Second-year Bachelor of Education student, Natasha Reodica talks about her experience this past summer in Freiburg, Germany.

This past summer, 8 Bachelor of Education students took their learning beyond the classroom through 快播视频鈥檚 Summer Exchange to Freiburg, Germany. For four months, they studied at the University of Education (PH Freiburg) alongside students from across Europe, Africa, and Asia, gaining fresh perspectives on teaching and learning.

Living in the heart of the Black Forest, our students immersed themselves in German culture, picked up new languages, and traveled to eight countries during their exchange.

The Summer Exchange to Freiburg is open to York BEd students, typically in their first year of the program, and offers university credit courses in English, German, or French. The program blends academic study with cultural immersion, helping teacher candidates build independence, cultural awareness, and global networks. All skills that enhance their future classrooms.

To learn more about eligibility, courses, and application details, visit the Summer Exchange to Freiburg program page.

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By Dennis Bayazitov special contributing writer

From Canada's lush landscapes to the historic lecture halls of Freiburg, Germany, Sarah Weston's (BEd 鈥�13) academic path embodies the transformative essence of 快播视频's international exchange experience, offered within the Faculty of Education鈥檚 Bachelor of Education degree program. Her natural curiosity and love for diverse cultures propelled her into a global academic quest, significantly molding her life and career.

Sarah was raised in a family that valued discovery and cultural understanding. 鈥淚've always had an interest in travel because I love exploring new cultures, food, and people of different backgrounds,鈥� she says. 鈥淢y parents took my brother and I on a road trip across Canada when we were kids to ensure we explored our own country before going abroad. This sparked my interest in the diversity of the country and how people live in different parts of the world. I continued to travel through high school which included visits to New York, Italy, and Cozumel.鈥�

Sarah鈥檚 academic journey led her to 快播视频, where the chance to study in Freiburg in Breisgau, Germany, became a pivotal chapter in her life. This opportunity was more than just a means to earn academic credits; it was a portal to immerse in a new culture, learn with diverse peers, and forge lasting international friendships. 鈥淚鈥檓 most proud of the relationships I made and the travel I accomplished while in Germany,鈥� she shares. 鈥淭hrough being surrounded by people who also love to travel, we spent a lot of our free weekends visiting neighbouring cities and countries. A few highlights include Prague, Slovenia, Munich, The Royal Wedding in London, and Amsterdam.鈥�

In Freiburg, a city at the Black Forest's base, Sarah found a vibrant community that blended traditional architecture, sustainability, and modern urban life, providing a unique setting for personal and academic growth. Her experiences in Germany were highlighted by the relationships she built and her travels across Europe, enriching her world view. Moving into a career in education, Sarah's narrative shows the wide applicability of her overseas experiences. Currently serving as an Assistant Director of Career Coaching and Education at Stanford University in California, her career trajectory鈥攕panning a decade as an elementary school teacher in the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) across various roles including ASD classroom teacher, learning resource teacher, and intermediate classroom teacher鈥攗nderscores the remarkable versatility of educators.

鈥淚t's important to highlight that our career paths don鈥檛 always need to be linear,鈥� she says. 鈥淎fter moving to California for my husband's work, I worked as a tutor, a curriculum specialist-turned Chief of Staff at an EdTech startup, and now in postsecondary education. Our skill sets as teachers are broad, and when paired with international experience and curiosity, any career path is possible!鈥�

For those intrigued by international education, Sarah's message is clear: "Do it!鈥� 鈥淚f you have any inkling that international education is interesting to you, go for it and sign up,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t may seem scary and hard, but it鈥檚 so worth it! Not only do you build incredible relationships, you also expand your understanding of your future students by learning about other cultures and experiences across the world.鈥�

Sarah's experience is an inspiration to York students and beyond, illustrating how international experiences can reveal diverse paths, fostering growth, comprehension, and a profound respect for the global community. 快播视频's Faculty of Education continues to promote these life-changing experiences, encouraging educators to adopt global perspectives and influence the future of education.

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Five outstanding Canadians and members of the 快播视频 community have been appointed to the Order of Canada. The announcement was made on Dec. 18 by the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.

