Global Learning Ambassadors
Join our next cohort of Global Learning Ambassadors! Ambassadors are current students with diverse international experiences who are passionate about sharing global learning & study abroad opportunities with the UCalgary community.
The Ambassadors team takes on a variety of roles during the fall & winter semesters, such as:
- Providing peer advising and directing students to information about global learning programs, application processes, eligibility, funding, and more
- Managing the Office of Global Learning front desk and assisting students & staff who come in
- Promoting global learning opportunities on social media @UCalgaryAbroad and in-person with print materials & classroom presentations
- Participating in a training program to develop their cultural competencies, including cross-cultural communication and leadership skills
- Sharing their own international experiences with other students and the broader
UCalgary community
Join our 2026-2027 Ambassadors! Applications will open in the summer of 2026.
Being an Ambassador is a great way to develop your skills in leadership, public speaking, community building, and more. It also connects you with like-minded students and helps you build your international network! Your volunteer hours can be used as professional experience or a reference on your resume. See below for more info about the positions available and what to expect if you apply.
Please note: All Ambassadors are required to attend an onboarding meeting in August and a monthly training workshop throughout the year. We understand that academic or personal conflicts may come up unexpectedly, but these training sessions are critical; we expect you to save the dates in your calendar when applying and make your best effort to attend.
Global Learning Ambassadors
Global Learning Ambassadors play a valuable role in supporting student advising, Global Learning promotions & events, and special projects throughout the year. They commit 2-3 volunteer hours per week (minimum 20 hours per semester). A detailed job description will be posted once applications open.
Who is eligible to be an Ambassador?
- Must be a current UCalgary student in good academic standing
- Both degree-seeking students and non-degree-seeking students (e.g. international exchange students at UCalgary) are welcome to apply
- Prior international experience is a benefit; students who have participated in a UCalgary global learning program will be given priority
- This is a full-year role (fall & winter semester); students who can only attend one semester may be considered if there is space available
Ambassador Team Leads
Team Leads take on extra responsibilities & leadership roles, both among the Ambassadors and the Global Learning staff. They volunteer on average 10 hours per week (130 hours per semester) and receive an honorarium each semester. There are usually two Team Leads who work collaboratively throughout the year, however, each one will have their own portfolio and take initiative on certain projects. A detailed job description will be posted once applications open.
Who is eligible to be a Team Lead?
- Must be a UCalgary degree-seeking student in good academic standing
- Prior international experience is a benefit; students who have participated in a UCalgary global learning program will be given priority
- Returning applicants (e.g. applicants who were Ambassadors in a previous year) may be given priority
- This is a full-year role (fall & winter semester)
2025-2026 Ambassadors
Degree: Business Analytics
"I spent a semester studying, living, and volunteering in Copenhagen, Denmark! It was an unforgettable experience where I met so many great people that all left an impact on me and how I see the world. I was pushed out of my comfort zone in the best way and motivated to try more things."
Anna did an exchange program at the University of Copenhagen!
Degree: Environmental Science
"One of the things I have learned is that there is a whole other world out there, one that is full of adventures, history and culture. Studying and living abroad is life-changing. It taught me how to respond to a changing environment and learn about how I manage personal and academic challenges. My favourite memory is travelling in 4 different countries in two weeks, from hiking in Switzerland to exploring the culinary scene in Italy, France and Denmark."
Anthony did an exchange program at the University of Copenhagen!
Degree: Psychology
“During my time in Oxford, I met some of my best friends. One of my favourite memories was our first May Day. We woke up at 4 am and walked downtown with the rest of the city to stand on the main street and welcome in the spring season. Choirs were singing from towers, and watching the sunrise with the music is something I will never forget!”
Brynn went on exchange to Oxford Brookes University!
Degree: Natural Science
“Picture this, you’re in the middle of class in the Bahamas, a.k.a. snorkeling, checking out the coral reefs, the way the light beams look cutting through the deep water and the stingrays rippling along below you. How is this even school? Your snorkel buddy is right beside you and you take turns pointing at all the amazing creatures you see. Then, you notice a couple of large barracudas deep down near the bottom, no need to panic they are far away. Oh but no, right then they look up and see you and start swimming up towards you, sharp pointy teeth jutting out the sides of their narrow jaws. You get your snorkel buddy’s attention and you both get quite terrified. Holding hands and swimming away while keeping a close eye on them. They are about 20 feet away now and still coming. You start to feel a bit like Marlin and Coral in Finding Nemo. You contemplate how you’re going to defend yourself from these razor torpedos, when finally by some miracle they turn around and start descending back to the deep. Later, among the whole group you tell your professor about your narrow escape from sure death. To which he teaches you a valuable lesson: when barracudas swim towards you, you swim right at them and they will retreat. Great après knowledge to put in your pocket. As for that snorkel buddy, well, our brush with Mr. & Mrs. Huge Teeth solidified our friendship for life!"
