Chris Bird had the opportunity of a lifetime while taking a program at Canadore College; he was able to experience a new culture and see a different part of the world in his final semester while studying abroad.

“The experience was unforgettable. The chance to meet new people from a different culture was one of the best things I took away from the trip. The schooling portion of the trip was enlightening in the sense that class sizes were much smaller and the teaching methods and learning resources were very different as well,” Chris said.

Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher taking either Business Administration or Business Administration Marketing, have the opportunity to earn credit toward their three-year diploma while studying in another country. Students can choose to study at one of the College’s partner institutions, while paying standard tuition to Canadore.

Chris finished his final semester of the Business Administration Marketing program in Tampico, Mexico. He said the trip gave him a unique perspective on the business industry.

“The experience helped me gain a better understanding of the differences that culture plays in the business world, how ideas and concepts can be looked at from a different point of view, and also see the many similarities in the way things are done relative to here in Canada,” Chris said. “Culture plays a huge role in how business is conducted and seeing the pride that the students take in their education makes me realize how important it is to cherish education and absorb as much as you can before you enter the work force.”

“Seeing these things first-hand was a great learning experience, far beyond anything you could ever take away from a classroom.”

Chris worked at Boart Longyear after returning from his semester abroad and is now completing his final year in the Bachelor of Commerce program at Nipissing University. He said that every student should have this type of opportunity.

“I would recommend studying abroad to anyone looking for a positive experience. To travel to a different country while earning credit towards a diploma or degree is such an amazing opportunity.”

Currently, students have the unique opportunity to study at Barbados Community College in Barbados or Latin American University of Science and Technology in Costa Rica for approximately five months.

“The opportunity to study abroad helps expand our students’ view of the world and provides a cultural learning opportunity that has value outside of the classroom. It also allows them to learn from business educators in another country and gain new perspectives on global business issues,” said David Himmelman, Dean of Business, Communication Arts, Hospitality, Tourism, Culinary Arts and Recreation and Leisure.

Students live with local families or rent housing while gaining an international experience that will last them a lifetime. They have the opportunity to see a different culture, make invaluable contacts and have the added value of being able to list the experience on their resume.

This year, five students from the School of Business will be studying abroad. Brittany Mahnke is scheduled to leave for Barbados in January.

“I have never been presented with an opportunity like this. Having education from an international college will help me to understand how other cultures view marketing and see their business practices,” Brittany said.

“Canadore College is where I have spent my last three years studying. I have been able to connect, meet and network with many individuals because of my program. I have an amazing relationship with my professors. Coming to Canadore and completing my postsecondary education here has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.”