Recognized as one of the country鈥檚 highest honours, the Order of Canada acknowledges outstanding individuals whose contributions, achievements, and impact have brought meaningful change to communities across the country.

Officers

Sylvia Beth Bashevkin (PhD 鈥�81), alumna, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Bashevkin is a Canadian academic recognized for her research in gender and politics. As one of the first to study the obstacles faced by women, her work examines the consequences of women鈥檚 political participation. She鈥檚 also strived to increase opportunities for diverse people to engage in politics.

Members

Carol Ann Cowan-Levine (BA 鈥�67), alumna, Glendon College
Cowan-Levine is a social worker and registered psychotherapist who is recognized for her service to women and youth. Her volunteer work has shaped government, health care institutions and the non-profit sector in Ontario. She has also played a leadership role in the establishment of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Donald A. Dippo, professor emeritus, Faculty of Education
Dippo is an educator, former professor in York鈥檚 Faculty of Education and co-founder of the Borderless Higher Education for Refugees program. As a dedicated advocate for education equity, Dippo has increased the access to education for children in Toronto, eastern Africa, and South and Central America.

Richard Rose (BFA 鈥�78), alumnus, School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Rose is an artistic director and producer recognized for his theatrical productions in Canada. His legacy has helped shaped careers, and his leadership has inspired writers and directors around the world. In 2011, he received the Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the Performing Arts, which recognizes the highest level of artistic excellence and distinguished career achievement by Canadian artists.

Ajay K. Virmani, former member of the Board of Governors
Virmani is an entrepreneur and the founding president and chair of Cargojet Airways. He is recognized for his transformation of Cargojet Airways into the largest and most-awarded air cargo airline. In addition to his work in the e-commerce logistics and supply chain industry, he is an advocate for health care and social justice initiatives across Canada.

For information about the Order of Canada program and to view the full list of appointments, visit .

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In navigating the transformative path of international education, Liam Bekirsky's (BEd 鈥�18) story is a testament to the enriching power of studying and working abroad. His educational journey first started at 快播视频鈥檚 Glendon College, fueled by a deep-seated passion for the French language and an understanding that true comprehension extends beyond grammar and writing to embrace the rich tapestry of cultural narratives that shape its use.

鈥淭eaching a language not only requires the ability to speak, read, and write the language, but also to understand the contexts and cultures in which it is used,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd what better way to get this experience than going abroad to France!鈥� Driven by this conviction, Liam embarked on a remarkable journey that would take him from the historic battlegrounds of Vimy in France to the lecture halls of Sciences Po Paris, and eventually, to the University of Oxford.

The leap into international waters was motivated by Liam's desire to fully immerse himself in the French language and culture, grounding his theoretical knowledge in lived experiences. Securing a position as a tour guide at Canada's National War Memorial at Vimy, Liam found himself at the intersection of education, history, and personal growth. This government-supported role not only provided a platform for professional development but also served as a gateway to the authentic exploration of French cultural life. 鈥淚t was my first time living abroad, and gave me the chance to immerse myself in French culture through work, life and travel,鈥� he says.

During his time at York, Liam鈥檚 professors played a pivotal role in his journey, encouraging him to explore international avenues while nurturing his love for French language and culture. Their support was crucial as Liam pursued a dual Master's Degree at Sciences Po Paris and the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto. Spending a year in Paris, Liam's academic and professional horizons expanded, culminating in an internship at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) where he did work focusing on education policy. "Transitioning from teaching French as a Second Language to engaging with international education policy, broadened my professional scope,鈥� he notes.

Liam's international experiences were marked by significant achievements, notably the extensive network of friends and professionals he developed. This network, spanning several countries, started to emerge from his time in Arras in 2017, providing a valuable professional and personal support system. 鈥淚 got to experience the joys of living in a small French town, having drinks on the town square, visiting the shops, and enjoying the scenic side of the country,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t was also centrally located which made it easier to travel to neighbouring cities like Lille and Brussels.鈥� His academic success, highlighted by completing his dual master's degree and securing multiple scholarships, formalized his expertise in international education.

Now at the University of Oxford for his doctorate, Liam investigates how educators form professional networks, inspired by his OECD work and the diverse education systems he encountered. Teaching in UK schools has further enriched his research, underscoring the value of his global experiences. 鈥淎ll this to say, without my international experience, I never would have had the inspiration to apply, and the qualifications to get into Oxford,鈥� he affirms.

