“I fear nothing:” student growth fuelled by Global Skills Opportunities funding
Cecilia McLandress has always had the idea of international exchange in the back of her mind, so she applied for UM’s exchange program last year. However, it wasn’t until she received Global Skills Initiative (GSO) funding that she knew she could really go. “I heard about [GSO] in one of the mandatory pre-departure sessions,” she explains. “And I thought, why not give it a shot? Because I’m a citizen of the Red River Metis Nation, and one of the categories that [was eligible] for the GSO funding was Indigenous – and so, I just kinda went for it, and it worked out!”
GSO is a new initiative UM students can apply for to fund a variety of global mobility programs! This funding prioritizes groups of students who are typically underrepresented in global mobility programs, such as:
- Indigenous students
- Students from low-income backgrounds
- Disabled students
- Students who are visible minorities
- 2SLGBTQIA+ students
- Students who belong to minority faiths
McLandress’ GSO funding has gone towards her studies at Yonsei University in South Korea for the Fall 2024 term. She describes South Korea as a great fit for her interests, both personally and academically. Through her Intensive Korean class, McLandress is building on what she learned in Introduction to Korean at UM, all while practicing the language in her day-to-day interactions! As a history student, too, discovering South Korea’s heritage has been a fulfilling part of her experience so far. “There are so many interesting museums and historical sites here, it’s actually crazy,” she raves. “Just earlier today I saw the bridge where the massive prisoner of war exchanges happened, like between North Korea and South Korea […] There’s just so much history that I never thought I would be able to see and not just read about!”
As well as enhancing her academic life, McLandress’ exchange has helped her grow as a person and become more independent and confident. “I think at this point, after being here for almost two months, I fear nothing.” She explains how she’s ventured out of her comfort zone every day, like by pushing herself to book a hair appointment in Korean. “I have had to just say, like – ‘OK, this is terrifying, but I just have to do it.” Overcoming challenges and trying new things, she explains, has helped her develop a sense of independence.
Does McLandress’ story resonate with you? Maybe you want to explore another country or push yourself to be more independent. Reach out to the International Centre (IC), because a global mobility program could be exactly what you’re looking for! “The International Centre staff were so helpful, and I got so many really helpful resources and a lot of really good guidance,” explains McLandress. “Even if you don’t know anything, even if you don’t know where you want to go, even if you don’t know when or how you could make it work. You just, like, book an appointment! Just go!”
If you’re like McLandress and you’re interested in a global mobility program but don’t know if it’s feasible for you, the IC will advise you on whether GSO funding can help send you on your next adventure! You can check out the International Centre homepage for information on all student mobility programs and funding initiatives, including GSO, or contact international[at]umanitoba[dot]ca with general inquiries or GSO[at]umanitoba[dot]ca for a GSO application form.