international.humber · International Student Recruitment In the 2013-2014 Academic year,...

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2013-2014 A YEAR IN REVIEW Phone: +1.416.675.5067 Email: [email protected] Fax: +1.416.675.6386 Mail: Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning North Campus International Centre, Room D224 205 Humber College Blvd. Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 5L7 Lakeshore Campus International Centre, Room H100A 3199 Lake Shore Blvd. West Toronto, Ontario, Canada M8V 1K8 international.humber.ca TORONTO, CANADA international.humber.ca

Transcript of international.humber · International Student Recruitment In the 2013-2014 Academic year,...

Page 1: international.humber · International Student Recruitment In the 2013-2014 Academic year, international student enrollment at Humber College was sustained at just over 3,000 and the

2013-2014A YEAR IN REVIEW

Phone: +1.416.675.5067

Email: [email protected]

Fax: +1.416.675.6386

Mail: Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning

North Campus International Centre, Room D224 205 Humber College Blvd. Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 5L7

Lakeshore Campus International Centre, Room H100A 3199 Lake Shore Blvd. West Toronto, Ontario, Canada M8V 1K8

international.humber.ca

ToRoNTo, CANAdAinternational.humber.ca

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An International PerspectiveThe Internationalization Strategy is focused on strengthening Humber’s status as a global postsecondary institution.It is my great pleasure to share with you the latest leading initiative to come from Humber’s International Centre. In 2013/2014, we created Humber’s first comprehensive integrated Internationalization Strategy. The strategy is aligned with and supports Humber’s broader five-year strategy and demonstrates our commitment to exceptional teaching and unparalleled student-centred education. The strategy embodies our guiding vision: to create a community of students poised to thrive in a global economy.

The International Centre has a long history of doing just that. Humber has been engaged in international initiatives since the late 1970s and today more than 3,000 international students choose Humber. We have welcomed students from 138 countries around the world and student enrolment from China, Mexico, and Mauritius has grown more than 60% while enrollment from Brazil has more than doubled in the past several years. As well, the number of students involved in study and work-abroad initiatives is growing. In 2013-2014 more than 340 students travelled to 35-plus countries on five continents, a 25% increase over the previous year.

The Internationalization Strategy is focused on strengthening Humber’s status as a global postsecondary institution by increasing efforts to recruit and support international students; providing opportunities for students to study and work abroad; developing strategic partnerships to further inter-cultural exchanges; and creating opportunities for faculty and staff to contribute to international development initiatives.

Read on to learn about how Humber, through its Internationalization Strategy, continues to innovate, collaborate, and prepare students to succeed in a global marketplace.

Diane Simpson, Dean, International Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

An Evolving HumberThe best solutions are the result of diverse thinking.I am pleased to report that Humber had another strong year as we embrace and deliver on our new strategic plan: Strengthen, Sustain, Maximize. Leading up to the launch of this plan last fall, Humber experienced unprecedented growth. From 2008-2013, full-time postsecondary enrolment increased by 43% compared to the provincial increase of 25% over the same period. As we approach our 50th anniversary, we continue to innovate and collaborate in order to bring our students the highest quality education delivered by faculty and staff committed to their success.

We do this by living the values of a learning organization. That means fostering an organizational culture that encourages curiosity, creativity, innovation and collaborative problem solving. All skills necessary to succeed in today’s increasingly interconnected and global world.

The best solutions are the result of diverse thinking. As we move forward with the new strategic plan, we have prioritized internationalizing the curriculum in order to provide students a global perspective both in the classroom and via opportunities to study and work abroad. It is integral to ensuring our students are well positioned to succeed in a globally integrated economy. Together with our focus on excellence, it is one of the reasons Humber continues to lead in polytechnic education.

Chris Whitaker, President and CEO Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Humber College is a leader in public postsecondary education in Canada. Over 3,000 international students study at Humber each year as part of a full-time student population of 27,000. Humber also serves over 56,000 continuing education students.

Humber has:

• 8SchoolsofStudy:AppliedTechnology;Business;Creative& Performing Arts; Health Sciences; Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism; Liberal Arts & Sciences; Media Studies & Information Technology; and Social & Community Services

• Morethan170Bachelor’sdegrees,diplomas,and postgraduate certificates

• Programsdevelopedbyeducationandindustryexperts

• Ablendoftheoryandpracticalexperienceineveryprogram

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It’s an exciting time at Humber College. After listening closely to our students and exploring the needs of an increasingly global economy and mobile workforce, we have implemented a new strategic plan. Strengthen, Sustain, Maximize is our roadmap to the future, and the strategic plan has identified diversity and the further internationalization of the Humber community as key priorities. In order to realize that vision, in 2013-2014, Humber’s first comprehensive integrated Internationalization Strategy was created.

