York University is showcasing its international education programs this week as part of International Education Week (IEW). IEW (Nov. 14-18) is designed to showcase the significant contribution that international education makes in preparing Canadians for the global world and supports Canada’s efforts to engage effectively on the international stage. A special International Education Week Web site displays what York University and other Canadian postsecondary institutions are doing to promote international education.
Right: York International Intern, Cale Ettenberg, a third-year student in the Faculty of Science & Engineering, gives a talk about environmental issues to grade school students in Asawasi, Ghana
York offers a number of international opportunities for students, from studying abroad through York Exchanges, to working internationally through the York International Internship program. The York International Web site features links designed specifically for faculty and staff which explain the many available options.
The York Exchanges and York International Internship programs provide two great options for students wanting to integrate study or work in other countries into their degress. Both programs are eligible for the York International Mobility Award (YIMA), a monetary award for students going abroad.
York Exchanges allow students to take part of their degree at one of York’s many overseas partners. Students remain enrolled at, and continue paying fees to York, but live and study at a host university where they earn York credits. York’s partners include universities in Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America. Students must apply a year ahead of when they would like to go on exchange. The deadlines for most of next year’s exchanges are in mid-December or early-January of 2006. For more information on how to apply, visit the York Exchange Web site.
Left: Fourth-year dance student Stephanie Carstairs on her York exchange to St. Etienne, France 2003-2004
The York International Internship Program offers a life-changing opportunity for students to work abroad for three months during the summer and it includes a $3,000 award from York University. Interns work for host organizations such as non-governmental organizations and non-profit cultural centres. Job placements are open to senior students from various disciplinary backgrounds and take place in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and North America. The deadline to apply to go on a York International Internship Program for the summer of 2006 is Jan. 6, 2006. Visit the York International Internship Web site for full information.
Another way for students to gain international experience is to study abroad during the summer by taking one of York’s Summer Study Abroad courses. These courses allow students to work with York faculty to take credit courses while at the same time gaining the added experience of another culture.
Going international without leaving Canada
Many York students add an international component to their degree without leaving Toronto. There are a number of very successful programs offered by the University for all York students to add a little bit of the international to there studies right here at home.
Right: York students at a past Emerging Global Leaders Retreat
Emerging Global Leaders Retreat (EGLR) is a two-day leadership workshop for 50 of York’s most dynamic, energetic and visionary undergraduate students. This all-expense paid retreat to a resort near Collingwood, Ont., gives students a chance to explore key concepts and challenges of leadership in Canadian and international contexts, with a special focus on cross-cultural communication and team building. Deadline to apply for this year’s EGLR is Nov. 18, 2005. For more information, visit the Emerging Global Leaders Retreat Web site.
“Kaleidoscope” is a student-run radio show sponsored by York International. It discusses issues and stories with an international component. Students can volunteer to help with the show and in the process they gain valuable experience in radio show production and international issues. Visit the Kaleidoscope Web site for more information on the show’s content.
The Language Links program pairs together students who speak different languages providing an opportunity for them to learn a new language by practising their oral pronunciations with another student who speaks that language well. The program has an online sign up and it can be found at the Language Link Web site.
York offers a wide variety of international academic programs, and language courses that are focused on specifically international issues. Visit the International Academic Programs and Language Courses at York Web sites for information and links to language courses and programs at York that allow students to learn about international issues, relations and languages.
York also offers a number of seminars and lectures on international topics which are open to all members of the York community. Check the Events at York Calendar and the Web pages of York’s International Research Centres for more information.