Students complete immersive educational experience in India
Algoma University is becoming a leader in international education opportunities—including a recent transformative fifteen-day trip to India, part of the ‘Global Rise of India: Democracy, Politics and Development’ course.
In 2023, 56 Algoma University students travelled internationally as part of their Algoma U program. That’s compared to just a handful pre-COVID, showing Algoma University’s growing commitment to global learning and cross-cultural exchange. In 2024, students have, so far, engaged in education experiences in Brazil, Belize, Norway, United Kingdom, Finland, Spain and Japan and, now, India.
Spearheaded by Monika Thakur, Ph.D., an assistant professor at Algoma University’s Department of Law and Politics, in collaboration with Dawn White, Director of International Affairs, and Heather Douglas, Global Engagement & Mobility Coordinator, six students immersed themselves in an educational experience that explored India’s political, economic and social landscapes. Students had the opportunity to visit Chandigarh University and Miranda House, University of Delhi, where they engaged in academic discussions and attended guest lectures on topics including democracy and elections in India, innovations in the Indian legal system, the global rise of India, and political activism. They also had high-level meetings in New Delhi with officials from the Canadian High Commission, World Bank, TATA Group, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, and Observer Research Foundation. A highlight was meeting Indian scholar, climate change and food sovereignty activist, ecofeminist and anti-globalization scholar, Vandana Shiva, Ph.D. who shared details of her life of activism and provided guidance on effecting change in one’s own communities and the world.
“This journey to India has been a remarkable opportunity for Algoma University students to broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of global issues, and cultivate cross-cultural competencies,” said Thakur. “It has been a privilege to witness their growth and engagement throughout this immersive learning experience.”
Students enjoyed experiential learning activities including cigarette waste recycling, block printing, and learning about wildlife conservation. Additionally, students visited the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Amer Fort (Jaipur), and the National Museum, which provided students with a deeper understanding of India’s diverse historical and cultural landscape.
This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Global Skills Opportunity Fund as part of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for students with disabilities, Indigenous students, and those facing financial barriers to participate in international learning experiences.
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