KAMLOOPS, BC — Nearly 150 Thompson Rivers University students will gain global skills through the newly launched guided short-term outbound mobility project.
This international study opportunity will unlock students’ endless potential through life-changing global skills and experiences. This offering has been made possible by the Government of Canada’s new Global Skills Opportunity program.
TRU has received $500,000 of funding. TRU’s project will support students in their study abroad journey by providing short-term funded field trips to different partner institutions around the world. Initially, students will participate in a tuition-free Prepare to Study Abroad program where they will gain basic intercultural communication and language skills of their choice. Options include Japanese and Spanish, with more to come as the program progresses. Students will then travel to one of TRU’s partner institutions where they will take part in a one- to four-week language and culture program and experience what it’s like to study in a different country.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students. Many feel they are unable to participate in study abroad due to financial reasons or because they are uncomfortable being in a place where they don’t speak the language. We want to show students how travel can open their eyes to different opportunities and experiences, and we want them to be comfortable and confident in their ability to do so. This funding allows us to reach students who normally wouldn’t get this life-changing opportunity.”
— Baihua Chadwick, Vice-President International, Thompson Rivers University
Global Skills Opportunity is a national outbound student mobility program that is expected to enable more than 16,000 Canadian college and undergraduate-level university students from across the country acquire the global skills employers want and the Canadian economy needs. A key component of the Government of Canada’s International Education Strategy, Global Skills Opportunity is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada and is administered jointly by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada.
While open to all Canadian post-secondary students, the national program targets groups for whom international experiences have traditionally been less accessible — specifically Indigenous students, students from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities. It also aims to diversify destination countries where Canadian students pursue international learning.
Compared to similar countries, fewer Canadian students – only about 11% of university undergraduates and 3% of college students – participate in work or study abroad experiences during their studies. The new program stands to change that. By empowering post-secondary institutions to implement innovative solutions to barriers to participation, Global Skills Opportunity will expand the horizons of Canadian students from coast to coast, and improve Canada’s competitiveness on the world stage.
“Global Skills Opportunity is breaking down financial, social and logistical barriers that have prevented too many underrepresented students from participating in global study and work opportunities. Through this ambitious and ground-breaking program, thousands of young Canadians will have transformational experience abroad. Their newfound global perspective and skills will inform the way they live and work for decades to come.”
— Paul Davidson, President, Universities Canada
“Study and work abroad programs are invaluable learning experiences that ensure students are culturally literate, resilient, adaptable and ready to succeed in an increasingly globalized world. This is perhaps more important than ever, which is why we are so proud to work with our partners to deliver Global Skills Opportunity. This groundbreaking program will allow more Canadian students to access these opportunities to develop the skills they need to gain a foothold in today’s global marketplace.”
— Denise Amyot, President, Colleges and Institutes Canada
Contact:
Laurie Robinson, TRU World
Director, International Partnerships and Business Development
778-471-8540 | larobinson@tru.ca
www.GlobalSkillsOpportunity.ca
www.ExperienceCompetencesMondiales.ca
https://www.facebook.com/trustudyabroad/