We are creating a community of students ready for the global marketplace, supported by culturally diverse faculty and staff and programming that reflects the new face of our interconnected world. Students benefit from global perspectives and opportunities that will allow them to develop intercultural skills and become global citizens, prepared with the technical expertise and human understanding to contribute to international work environments and to create a more equitable and sustainable world.

How are we doing this? By taking a holistic approach. The Internationalization Strategy is a collaborative effort spearheaded by our Internationalization Committee involving the entire Humber community. More specifically, the Internationalization Strategy presents a coordinated plan identifying five critical objectives:

• Goal1:Recruitandsupportanincreasinglydiversegroupofstudentsfromcountries around the world.

• Goal2:Provideopportunitiesforstudentstostudyandcompletework placements abroad.

• Goal3:EnsureHumberfacultyandstaffareequippedtosupportinternationalization efforts across the campus.

• Goal4:DevelopstrategicpartnershipsdesignedtoengagetheHumbercommunity in academic exchanges and collaboration.

• Goal5:Advanceinitiativesthatcreateopportunitiesforfacultyandstudentstocontribute to international development.

It’s a global world and we are making sure that our students are equipped to succeed. On the following pages, we will share how the Internationalization Strategy is already making this happen by delivering on our five key objectives.

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Humber’s Internationalization Strategy

Humber’s Internationalization Strategy

Goal1:Recruitandsupportanincreasinglydiversegroup of students from countries around the globe

Goal2:Provideopportunitiesforstudentstoearnacademic credit while studying or completing placements abroad

Goal3:EnsureHumberfacultyandstaffare equipped to support internationalization efforts across the campus

Goal4:Developstrategicpartnershipsfocused on intercultural academic exchanges and collaboration that engage the Humber community

Goal5:Advanceinitiativesthatprovideopportunitiesfor faculty and students to contribute to international development initiatives globally

International Centre Team

2013 - 2014 A Year In Review

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Early successesInternational Student Recruitment

In the 2013-2014 Academic year, international student enrollment at Humber College was sustained at just over 3,000 and the focus on diversifying international recruitment efforts resulted in increased applications from all over the world and registered international students from over 100 countries. The International Centre’s Recruitment/Market Development Managers work tirelessly travelling to global recruitment fairs in 35 target countries, liaising directly with prospective students, and building strong relationships with agents in key countries who help facilitate international student applications.

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GoAL 1 Recruit and support an increasingly diverse group of students from countries around the globe.

Making Internationalization HappenUnderlying all of Humber’s actions and at the core of the new five-year plan is a commitment to providing the highest quality education and an exceptional learning experience for a diverse student body.

The strategy: A coordinated multifaceted approach that includes:

• EnhancedmarketingeffortstoraiseHumber’sprofileglobally,aswellasthe creation of an annual review system to monitor program attractiveness and suitability to international students.

• Thestrategicmanagementofinternationalenrolment.

• ExpandedcollaborationsbetweentheInternationalOffice,theHumberStudents’Federation (HSF), the Centre for Teaching and Learning, Community Outreach & Workforce Development, Student Success and Engagement, the Academic Schools, and Program Planning and Development to support the personal and academic success of international students across the college. By 2018, we plan to be able todemonstratethroughKeyPerformanceIndicators(KPIs),theiGradsurvey,andacademic performance how we have been able to support international students.

• RegularcommunicationwiththeHumbercommunitytosharetrendsanddevelopments in student recruitment, immigration, and market development.

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International Education Week

From November 18-22, 2013, Humber joined colleges and universities around the world to celebrate International Education Week (IEW) and the benefits that come from an international exchange of knowledge. This was the fourth time Humber has taken part in the annual festivities and the event put a spotlight on different regions of the world represented by our student population. This year, Humber’s Lakeshore and North campuses featured

displays highlighting Cambodia, Sweden, India, China, Mexico, Jamaica, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The Centre for Teaching & Learning offered workshops for staff and faculty on how to bring global perspectives into the classroom and how to better understand and address intercultural differences in order to engage international students and help them adapt to a new culture. In addition to in-class discussions; events and booths featuring native cuisines, informational pamphlets, and performances by students further enhanced the week and showcased cultures in a new light to students, staff, and faculty.