Candice attended the Bahamas Tropical Geology Group Study Program and the Hawai’i Volcanism Group Study Program!
Degree: Psychology
“One of my favourite memories from my time abroad in Copenhagen was learning about and experiencing the activities that locals participate in every day. For example, I would often go for a cold dip in the harbour and bike around the city. Through this experience, I enjoyed meeting people from all around the world, which led me to build lasting friendships.”
Caitlyn did an exchange program at the University of Copenhagen!
Degree: Natural Sciences
“Exchange is a wonderful opportunity for learning languages! The words and phrases we learn in textbooks are not necessarily suitable for everyday conversations, so me and my international friends made a dictionary for slang and colloquialisms we use in everyday life!”
Eric attended an Online Group Study Program studying Japanese language, including a Japanese speech competition with local students in Japan!
Degree: Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering
“One of my favourite memories from Italy was wandering through narrow cobblestone streets after class, sharing gelato with friends as the sun set over centuries-old buildings. Moments like that reminded me how joy can be found in slowing down and truly experiencing a place, not just visiting it.”
Huzaifa attended the Unscrupulous Anatomy and Modern Medicine Group Study Program!
Degree: English
“During my exchange, I spent most weekends exploring other countries in Europe! I was amazed by how easy and inexpensive it was to travel to different parts of the continent from my host country. My favourite country I travelled to was Portugal, as it was rich with culture and stunning views.”
Isha did an exchange program at the University of Limerick!
Degree: Psychology and Organizational Behaviour & Human Resources
“One of my favourite memories is meeting people from all over the world while traveling abroad. I made so many new friends and got to explore not just Singapore but also other countries with them. It was amazing to share adventures and see new places together. Along the way, I learned a lot about problem-solving and rolling with the punches. It was a great way to pick up new skills and adapt to whatever came our way.”
Jamie attended the Nanyang Summer Exchange program in Singapore!
Degree: Accounting
“My favourite memories from Kyoto are exploring its beautiful autumn season. I was fascinated by how much nature was incorporated into the city itself, especially in its historical temples and shrines that provided a calming and tranquil experience like no other.”
Janny went on exchange to Ryukoku University!
Degree: Kinesiology and Dance
“A highlight of my global learning experience was immersing myself in Hong Kong’s vibrant culture through city tours, Chinese calligraphy and cooking workshops, and visits to landmarks like Victoria Harbour and the Big Buddha. Living alongside fellow research students at CUHK fostered deep connections and a strong sense of community, making the experience both culturally enriching and personally meaningful.”
Jasmine attended the Chinese University of Hong Kong Summer Research Program, and also received a 16-week Alberta Innovates Research Studentship Award!
Degree: Motor and Psychosocial Aspects of Movement
“My semester abroad immersed me in Oslo's natural beauty. I spent 8 days backpacking in Norway’s largest national park, Hardangervidda. It was the most physically demanding yet mentally clearing experience I’ve ever had. With no phone service, no paved paths and no one sight for miles away I slowly started to grasp the rhythm of Norwegian life. It gave me a chance to enjoy the little things in life and appreciate the world around me!”
Jeannie did an exchange at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, and also received funding for undergraduate research through Biomedical Engineering!
Degree: Anthropology
“My favourite memories that I made in Japan were always with the rest of the group, like walking from place to place while joking and making small talk with each other. We all came to that trip with the same passion and energy, and I will never forget being able to partake in special cultural activities together, such as the Japanese Tea Ceremony and Ikebana. Being able to connect with the culture I spent my entire life learning about in such an intimate way was unforgettable, and helped shape me into the passionate learner I am now!"
Kristina attended the Japanese Language & Culture Group Study Program!
Degree: Communication and Media Studies
“My favourite memories studying in Australia were taking road trips along the east coast! Camping under stars, hiking up mountains, and swimming in the ocean allowed me to experience the natural wonders of Australia.”
