctic Economy and Business Development – [WATCH RECORDING HERE]

·       Economic opportunities and challenges in the Arctic.

·       Supporting Indigenous-led businesses and entrepreneurship.

·       Sustainable development strategies for Arctic industries.

Moderator:

Michael Carey, CEO and Managing Partner at Canard Group

Panelists:

Christopher Paci, Vice President Research at Aurora College’s research division, Aurora Research Institute (ARI)

Randi Johannessen, Head of Government Financial Statistics at Statistics Norway

Hillary King, Project Coordinator and Co-Founder with Reclaim Community CDO, and UArctic Entrepreneurship Fund Winner 2024.

Faculty Mobility for Partnership Building Program Competition 2026-2027

Global Affairs Canada has launched the 2026-2027 Faculty Mobility for Partnership Building Program (FMPBP) competition. This program offers grants to full-time professors at Canadian post-secondary institutions for short-term (3-8weeks) teaching and/or research activities in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

The FMPBP award is funded by Global Affairs Canada and is valued at a maximum of CAD$7000. Recipients’ travel can occur from April 1, 2026. All funds must be expensed by March 31, 2027.

The Global Learning Office acts as a coordinator at SMU for the FMPBP program and will submit all applications. Multiple applications are allowed per institution.

Interested faculty should consult the FMPBP guidelines here and contact the Global Learning Office (Miyuki.arai@smu.ca) by Friday, October 17 2025. This is to allow enough time to prepare applications for submission by the deadline of Tuesday, November 18 at 11:59 pm EST.

The scholarship administrator, Canadian Bureau for International Education, will communicate successful results to Canadian institutions in February 2026.

Host an Event for International Education Week

International Education Week is held every year to highlight the important role that education plays in fostering global citizenship. Here at Saint Mary’s University, it’s an opportunity to showcase the many ways students, faculty, and staff can participate in intercultural learning on campus and around the world.

This year, International Education Week will take place November 17–21, 2025.

Get Involved
We are inviting proposals for events to be featured during International Education Week. If you’d like to host an event, please email jonathan.shaw@smu.ca with your proposal.

✨ For inspiration, explore highlights from previous years:

• Celebrating Global Connections: IEW 2024

• International Education Week 2023

SMU's Global Impact: International Collaboration and Learning in Lithuania

Dr. Sayin with students in MRU’s Communication and Digital Marketing program in Vilnius, Lithuania

Saint Mary’s University was represented by Dr. Firat K. Sayin, Associate Professor of Management, at Mykolas Romeris University’s (MRU) International Teaching Week this May in Vilnius, Lithuania. This faculty exchange provided a unique opportunity to engage with a global academic community and share expertise on an international stage.

During the visit, Dr. Sayin delivered lectures on creative management and leadership methods to students in MRU’s Communication and Digital Marketing program. Discussions were also held with Professor Agota Giedrė Raišienė and other departmental colleagues, focusing on teaching methodologies, research activities, and future collaboration. This collaboration has already led to a potential research project with Professor Raišienė titled "Remote Work Inclusion of People with Disabilities for Career Sustainability."

In addition to academic contributions, the exhange included cultural and networking activities. Highlights included a celebration of Europe Day with international students, a dinner with fellow faculty from a diverse range of countries including India, Japan, France, and Ghana, a classical music concert, and a guided tour of the Lithuanian Parliament.

Dr. Sayin described his experience as highly valuable, offering him a chance to teach in a new country, learn from a global community of teachers and researchers, and represent both Saint Mary’s University and Canada abroad, saying how he hoped colleagues will explore similar international teaching opportunities.

If you are a faculty member interested in an international teaching exchange, keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities posted in the Community Bulletin, of contact the Global Learning Office in AT 106 (global@smu.ca).

Welcoming our Fall 2025 International Students

The Global Learning Office was delighted to host an event that is always a highlight of the academic year: a welcome session for a group of new international exchange students joining our campus this semester from some of Saint Mary’s 100+ partner universities around the globe.

While they are here to take courses as part of a study abroad program or conduct research, all are eager to explore new experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Hailing from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Colombia, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, The Netherlands, Poland, Thailand, and Trinidad and Tobago, “they represent pluralism we thrive for – what it means to foster a space where students from all different backgrounds can come together to live and learn from each other,” says Miyuki Arai, Director of Global Learning Services. Their presence and peer-to-peer connections are a great motivator for SMU students to think about studying abroad themselves. “It’s happened before where SMU students come to the Global Learning Office and ask how to go on the exchange program at the home university of their newly met friends,” she adds. 