IEW was a great experience, I learned a lot about different

cultures but what I liked the most was that international and domestic students were

connecting with each other.

Gabriela Carrasco, Fashion Arts student, Humber College

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GoAL 2 Provide opportunities for students to earn academic credit while studying or completing placements abroad.

Making Internationalization HappenToday’s world is more interconnected than ever. Students with global experience have a competitive edge in the market. Already, more than 300 Humber students annually take part in study and work abroad opportunities. The Internationalization strategy is focused on building on this strength.

The strategy: A coordinated multifaceted approach that includes:

• ThelaunchoftheGlobalCitizenshipCertificate(GCC)inFall2014.TheGCCisa cross-college, multidisciplinary program open to students from all of Humber’s Academic Schools. Envisioned as a “global backpack” or a set of academic courses, travel experiences, and co-curricular activities that students can fit into their current studies.

• Targetsaresetforbroadparticipationacrossallschoolsandfaculties,andamarketing plan is developed to promote the opportunities for global internships, work placements, and activities. Industry and institutional partnerships are leveraged to facilitate semester and work placements abroad. The goal is to increase the percentage of students engaged in international activities from 1% to 2% of the total student population at Humber - above average for Canadian colleges.

• TherecentlaunchoftheInternationalCentre’sStudyAbroadwebsite(international.humber.ca/study-abroad) to raise awareness of opportunities to study/work abroad and to prepare students and faculty to take part in those opportunities.

•Thecreationofadatabasetotrackstudentandfacultyinternationalactivities.

International Student Support Services

Making international students feel truly welcome and helping them transition to a new country and new learning environment is an integral piece of ensuring their ultimate academic success and engagement. In order to facilitate an exceptional experience at Humber, the International Centre has created a complete network of support that includes:

• TheVirtualPassporttoHumber

• On-campusOrientationsandMeet‘nGreets

• ThePassporttoSuccess

• AnonlineAcademicSupportSite

• Monthlyeventsandtrips

AccordingtothelatestGlobalInternationalStudentBarometeriGradSurvey,ourefforts are working. Overall satisfaction for international students at Humber is up from previous years to 92%. Their satisfaction with the International Centre is also 92% - higher than many other Ontario and Canadian colleges and higher than the GlobalInternationalStudentBarometeraverage.

The Connect Buddy Program

Adjusting to a new living environment can be both exciting and challenging. The Connect Buddy program provides a support team for new international students to connect with a returning student (Senior Student Buddy) and a faculty, staff or admin person (Faculty/Staff Buddy). These buddies form a “Welcome Team” that engages new international students through informal, personalized, and friendly social interactions.

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My favourite Humber memory would definitely be at the International Student Orientation on the very first day. It really

helped me to be more confident and my overall success at Humber was pretty much because of the International Orientation.

- Lornel, Tourism Management student, Humber College

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Growth in International Mobility Participation

The number of students involved in international mobility initiatives at Humber is growing. In 2013-2014 more than 340 students traveled to 35-plus countries in five continents, which represents a 25% growth over the previous year. Some highlights include:

• Semester Abroad:

The School of Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism (HRT) coordinated fourth-semester programs in France and Taiwan, and the Business School sent students for exchange semesters with our partner institutions in Scotland, Ireland, Austria and New Zealand.

• Global Internships: PostgradstudentsinGlobalBusinessManagement, Marketing Management, and International Development

went to multiple destinations including Nepal, India, China,Italy,Jordan,Guatemala,SouthSudan,Tanzania Bosnia & Herzegovina, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Nicaragua; Criminal Justice degree students went to Ghana;andaChildandYouthCareWorkerstudent

went to Uganda.

• Study Tour/Course Abroad:

HRT students went to Eastern Europe and Russia on a Study at Sea voyage; Creative Photography, International Development, Fashion Arts students went totheUnitedStates(NYC);IndustrialDesignstudents went to Sweden and Denmark; and students from different academic schools participated together in a summer study program in Finland.

• Service Learning:

Students from different academic schools joined an Alternative Spring Break program in the Dominican Republic, coordinated by Student Success and Engagement.

