Program Funding

Bachelor of Science - Actuarial Sciences (2022)

Study Abroad Program: Chinese Language and Culture in Beijing Group Study Program, China (2019)

Founder, Start Analytics and Stealth Founders, Japan

If you want to learn a language, do it early and continue to practice the language and culture after your program. Being a Caucasian Mandarin speaker has definitely impressed potential employers when networking and helped me land interviews. Studying abroad has helped me connect with people of different cultures. The best way to build rapport to understand different parts of people's lives by experiencing them yourself. Personally, participating in this program helped me make a lot of friends in the Calgary Chinese community. I even help co-found the Chinese Conversation Club at the University of Calgary.

Funding Received: China International Study Travel Award donated by Joseph and Cindy Leung (c/o Environcon Management Limited), 2019

"This award helped with program affordability, and helped me make a connection with the donors with whom I still keep in touch with to this day."

2023 Arch Award Recipient

Bachelor of Arts (Honours), International Relations and Women's Studies  (2017)

Master of Philosophy, University of Cambridge (2018); PhD Candidate, University of Cambridge (Present)

Study Abroad Program(s): The Washington Centre Internship Program, United States of America (2015); Killam Fellowship at American University, United States of America (2016); Food and Culture Group Study Program, Spain (2017)

Senior Policy Analyst, Government of Canada, Immigration and Refugees Canada

I work in international relations because my travel experiences with UCalgary Study Abroad really inspired my passion. I currently work in international affairs for the Canadian Government, and I would not have found my current career (which I love!) without my international study abroad experiences at the University of Calgary. Studying abroad is where I discovered my personal and professional passion for international work and cultural exchange. Without the opportunity to explore international study with the support of the University community behind me, I'm not sure I would have ever had the chance to travel as widely and educationally as I was able to through Study Abroad programs.

I found that, academically, travel is a valuable forum for reinstilling joy in the learning experience, and reconnecting theory to practice. This was especially valuable to me at the end of my degree, when I was considering whether I had the energy and academic drive to go to graduate school, and international travel was a real spark of inspiration for me to continue my education.

As a result of my experiences, I am a lot more flexible and adaptable. Part of travel is embracing that not everything will go according to plan, but that's also the joy of traveling - embracing the spontaneity. I believe I am less rigid as a person because of my travel experiences.

Funding Received: Killam Fellowship, Fulbright Canada; The Government of Alberta Grant for the Washington Centre; International Study Travel Grant

Bachelor of Arts - Spanish Linguistics and Literature - First Class Honours (2019); Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics (2021)

Study Abroad Programs: Passport to Spanish Culture at Alcala University, Spain (2016); International Internship and Research Assistant at The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spain (2017)

University of Calgary, International Research and Innovation Facilitator (2023)

Through my research internship in Spain, I was inspired to pursue a career in research facilitation, leading me to my current role at the international office. In this position, I support global research collaborations by navigating diverse cultural landscapes, facilitating international projects, and managing cross-border funding opportunities. I vividly recall a moment when I applied the cross-cultural communication and adaptability skills I honed during my global learning experience as a research assistant in Spain. While working on a diverse team, I used these skills to bridge cultural gaps and enhance our collaboration. This inclusive approach not only improved our teamwork but also sparked innovative problem-solving, leading our project to a resounding success. This experience has not only deepened my expertise in international research dynamics but also enhanced my skills in cross-cultural communication, strategic planning, and coordination on a global scale.

Funding Received: International Study Travel Grant, Scholarly Travel Scholarship, Julios Perris Award for Study in Spain

"Research your destination thoroughly, embrace new experiences, and be open to different cultures and perspectives."

Bachelor of Arts - International Relations and East Asian Studies (2016); Master of Arts - Global Affairs - Strategy at King's College London (2022)

Study Abroad Program: University of Seoul, South Korea (2013, 2014, 2015); The Washington Centre Internship Program, United States of America (2016)

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Manager, Ministerial 2024 & Strategic Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation Directorate, Policy Division 

Working with Diplomats and global leaders, I have relied on the skills that my global learning experience provided me with such as cultural awareness, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication. These skills have been directly applicable in my current life, both personally and professionally. For instance, I recently had to collaborate with a diverse team at work, and my ability to understand and respect different cultural perspectives played a crucial role in our successful project execution.

Step out of your comfort zone, listen to your intuition, and above all trust that the world can be a beautiful place, full of possibility and opportunity. Find your self in another culture, confront your insecurities, and connect with people out side of your phone and personal circles. Some of the most profound experiences I have had in life are because of being open to the possibilities and meeting new people while studying abroad. 

Personally: I wasn't very good at connecting with people, or talking with new people, I felt awkward and often fell back on what felt "comforting or safe" when faced with new surroundings or individuals. My study abroad experience stripped back any chance of falling back on anything but adventure. It has made me a more outgoing person, I am forever grateful. Academically: I would have never switched to international relations if it were not for my international relations course at the University of Seoul. It was like a lightbulb went off and I found exactly what I was supposed to be studying. I changed my degree path because of that experience, and I have never looked back. Professionally: My experience at the Washington Centre kicked off my career at the OECD. It opened the gates to what can feel like an exclusive and closed off field, it gave me my start. 

Funding Received: The Government of Alberta Grant for the Washington Centre

"Washington is incredibly cost prohibitive. While the funding did not cover everything, it gave me the breathing space I needed to appropriately plan my experience."

Bachelor of Arts, Double Major in Communications and French (2021)

Study Abroad Program: Exchange to the University of Tours, France, 2019

OneVest, Client Experience Specialist at OneVest 

During my exchange at the University of Tours I advanced my French language skills, which has helped me support French-speaking clients. 

To study abroad, you need to be curious about the world, open to learning and embracing other cultures, and able to trust yourself while venturing outside of your comfort zone. 

Personally, it increased my confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Academically, it allowed me to strengthen my French-speaking skills and increased my comfort operating in bilingual settings. Professionally, it allowed me to improve my intercultural networking skills.

Funding Received: International Study Travel Grant; University of Tours scholarships for exchange students (various) 

Bachelor of Arts - International Relations, 2011; Master of Public Policy, 2012

Study Abroad Programs: University Exchange at Universidad San Fransisco de Quito, Ecuador, 2007; The Washington Centre Internship Program in Washington, DC, 2009

Director, Americas at Alinea International

While I was on my programs, I gained exposure to life-long friends; learned about different ways of life; empathy and understanding for diverse people; language skills; leadership; flexibility; resourcefulness; adventure attitude. I now work with many Latin American countries in the field of international development. The cultural skills I learned through my exchanges have positioned me to have first-hand knowledge and insights into another way of life and thinking about the world.

If I could give advice to students looking into studying abroad, I would tell them to do do it! It will change your life! Take the plunge, find the money, it will broaden all of your horizons.

Funding Received: The Government of Alberta Grant for the Washington Centre; and International Study Travel Grant

"The funding that I received really helped offset the costs of being abroad and not being able to work while I was away. I would not have been able to to do it without the money."

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science, 2023

Study Abroad Program: University Exchange at Lund University, 2022

Financial Coordinator at Calgary Economic Development

I was able to share my international experience during my job interviews, and was also able to actively look at work opportunities at places I have visited during my exchange.

If I could give advice to students looking to study abroad, I would tell them to Stay open minded and not be scared to ask questions!

Funding Received: Faculty of Science IDEAS Fund and Global Learning Award

"The funding that I received alleviated part of my financial stress, and it fully covered my student accommodation in Lund."