Student Mobility Internships and Training in a Changed World – Experiences in Malawi and Namibia (E/SI)
April 24, 2023 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
This presentation will examine Vanier College’s partnerships with the Kumuzu University of Health Sciences in Malawi, and the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia. For the first time since March 2020, students, teachers and staff are working with our partners on the ground in Africa – in fact during this presentation Vanier students are completing their internship requirements in Nursing, Environmental and Wildlife Management, and Animal Health Technology. With the support of CiCan and Global Skills Opportunities, we have transformed our international internships and mobility programs from the more traditional where often only a few could participate, to one where both local on-campus and physical mobility are appreciated and experiential learning techniques are used to grow everyone’s knowledge of the world and its many issues whether they be environmental, economic, health or cultural. Pre-departure training has taken on a new life where reality scenarios can be seen and heard from those living them, not just actors pretending to conquer challenges. Our digital intelligence has flourished and is helping us get to the next level of social and cultural intelligence through our Linkr share page. Live streamed or pre-recorded brief messages from Africa will be available during the presentation. While somewhat similar at first, each project has grown: with Namibia focusing on environmental and sustainability related pre-departure training, and Malawi focusing on health and culture, using Intercultural Competency Training among other methods. Whether student, teacher or staff member, all players at Vanier now feel they work and support our partners in Africa.