Empowering Indigenous Students through International Experiential Learning (E/SI)
Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech) has been an international education leader for over 30 years, with vast experience in international capacity building and partnership development. Despite our sustained commitment to global engagement, our historical involvement of students in international mobility activities has been limited, notably among Indigenous students.
Sask Polytech recognizes that international mobility opportunities for our indigenous students can empower them with knowledge and experiences that they can bring back to their communities, contributing to the advancement of their people while fostering cultural understanding and cooperation on a global scale. And utilize this experience to enhance employment opportunities (SDG 8).
Through Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) funding, Saskatchewan Polytechnic has committed to increasing the number of Indigenous Students participating and engaging in international learning opportunities. Through engagement with our Indigenous strategy division, gathering knowledge about student experiences, needs and wants in a culturally appropriate way, Sask Polytech has generated evidence-based insights that have informed the design of learning abroad programs to meet Indigenous students’ ways of learning and requirements for a safe and healthy international experience. This session will highlight the development, implementation, lessons learned and impact of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s study abroad program on our Indigenous students.
Stream: Strengthening Indigenous Education
Speakers
Director, International Partnerships and Projects | Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Program Head of the Hairstylist, Skin Care and Nail Technician Programs | Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Manager of the wītōkamāhtōtān Indigenous Student Success team | Saskatchewan Polytechnic