Niagara College International

During the winter 2025 break, Niagara College students participated in Be World Ready (BWR) International Field Studies (IFS), engaging in transformative learning experiences.

As part of its ongoing commitment to preparing globally-minded and world-ready graduates, BWR collaborated with NC’s schools of study to create vocationally focused experiences that align with students’ academic and career goals. These opportunities allow students to apply a global lens to the skills they learn in the classroom, while connecting them to key industry hubs.

Funded in part by the Global Skills Opportunity (GSO), the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program, these experiences provide students with invaluable international exposure and practical learning.

Costa Rica

The San Jose, Costa Rica: Rancho Margot itinerary offered students in Horticulture and Environmental programs the chance to gain hands on experience and knowledge to design, plant, and maintain a native pollinator garden locally.

“I gained invaluable knowledge from the incredible people at Rancho Margot and had the opportunity to witness their entire regenerative farming process,” said Horticultural Technician program student Lucilia Giavedoni. “The breathtaking views of the mountains, waterfalls, volcano, and of course the plants were an added bonus to this amazing learning experience.”

For some students, the experience also proved to be personally transformative.

“It was a life-changing experience, where I made many friends that I will miss and participated in numerous hands-on activities full of learning,” said Austin Amadio, also a student in the Horticultural program. “I plan on coming back to volunteer in the future.”

Japan

The Tokyo, Japan itinerary allowed NC’s School of Technology students to delve into Japan’s motor vehicle, consumer electronics, and renewable energy industries, as well as to experience traditional Japanese activities such as tea ceremonies and Taiko drumming.

“Networking was one of the most valuable takeaways from this IFS,” said Mechanical Engineering Technology program student Davran Hurmatov. “Since many of our activities were business-related, I learned how to confidently build connections at the companies we visited, and these professional connections will give me an advantage in future careers.”

Hurmatov also highlighted that for many students, participating in an IFS would not have been possible without the support of the GSO grant funding.

“No words will ever come close to describing how thankful and fortunate I am for GSO’s financial support, which gave me this life-altering opportunity,” added the student. “I have wanted to go to Japan since Elementary School, but it has always been just a fictional thought in my head.”

Spain

The Sevilla, Spain itinerary was a journey through the vibrant world of Spanish media with a focus on broadcasting, film, radio, and television programs. This IFS was hosted and customized for NC School of Media students by NC’s partner EUSA Centro Universitario.

“I gained professional and networking skills, as well as a lot of new knowledge about the industry we are preparing ourselves to enter into,” said Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program student Sierra Maurice. “The World Cup is coming to Canada in 2026 and being able to say we not only studied abroad but worked on a project about football abroad is extremely unique and valuable to our resumes.”

Maurice also noted how this experience deepened her appreciation for Niagara College.

“I have loved NC since the moment I stepped foot on campus on Orientation Day three years ago, and the BWR IFS is an excellent example of just how fantastic the college is,” added the student. “The way NC staff genuinely cares for its students is truly exceptional, and the IFS was the perfect bow to wrap up my college experience.”

Portugal

Open to students from all NC programs, the Lisbon, Portugal itinerary offered learning opportunities in communication and media, innovation and MedTech, and the hospitality industry, along with a visit to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site, Jerónimos Monastery. learning opportunities in communication and media, innovation and MedTech, and the hospitality industry, along with a visit to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site, Jerónimos Monastery.

“From the people, to the beautiful views, to the food and atmosphere — everything was so perfectly curated and planned out,” said Business – Sales & Marketing student Isabella Chavez Chicas. “The team leads made sure every single student on this trip was well taken care of, included in the daily activities, and, overall, that we were happy.”

For many students, the BWR experience also offered the chance to connect with peers.

“The group members were highly engaged, actively participating in discussions and activities,” said Early Childhood Education program student Kayin Yoon. “It was a refreshing and enriching time for me, allowing me to learn, connect with peers, and gain valuable insights.”

For more information about BWR, visit: www.beworldready.ca/