Trent University Joins Canadian Bureau for International Education’s Learning Beyond Borders Initiative
Transformational study abroad experiences at Trent to be promoted and shared more widely through new national initiative
Trent University has joined the Canadian Bureau for International Education’s (CBIE) Learning Beyond Borders initiative to help more Canadian students take advantage of learning experiences in other countries.
"At Trent University we encourage our students to challenge the way they think and a powerful way to do this is through study abroad programs,” said Dr. Michael Eamon, acting director of Trent International. “Studying abroad enriches learning and offers students a valuable way to gain new, international perspectives. Contact with different languages, cultures and peoples not only inspires students, it also provides them with long-lasting memories and invaluable lessons that can be applied to all aspects of their lives."
As a partner in the Learning Abroad Innovation Zone with the CBIE Learning Beyond Borders initiative, Trent University commits to identifying and addressing internal barriers to learning abroad, and to participating in peer discussions with institutions across the country that are tackling similar issues and challenges.
Reports indicate that annually only 3.1% of full-time Canadian undergraduate university students have an education abroad experience, despite reports from students about the transformational nature of the experience, its many contributions to their academic and career achievements, and its value in enhancing their communication skills, self-awareness and adaptability. At Trent University, study abroad opportunities are available to students studying in every major and program. Students can complete a semester or year abroad through any of Trent’s formal exchanges with more than 50 universities in more than 40 countries.
“Canada is faced with the challenge of getting more of our students to take advantage of learning experiences in other countries,” said Karen McBride, president and CEO of CBIE. “It is time to leverage the leadership role of education institutions in a concerted and coordinated effort to give our generation of young leaders the knowledge, skills and global outlook they will need to thrive in our interconnected world.”
Through the Learning Beyond Borders initiative, CBIE will provide support by organizing webinars and thematic peer discussions throughout the year to allow institutions to discuss challenges and potential approaches to common goals, identify best practices and disseminate supporting research and case studies as needed.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham – Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
About CBIE
Established in 1966, the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) is a national, not-for-profit, organization dedicated exclusively to international education. Working closely with a membership of over 150 education providers nationwide, from K-12 to postgraduate, public and private sectors and with a network of strategic partners throughout Canada and around the globe, CBIE is ideally positioned to promote global learning by mobilizing expertise, knowledge, opportunity and leadership.
Kate Weersink, media relations & strategic communications officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 at extension: 6180 or kateweersink@trentu.ca