New Online Resource for Travellers

In Fall 2013 the International Centre launched a new website (international.humber.ca/study-abroad) for students, faculty and staff engaged in international mobility at Humber. The site contains an abundant number of resources to support travellers through every step of their journey, organized under the following topics: Global Opportunities; Preparing to Go; While Abroad; Returning Home; Emergency Assistance; Faculty & Staff Resources; Your Stories: Inspiration from Abroad; and an interactive map feature.

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Early successesKenya Research Program

In May 2014, Humber faculty member Dr. Ryan Snider and four of his students in the Bachelor of Commerce, Hospitality and Tourism Management program travelled to Kenya to conduct field research on the cultural challenges facing the indigenous Maasai people. The Kenya Research Program was inspired by the idea of tourism as a tool for development, and is supported by Humber’s commitment to providing students the opportunity to study abroad to enhance their marketable skills and international perspectives. The students learned about and applied different research methodologies and created their own survey tool to collect qualitative and quantitative data. They used a range of statistical tests to analyze the data and will submit their results to a peer-reviewed journal.

Criminal Justice Degree Program Placement – Ghana

In May 2014, five students from the Criminal Justice degree program had the opportunity to participate in a three-week groupfieldplacementinGhana.Allfivestudentslearnedandpracticed the skills, knowledge, and attitude necessary to communicate across cultural boundaries, and educate others abouttheirinternationalexperience.WhileinGhana,theymetwithGhanaiansworkingincommunityprojects;touredimportanthistoric and cultural sites and learned from community leaders.

ThisplacementiscoordinatedbyLinksAcrossBordersandarrangementsinGhanaarehandledbyDisasterVolunteersofGhana(DIVOG).SylviaMorrison,aprofessorfromtheAWCCAprogramatGeorgeBrownanddirectorofLinksAcrossBorders, coordinates the placement and accompanies the group. Humber College’s partnership with Links Across Borders is a giant step forward in teaching our students in the Criminal Justice degree program the importance of community building and being an active participant as a global citizen.

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GoAL 3

Making Internationalization HappenInnovation and collaboration are the cornerstones of all that we do at Humber. The Internationalization strategy is the latest example of our forward thinking and flexible learning options for students.

The strategy: A coordinated multifaceted approach that includes:

• Providingfacultythesupportandtoolstheyneedtoteachinadiverseclassroomandencourage global citizenship. This includes creating a formal framework to encourage and facilitate professional development opportunities internationally, and the introduction of an intercultural training certificate for new and existing faculty.

• InternationalizingcurriculumandprocessesacrossHumberincludingprogramplanningand development, course outlines, and student registration to best reflect the values of the institution. Step one: Create an inventory of curriculum by academic school that will serve as a benchmark of internationalized courses. Step two: Develop a training program to raise awareness and introduce tools to support internationalization of the curriculum.

• Humber’sCentreforTeaching&Learningpilotingcourseoutlinesoftwarewithaquestion focused on international content.

• LeveragingtheworkoftheInternationalizationCommitteeandformalizinginternationalopportunities for faculty.

Ensure Humber faculty and staff are equipped to support internationalization efforts across the campus

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Early successes The Centre for Teaching & Learning launches the Internationally Inclusive Educator Certificate along with online resources

Educators both in the public and private sectors are teaching increasingly diverse students with different backgrounds, cultures, and experience. In order to address the challenges and make the most of the opportunities for this rich new classroom environment, Humber has created the Internationally Inclusive Educator Certificate program. The program features five courses designed to enhance participants’ intercultural knowledge, communication skills, curriculum development, and differentiated teaching skills when teaching and learning with international students.

International Student Advisors

Recognizing that peer support is critical to success, Humber’s International Student Advisors work closely with Program Coordinators and faculty in each Academic School across the College to help international students transition to life in Canada and be engaged members of the campus community. These student advisors know firsthand what it takes to get the most out of studying at Humber and are focused on ensuring that international students receive all the support they need to be successful during their program and after graduation.

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Making Internationalization HappenAs an institution, Humber has prioritized maximizing the impact of its partnerships with industry and other academic institutions. The Internationalization Strategy is doing just that by enhancing its connections with education and community partners across Canada and the globe. These creative and mutually beneficial relationships serve the needs of our students and build on Humber’s reputation as a leader in polytechnic education and as a place to invest.

