Community Leadership Experience provides unique practicum opportunities

Students earning a Bachelor of Education degree in the renowned Schulich School of Education enjoy a plethora of great experiences, and at the top of that list for many is the opportunity to experience learn about teaching in other regions and countries.

This year as part of the Community Leadership Experience, students in the Schulich School of Education had the opportunity to travel to England, Costa Rica, Kenya, Fort Albany, ON or Trois Pistoles, QC.

Costa Rica: February 24 to March 13: A group of 10 students, accompanied by Bill Steer and Dr. Jeff Scott, traveled to Costa Rica for their Community Leadership Experience. In Costa Rica they got the chance to lead workshops for students in schools, worked with adult clients at the recycling centre, and discussed assessment and evaluation with local teachers.

"My experience in Costa Rica was extremely eye opening. One of the best trips I've ever been on,” said student Brianne Martin. “I learned so much about different communities, the culture and lifestyle, and the way the education system works there. The kindness and beauty of both the people and the country itself will be something I never forget."

Trois Pistoles, QC: February 25 to March 10: A group of eight students travelled to Trois Pistoles with Dr. Dan Jarvis. They lived with host families, learned about and taught in the Quebec system, worked in the community, and attended workshops with a view to improving their French teaching practice. 

Fort Albany, ON: February 25 to March 9: Five students, seen here, traveled on the Polar Bear Express to Fort Albany with Chris Hachkowski to work with students and teachers in the community of Fort Albany, located on the southern shore of the Albany River in the James Bay region. 

Kenya: February 24 to March 15: A group of 10 students, accompanied by Dr. Astrid Steele and Dr. Julie Corkett, traveled to Kenya. In collaboration with Me to We, the students and faculty stayed in Bogani and taught in Rongena. They learned about some of the daily activities of a rural Kenyan family as well as some Swahili. These and other learnings inspire students to more deeply consider social issues and how they will use their passion in the future in Kenya and Canada.