NC students get work-ready and world-ready on the BWR International Field Study trip to Portugal
This article was published on: April 13th, 2023
This is the second of a series of three articles about students’ experiences during the Winter 2023 Be World Ready (BWR) program’s International Field Studies (IFS).
Niagara College students enjoyed remarkable learning experiences on the Be World Ready (BWR) International Field Studies (IFS) trip to Portugal during the winter break.
Mackenzie Haines enjoyed cooking and learning about international business.
The Portugal – Sun, Sea & History itinerary included visits to historical landmarks, delicious food experiences, and educational sessions about business and the promising start-up ecosystem that makes Portugal one of Europe’s most innovative countries.
“This trip was a great addition to my learning experience,” said Mackenzie Haines, a fourth-year International Commerce and Global Development student. “Having the firsthand opportunity to visit businesses in another country and see how they operate reinforced the value of having a flexible perspective and approach to international business. You must always be prepared to adapt and change your business to suit local conditions and cultures.”
Other students also felt more work-ready after the trip.
“Having a business of my own is one of my goals. Through my experience in Portugal, I got a sense of the global market and was introduced to Start Up Lisbon, which helps support dreams of entrepreneurs,” said Glenda Mendes, who is in her last term of the Fitness and Health Promotion program and is originally from India.
Glenda Mendes enjoyed being immersing in Portuguese culture.
“This trip helped me with my interview skills, which are essential for a journalist and broadcaster,” said Julie Sharp Thomas, a second-year Broadcast, Radio, Television, and Film program student. “One of the assignments required me to interview a local. It was practical experience of what my future career will entail and helped me come up with interview questions and feel comfortable while on camera.”
The students also expanded their understanding of other cultures, further developing their intercultural competencies.
“I come from a state named Goa, in India, which has a strong Portuguese heritage,” said Mendes. “I have grown up seeing tile-painted buildings, for example, and was excited to see the major influence of the culture I witnessed as a child.”
The world-famous Portuguese food is another aspect of the country’s cultural identity that had an impact on students.
“I was looking forward to trying Portuguese cuisine, especially the one day when we had a cooking class at Cooking Lisbon,” said Haines. “We went to a local market and tried local specialties like cheeses and roast pig, and then learned to make some delicious food.”
Julie Sharp Thomas developed her skills as a future broadcaster.
“This field study was a great example of Niagara College’s commitment to providing experiential learning opportunities and bringing together diverse cultures to prepare world-ready graduates,” said Ian Smith, Global Business Development Department and Customer Relationship Management User Support Specialist, who was one of the trip leaders along with NC Accessibility Consultant Isabela Silveira and Student Services Administrative Coordinator said Christal Langerak.
For more information regarding BWR, visit: www.beworldready.ca/
Read the previous article of this series below:
NC students enjoy life-changing experiences on BWR IFS trip to Puerto Rico