The strategy: A coordinated multifaceted approach that includes:

•Expandinginternationalopportunitiesforfacultyandstudentswithcurrentinstitutionaland industry partners in Asia and Europe. This will begin by taking an inventory of international agreements already in place and identifying the potential for increasing activities with these partners.

• Identifyanddeveloppartnershipsthatfosterstudentandfacultyexchangeandresearchopportunities, particularly in the Americas, based on program and strategic fit.

• Identifyingalumnichampionsinregionsaroundtheworldtobuildaglobalalumninetwork.

GoAL 4 Develop strategic partnerships focused on intercultural academic exchanges and collaboration that engage the Humber community.

Pre-Departure Support Workshops

The International Centre has pioneered a series of pre-depature orientation workshops to prepare and support the 300-plus students who take part in international mobility activities each year. The workshops have been a great success. Over the past year, the International Centre facilitated more than 20 customized pre-departure orientation workshops for students and faculty that cover such topics as cultural adaptation, health preparation, risk management, global citizenship, consular affairs, being a Humber ambassador, and travel tips. The workshops have the added benefit of significantly increasing engagement with many students who go on to provide articles and share their experience on the International Centre’s social media channels. The initiative is a new service to the Humber community and one that stands to serve as a model for other colleges.

Staff Contributions to Developing Regions through UNITERRA

Humber continues its long-standing relationship with UNITERRA, one of Canada’s largest international volunteer programs. To date, 29 Humber employees, with the support and sponsorship of the College, have taken part in UNITERRA’s Leave for Change, an initiative that pairs professionals with partners in developing countries. In 2013-2014, Humber committed to sponsoring up to six employees by contributing $5,500 per employee, facilitating the volunteer selection process, and by supporting volunteers in sharing their experience upon their return. Humber faculty and staff volunteer to spend part of their vacation time (usually two to four weeks) working in one of twelve participating countries, contributing their skills and experience to specific development projects, with the goal of building capacity in local organizations.

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[The workshop] increased my confidence in my ability to adjust to a new culture and helped to answer my pressing questions about going abroad.

-Pre-Departure Workshop Attendee, Humber College

The people I met throughout my Leave for Change mandate in Vietnam continuously amazed me with their hospitality. My coworkers and new friends volunteered to show me around the city, took me out to eat,

and welcomed me into their homes.

-Liana Acri, Student Life Coordinator, University of Guelph-Humber

A key to building strong partnerships is membership in associations such as NAFSA, EAIE, APAIE, and CCID.

-Diane Simpson, Dean of International, Humber College

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Early successesJoint Academic Partnerships

Collaboration is a core tenet of Humber’s approach to education. It is also a key means to fostering a global education for students. To that end, Humber is growing its international presence through innovative partnerships that allow students to benefit from international transfer agreements and study abroad opportunities. While allowing faculty and staff can to take part in global research along with the design and delivery of academic programs and projects. Humber currently has articulation agreements with post-secondary institutions in Australia, China, Korea, France, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which offer Humber diploma students the opportunity to transfer credits to their degree programs.

Partnership with Parul Institute (India)

On February, 21, 2014, Humber entered into a block transfer agreement with Parul Institute ofBusinessAdministration(PIBA)ofGujarat,India.TheagreementallowsBachelorofBusiness Administration graduates from PIBA to receive credits toward the first two years of a number of Humber’s Bachelor of Commerce programs. This is the first step in the development of further pathways to allow Humber staff and students to participate in exchangeinitiativesinIndiathroughParulGroupofInstitutes,amultidisciplinaryhubof 19 institutions with more than 22,000 full-time students and 2,000 faculty. Each year 400 students from the region pursue post-secondary education in Canada.

Partnership with the University of Technology (Jamaica)

On March 27, 2014, Humber entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Technology (UTech) in Kingston, Jamaica that will encourage collaboration and facilitate transfer agreements and study abroad opportunities for students in Canada and Jamaica. In September 2014 Humber will welcome three students from UTech funded through the Canadian government’s CARICOM scholarship program.

This will deepen mutual understanding and friendship between India and Canada. Final year students would now learn a part of their curriculum at Humber College

and experience world class education practices. Students will be graduating with two degree programmes within five years tenure.