Lidia went on exchange to the University of Wollongong!
Degree: Biomedical Engineering
“My summer research at the University of Liverpool provided me with a unique opportunity to pursue research in my field of interest while broadening my intercultural capacity. The ability to pick up my bags and travel on a whim was one of the aspects that made living in the UK so special for me. The most impactful part of studying abroad for me was the friendships made with people from so many different cultures; being surrounded by people from all over the world with the perfect context for social interaction was a special and unforgettable experience.”
Markus attended the Liverpool Summer Research Program, and also did undergraduate research at UCalgary!
Degree: Kinesiology
“A special memory of mine from studying abroad was when myself and my flatmates also on exchange rented a car and toured Scotland together. While it was my most unplanned and stressful trip while abroad, it was also by far my favourite.”
Mason did an exchange at the University of Leeds; previously he received studentships to work at a local injury prevention research company, which he's now writing his thesis on!
Degree: Computer Science
“A special memory from my exchange in Italy is falling asleep with my girlfriend in a rose garden on a sunny day in July, with a view of the Florence Cathedral and the sound of a harp nearby. My exchange was full of memories like this because the Italian value of slowing down to rejuvenate coincided perfectly with the extreme studying amounts that I encountered there.”
Nick did an exchange at the University of Trento!
Degree: Exercise & Health Physiology
“My favourite memory studying in Australia was doing sunrise yoga every morning with all my friends and getting to dip in the ocean afterwards. I learned that I can always find my group of people despite all being from different places in the world. I have made lifelong friendships from my experience abroad!”
Paige went on exchange to Flinders University!
Degree: Biological Sciences
“My time spent studying abroad in Japan was absolutely incredible. One of the greatest parts about my trip was just the moments of unwinding with other students during the evening. Whether it be a unique Izakaya or the local bar, being able to try delicious foreign foods and drinks with both local and international friends made great memories out of the simplest of times.”
Parker went on exchange to Kansai Gaidai University, and also received a summer studentship working at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute!
Degree: Education and Spanish
“My favorite memory was when I went on a road trip with my new friends from Peru and Italy to the desert in northern Argentina and see landscapes I had never seen! I also loved getting Argentinian ice cream and alfajores late at night from the kioscos and heladerias and walking through calle corrientes, there was always many things going on. In Spain, I took a class where I got to volunteer with school aged children every week helping them with homework, I got to connect with younger kids and create activities for them In class!”
Princess did a split year exchange, with one semester at Universidad de Navarra and the next semester at Universidad del Salvador!
Degree: Psychology
“One of my favourite things I did while studying abroad was taking advantage of a 24-hour layover in Fiji on my way home. Though this may have been seen as an inconvenience by many, studying abroad taught me that there is so much adventure to be had if only you embrace every opportunity. Rather than waiting around at the airport or booking a more direct flight, I found myself soaking in traditional Fijian mud baths and wandering through tropical rainforests. Even though it lasted just one day, my time in Fiji is something I will remember forever!”
Talisa did an exchange at the University of Wollongong, and also completed an Embedded Certificate in Mental Wellbeing & Resilience at UCalgary!
Degree: Communication & Media Studies
“I spent a semester abroad at the University of Glasgow, and it was one of the best things I've ever done. I had time away from home to reflect, to grow, and where I made friends and enjoyed many a day out at the seaside, which was accessible by train! My favourite memory in particular was a trip I took to Largs where I beachcombed for seaglass for hours!”
Victoria did an exchange at the University of Glasgow!
Degree: English and Linguistics
“Back in Tsinghua University, I used to have a lot of international friends. Listening to different minds from different culture background and getting touch with persperctives from all over the world really broaden my horizon and help me form an open mind.”
Xinyi is an international exchange student, who came to UCalgary from Tsinghua University!
Degree: Environmental Science
“My special global learning memories is the research program in the Philippines. In this program, our environmental group focused on 'the role of Mangrove', and I gained hands-on experience by interviewing local organizations and community members, participating in planting mangroves, and delivering presentations on our findings. In addition, as one of the overall leaders, I planned and managed performance events for residents and university officials. This program significantly enhanced my intercultural communication, research, and leadership skills in the real-world.”
Yoshie is an international exchange student, who came to UCalgary from Soka University! She has previously studied abroad in the USA and the Philippines!