(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON- November 12, 2021): More than 200 Algoma University students will be gaining global skills through the newly launched Global Learning Leadership Skills Development Program (GLLSDP).

The international study and work opportunities developed through GLLSDP will unlock students’ endless potential through life-changing global skills and experiences. This offering has been made possible by $500,000 in funding from the Government of Canada’s new Global Skills Opportunity program.

The GLLSDP project has been designed to provide a unique blend of experiential learning with international experience that shapes contemporary global interactions and engagement for Algoma University’s Canadian students. The GLLSDP program includes an international work or study experience, together with a comprehensive suite of wrap-around support including a Cultural Safety Learning Program and completion of an e-Portfolio upon return. Students receive Co-Curricular Credit, a digital badge, and a transcript notation upon completion of the program. 

“We are very excited to secure this funding for our students,” said Eunjung Riauka, Coordinator, Global Engagement & Mobility; Internationalization Lead. “Through a combination of active experiential learning, intercultural interactions, and completion of an e-portfolio, as part of the key GLLSDP requirements, students will gain invaluable leadership skills needed to be a global-ready graduate.” 

“GLLSDP is designed to encourage underrepresented student groups such as low-income students, students with disabilities, and Indigenous students to participate in study and work abroad programming,” shared Dr. Donna Rogers, Vice-President Academic and Research. “Within the program, Algoma University aims to diversify the destination countries where students can study or work abroad, as well as test innovative approaches that will reduce barriers. This program also seeks participation and engagement from faculty where they may be leading a group of students to an international destination for global teaching and learning opportunities.”

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 to 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

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For more information:

www.GlobalSkillsOpportunity.ca 

www.ExperienceCompetencesMondiales.ca 

#GlobalSkillsCA

#CompétencesMondialesCA

For more information, contact: Eunjung Riauka Coordinator, Global Engagement & Mobility; Internationalization Lead; GLLSDP Project Lead, Experiential Learning & International Affairs

(P) (705) 949-2301, ext. 4291, (E) [email protected];[email protected]

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