-Devanshu Patel, Managing Trustee, Parul Group of Institutes, India

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Partnership with Papua Human Resources Development Board (Indonesia)

This partnership represents the launch of a scholarship for Papuan students in Canada and promotes closer ties between the two countries. The first seven Papuan students arrived at Humber at the end of March 2014 to begin the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. They will go on to Degree programs.

Sharing expertise in Austria

InApril2014,HumberBusinessSchoolprofessorsAlainLondesandTedGlenntraveledto IMC FH Krems University in Austria to attend IMC Master Days. They joined 20 visiting professors from around the world to share their expertise with IMC Master students and togaininsightsintoeffectiveteachingstyles.ForProfessorGlenn,whogaveaworkshoptitled “Lead from wherever you are: The leader-as-coach approach,” the event reaffirmed thevalueofthediverselearningcultureatHumber.ProfessorGlennalsowroteablogseriesforYourHumberWorld.comdetailinghisexperienceinAustria.

Alumni Networks

The Business School hosted the first ever Humber-Ningbo Alumni Reunion, on June 27, 2014, in Ningbo China. Students from past graduating classes dating as far back as 1999 came together to catch up with former classmates, administrators, and faculty. The Humber-Ningbo alumni spent the evening networking, reminiscing and celebrating their successes since graduation. The former students have all established strong careers with exciting roles including Art and Wine

Importers and Directors of Human Resources. A number of graduates have also gone on to become successful entrepreneurs running their own businesses.

My experience watching my colleagues present here leaves me with more respect for the

culture of teaching and learning that exists at Humber and how

much that culture has contributed to my own development as a

trainer and educator.

- Ted Glenn, Ph.D., Professor of Public Administration and Program Coordinator at The Business School,

Humber College

UTech continues to pursue mutually beneficial global education

opportunities for our students and faculty and we welcome the potential teaching and learning opportunities

afforded by this collaboration between UTech and Humber.

-The Hon. Errol Morrison OJ, President, University of Technology, Jamaica

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GoAL 5

Early successesThe Sulawesi Economic Development Strategy (SEDS) Project

In 2012, Humber partnered with seven universities in Sulawesi, Indonesia for a five-year $4.6 million initiative to develop the partner institutions’ capacity to deliver entrepreneurship education--a critical tool in alleviating poverty. In May 2014, the International Development Institute welcomed 28 of our Indonesian partners from the Sulawesi Economic Development Strategy (SEDS) project to Humber. SEDS will help develop the universities’ ability to design and deliver applied entrepreneurship education, which will then enable graduates to start their own businesses. It will also provide training, counselling and consulting services to support small and medium enterprises.

TheSEDSprojectisbeingfundedbytheGovernmentofCanada through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and Humber College.

ItisinlinewiththeIndonesiangovernment’sFive-YearMedium Term Development Plan (2010-2014) and with Canada’s Aid Effectiveness Agenda.

International Development Institute (IDI) Professional Development

The power of experience informs the skills development training courses and programs offered by the International Development Institute. Faculty bring first-hand knowledge of what works in the field into the classroom, preparing students who are looking to change the world. Among its newest programs is the International Development Management Studies certificate. This program promotes a participatory approach to sustainable development and focuses on practical and transferable management skills necessary to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate project activities and results.

Making Internationalization HappenHumber has a keen sense of its role as a member of a larger community. This is reflected in the strategic plan and the focus on building, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with external stakeholders. It is particularly evident in our international development programming, which strives to bridge theory and practice by having students implement projects in developing countries.

The strategy: A coordinated multifaceted approach that includes:

• TheInternationalDevelopmentInstituteengagingfacultyandstudentsfromacross the College in international development initiatives by raising awareness about existing opportunities and involving them in the development of new initiatives aligning with programming strengths.

• Theidentificationofnewavenuesforfundingandthecreationofcampaignstofundinternational development initiatives.

Advance initiatives that provide opportunities for faculty and students to contribute to international development initiatives globally.

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This program gave us the skills we needed, because neither of us had a background in finance, business or project management before we came to Humber. We went to a business meeting in Nairobi, and the people we were speaking with complimented how prepared we were – and we knew that it was because of the support

we’d gotten from our teachers and colleagues.

- Ella Marinic, International Development student, Humber College

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IDI International Youth Internship Program

For more than 30 years, Humber has worked with international partners to design and deliver capacity-building development projects around the world. The International Development Institute (IDI) continues to build on that experience and share resources, skills, and knowledge to effect positive change in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, Bangladesh and many other developing countries. IDI offers students a diverse range of volunteer placements and internships that allow them to put what they are learning into practice and make life better for people and communities.

