$1,000 bursary will help Guelph-Humber students study abroad
The study abroad program at the University of Guelph-Humber is expanding in popularity, thanks to a scholarship option open to study abroad students.
A $1000 bursary is beginning its second-year in existence after being implemented last September by the school. This scholarship is awarded to the student entering a study abroad course with the highest grade point average after the winter semester.
Assistant vice-provost and business program head Dr. George Bragues said that the study abroad program is increasing its enrolment number every year, and that this option will make studying abroad more affordable for some students.
In an article recently published by the Pie News, 92 per cent of Canadian post-secondary institutions have exchange agreements with foreign institutions. Despite this fact, Pie News quoted Universities Canada as saying, only 3.1 per cent of Canadian students have the opportunity to study abroad.
Third-year business student Nina Erceg-Gogic said that she has many friends who want to attend Guelph-Humber’s study tours, but can’t afford it. She said that if there were more opportunities for students to secure bursaries or grants, there would be even more interest in studying abroad.
Bragues, however, said that the course tuition for a study abroad at Guelph-Humber helps to finance the tour component, lowering the overall cost. He also looked to promote their bursary option, which is still widely unknown to students. “We’re always looking for new initiatives because we do recognize that the cost factor is the biggest thing that dissuades people from going.”
Since the study tours are only 10 to 12 days, Bragues says, the cost is relatively small. When one compares the costs of Guelph-Humber’s tours to those incurred when travelling alone and considers that the student has the summer to work, he said the deal is good.
Erceg-Cogic said that attending two study abroad tours has made her more culturally aware and an adventurous person. “My favourite memories from the study tours are the stuff we did that was unplanned, where something great came out of our free time.”
Bragues said that although the prospect of being away from one’s friends and family for a study tour or semester away may be daunting, a student who travels abroad will look better on a resume. “From an employer perspective, it signals that the student is adventurous, and interested in other ways of thinking … it tells you something about the character of the person, and how far they are willing to go to pursue their ambitions.”
Students interested in studying abroad can email study abroad coordinator Farrah Lutchmansingh to request more information. All students who enter a study abroad program are automatically entered for the $1000 bursary.
“You’ve gotta learn to travel and travel to learn,” said Erceg-Cogic.
About the Author
Jessica Smith is a fourth year Journalism student at the University of Guelph-Humber. She likes her tea 24/7, her books Harry Potter-y and her Coldplay constantly.
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