Algoma University’s International Affairs team recently hosted the third annual Celebration of International Learning Gala, highlighting the transformative impact of global experiences on students’ personal and academic journeys.
Students brought their international journeys to life throughout the event, sharing heartfelt stories, cherished photos, and meaningful souvenirs with family, friends, and guests. Engaging panel presentations further illuminated the depth of more extensive trips to Brazil, Fiji, Belgium, Germany, India, Belize, New Zealand, and Finland, showcasing the profound personal and academic growth these experiences inspired.
“Thanks to the generous support of the Global Skills Opportunity program, 68 Algoma University students embarked on life-changing international learning experiences in 2024—a record-breaking 40 percent increase from the previous year,” said Dawn White, Director of International Affairs at Algoma University. “While this number is worth celebrating, the real success lies in how these experiences have enriched our students’ lives. Our students demonstrated incredible courage and resilience, overcoming homesickness, culture shock, and language barriers to return with new skills, lasting friendships, and an unparalleled sense of self.”
As part of the presentations and discussions, students shared how they were able to immerse themselves in community and social development studies in Brazil, explore the roots of democracy in India, uncover Mayan and Garifuna architecture and ethnomedicine in Belize, examine social and cultural identity and earn accolades at the AI Summer Games in Germany, collaborate with leading cancer researchers in Belgium, and advance youth mental health initiatives while living in rural Fijian villages.
The event concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the collaborative efforts that made these achievements possible. Special thanks were extended to the dedicated faculty, staff, administration, donors, and alumni who supported these experiences. A particular note of gratitude was given to Algoma University’s International Affairs team—Heather Douglas, Tianna Byrnes, Taylor Jaehrling, and Jaden Cerasuolo—for their unwavering commitment to expanding global learning opportunities for students.
The experiences shared were made possible through Global Skills Opportunity (GSO), the Government of Canada’s national outbound student mobility pilot program, which aims to empower post-secondary institutions to increase the participation of Canadians in international learning opportunities.
For more information about international learning at Algoma U, please visit algomau.ca/academics/international-affairs/.
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