Jonathan, a 4th-year SMU student who has participated in multiple international programs in Colombia, was on hand to welcome our visiting students. “Speaking from my own experience, studying in a foreign country can be challenging. I want to help and make them feel welcome any way I can,” says Jonathan. 

Global Affairs Canada visits to discuss travel safety

Robin Librach (left), Katie Burgess (centre) and Jonathan Shaw (right)  

The Office of Global Learning welcomed a delegation from Global Affairs Canada on August 28 to discuss shared efforts aimed at enhancing travel safety for Saint Mary’s students, staff, and faculty. The presentation highlighted the wealth of information available on travel.gc.ca, including the newly revised Safe Travel Planner, and how these resources can be used to help plan for safe travel abroad.

Katie Burgess and Robin Librach, who are part of Global Affairs’ Consular and Emergency Communications team, were welcomed by Jonathan Shaw, Education Developer – Global Transitions, and Miyuki Arai, Director of Global Learning Services. Discussion focused on recent updates to the website, which now includes up-to-date information for over 230 destinations around the world. Katie and Robin described the work of a dedicated team at the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa who monitor events around the world to provide information for Canadian citizens and permanent residents using the Registration of Canadians Abroad service for emergency notifications and consular assistance.

The Global Learning Office will continue collaborating with the Global Affairs team to raise awareness about their services so that Saint Mary’s community has the latest information for planning a safe international journey.

Faculty Member Brings Sports Research to Finland

University of Jyväskylä, Finland

From May 3–10, 2025, Dr. Nick Manuel from the Department of Economics at the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s visited the University of Jyväskylä in Finland as part of the Erasmus+ faculty exchange program. The week-long visit was a success, offering valuable opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and professional development.

During the exchange, Dr. Manuel delivered a lecture on the Canadian sport landscape to a Sport Management class, providing students with an in-depth look at the country’s popular sports, culture, and employment opportunities within the industry. He also participated in faculty development sessions on teaching Sports Economics, gaining valuable insights on how to create engaging course content and structure assessments to promote student learning. This training is expected to benefit students in Saint Mary’s new Sports Business program.

Dr. Manuel also delivered a research seminar on a paper he co-authored, which found that Major League Baseball crowds influence umpire decisions in favor of the home team. The seminar not only shared research insights but also provided Dr. Manuel with valuable feedback for his work. Additionally, he met with university staff to discuss potential student exchange opportunities between the two universities. The visit successfully strengthened international relationships and opened doors for future collaborations, offering new and exciting learning opportunities for Saint Mary’s students.

JYU Visit Strengthens SMU's Global Ties in Science and Education

In May 2025, Dr. Mary Sheppard from the Department of Chemistry at Saint Mary's completed a five-day visit to the University of Jyväskylä (JYU) in Finland. This visit, supported by ERASMUS+ faculty and staff mobility funding, focused on fostering international connections and exploring collaboration opportunities.

During her time in Finland, Dr. Sheppard met with faculty and international coordinators from JYU’s Department of Chemistry and International Office. She presented a research seminar to the Department of Chemistry and co-taught a course for master's-level education students, sharing active learning exercises and discussing how to best teach foundational chemistry concepts. A key takeaway from her visit was JYU's student-centered approach, which includes hands-on learning, faculty mentorship, and direct access to advanced lab equipment for students.

The trip identified several exciting possibilities for future collaboration between SMU and JYU. These include exchange opportunities for JYU science students, future visits from JYU faculty to SMU, and the highly regarded JYU Summer School as a resource for SMU graduate students. Dr. Sheppard also highlighted the JYU Visiting Fellow program as a beneficial opportunity for SMU researchers to conduct collaborative research abroad.

If you would like more information on opportunities for international faculty exchanges and research opportunities, please contact Miyuki.Arai@smu.ca.

View from train travelling from Helsinki to Jyväskylä (Mary Sheppard)

Pedestrian bridge over Jyväskylä Lake from one side of campus to the side with science buildings (Mary Sheppard)

Exiting the bridge and approaching the various science buildings (Mary Sheppard)

Beautiful walking park within the city of Jyväskylä, minutes from JYU campus (Mary Sheppard)

City of Jyväskylä Waterfront Sign (Mary Sheppard)

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

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

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)