As part of his International Project Management program, Mathieu Pepe accepted an internship in Dhaka, Bangladesh for a period of eight months with Training Assistance and RuralAdvancement(TARANGO),asecularnon-governmentalorganization(NGO),whichworkstowardsestablishing poverty-free society by empowering women with the tools to be successful entrepreneurs. Due to a political turmoil in the country at the time of the National Elections, he worked from remote locations as it was not always safe to travel to the area where the office was located. As part of this internship, hehelpedredesignandupdateTARANGO’swebsite,makingit easier for buyers from around the world to view the handicraftproducts.MathieualsohelpedTARANGOcreateafive year business plan for their handicrafts program.

Graduating Changemakers

When recent Humber graduates Sabrina Rubli and Ella Marinic were enrolled in the International Development postgraduate program, they were given a group assignment: design a water/sanitation project for rural Kenya. The project got them thinking about

menstruation. They quickly learned that a lack of facilities and affordable sanitary products cause girls in Kenya to miss an average of 4.9 school days each month. The challenges of affordability, access to facilities, and environmental impact led the team to a simple, sustainable, and eco-friendly solution: the menstrual cup. Rubli and Marinic evolved that school project into FemmeInternational,anNGOdevotedtoaddressingthelargely ignored issue of feminine hygiene management. In May 2013, they launched a pilot initiative to educate girls about women’s health and distribute menstrual

cups in Mathare, a slum just outside Nairobi’s city centre. The result: absenteeism dropped by about 75%. Since then, they have travelled to Kenya multiple times, launched similar programs in similar schools, and have worked with hundreds of girls. They have also secured official charitable status for Femme International, presented at the League for Innovation in the Community College conference, spoken at Humber’s International Development Week, obtained funding from Humber College’s New Venture Seed Fund (HumberLaunch), and received the prestigious 2014 Ontario Council for International Cooperation’s(OCIC’s)GlobalChangemakerAward.

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Starting an NGO was never something we thought we’d do.

It’s been a steep learning curve, but it’s also been an

incredible experience. We’ve gone from being students to being professionals very quickly.

- Sabrina Rubli, International Development student, Humber College

Creating the five year business plan for TARANGO’s handicrafts program allowed me to work with the handicrafts team as well as all stakeholders involved. It was a very interesting

process and we were continuously learning every step of the way. This is just one example from the time I proudly spent working in Bangladesh with an organization that is doing great

work helping to improve the lives of countless people.

- Mathieu Pepe, International Project Management program, Humber College

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The success of the Internationalization Strategy is directly linked to the efforts and commitment of Humber’s dedicated faculty and staff. The driving motivation of Humber is to ensure that all students achieve their personal goals. We were early as a postsecondary institution to recognize the importance of international and diversity to deliver on that objective. To that end, the International Centre and its staff play a pivotal role in supporting Humber’s internationalization efforts.

In order to continue to support Humber’s internationalization efforts and reinforce the execution of the Internationalization Strategy, the International Centre added two new permanent roles this year: Rebecca Fitzgerald, Manager of International Mobility and Daniella Cross, Manager of International Marketing and Communications.

As Manager of International Mobility, Rebecca Fitzgerald focuses on increasing opportunities for students, faculty and staff to study/work abroad by supporting the development of partnership initiatives; developing and administering policy and procedures for international mobility activities; facilitating pre-departure and re-entry preparation; implementing a risk management strategy to ensure safety while abroad;

augmenting scholarship funding for study/work abroad students; and developing andmanagingHumber’snewGlobalCitizenshipCertificateprogram.

In her role as Manager of International Marketing and Communications, Daniella Cross oversees the development of all marketing material and communications within the International Centre by working closely with the Management team. This includes developing and implementing an e-marketing/online strategy, leading social media initiatives, managing external communications for the International Centre, and participating in recruitment activities including educational fairs, high school seminars, and agent events.

The International Centre team recruits and serves the unique needs of international students to ensure their success. In the process, we are enhancing Humber’s reputation globally and strengthening our identity as a leader in polytechnic education. We seek and facilitate international partnerships, support the internationalization of the curriculum, and provide opportunities for all Humber students to benefit from distinctive study- and work-abroad experiences.

International Centre Team