Liam stresses the importance of international experiences for early-career educators. 鈥淭hese experiences are vital for understanding and engaging with the varied student populations educators encounter,鈥� he says. 鈥淓ducation - what it means and how it is structured and practiced - is different all over the world. It takes on its own national and local character, and is shaped by trends from all over the world. To only know what education looks like in one place is not sufficient for educators, who must take a step back and critically reflect on their own practice and experiences,鈥� he adds.

To York students interested in international education and exchange opportunities abroad, Liam's message is clear: "Just go for it despite any potential hesitations that you may have鈥攂e it funding, family commitments, or fear of the unknown鈥攖he personal and professional growth that such experiences bring is invaluable to both your personal and professional growth鈥�. 鈥淵ou will miss your family and friends, but they will be fine, and even more appreciative of the time you will give them and the experiences you will share when you are back,鈥� he continues. 鈥淎nd the whole point of going abroad is to meet new people and make friends for life. Be optimistic. You will have a successful career as an educator, and this opportunity will make it all the more enriching.鈥�

Liam's path clearly showcases the fulfilling nature of international experiences. "You never know who you will meet abroad, and how they may change or help you redirect your life," he muses, reflecting on the many connections and opportunities that have shaped his path鈥攆rom chance encounters that led to professional ventures, to the cultural and social explorations that broadened his worldview. Chief among these serendipities, perhaps, was meeting his partner in the UK, a personal milestone that underscores the boundless possibilities that await when one embraces the adventure of studying abroad.

Article by Dennis Bayazitov special contributing writer

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New Ontario rules to deny private colleges international students will wipe out their partnerships, killing jobs and ending a lucrative source of income for public colleges, experts and advocates say.

Faculty of Education Associate Professor Roopa Trilokekar who specializes in the internationalization of education at 快播视频, weighs in on the new Ontario student-visa rules which will deny private colleges international students, wipe out their partnerships, and kill jobs. Trilokekar said the federal cap and provincial allocation of the study permits don't address the crux of the problem 鈥� the sector's addiction to foreign students. "The biggest issue we have in Canada is the funding of post-secondary education," said聽Trilokekar.聽

Read the full article on the .

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During my practicum placement at St. Philips Catholic Elementary School, I had the opportunity to work collaboratively alongside Vickie Morgado as we began a global collaboration project with a class in the Ukraine. In November 2023, we began communicating back and forth with Vika Matkivska, an English teacher in the Ukraine. We began exchanging photos, as we received photos of students sharing Halloween themed art, holding pictures of different flags representing their diverse backgrounds with the class, and other forms of student learning. In response to the photos being sent to our classrooms, Vickie shared some photos with me of her class which I then created a slideshow video of the different ways we learn in the classroom to share with the class in the Ukraine. Vickie鈥檚 grade 4 class was excited about being able to share the slideshow of the different ways they learn with the class in Ukraine after receiving photos from their new friends.

Following this, we received a video from Vika Matkivska as she introduced herself and the students in her class to us. The video also sparked some questions that our students could respond to such as, 鈥淲hat are your names? Tell us something about yourselves.鈥� After this video, Vickie and I began to discuss ways in which we could collaboratively work to respond to the video. For our grade 4 class, Vickie introduced the idea of using Flipgrid, a platform at the time I was unfamiliar with. Vickie took the time to explain and show me how to use the platform as well as brainstorm ways in which our students could interactively use the platform. From there, I began to create a brainstorming template where students could formulate what they would like to say before actually recording. Through the use of Flipgrid, students could begin by introducing themselves, sharing some of their Christmas traditions with their families, and asking the Ukrainian class any questions they had. As for my grade 陆 class, I felt that creating and recording a Flipgrid video would be advanced for them so I decided that my students would instead create and write Christmas cards to each student in the Ukrainian class. The grade 陆 students were so excited about having the opportunity to share their own Christmas traditions as well as write a card to students in another country.

My experiences and insights

When Anne Shlarp, my practicum facilitator, presented the chance for me to collaborate and learn from Vickie Morgado through this global initiative, I had no idea what to anticipate. As a teacher candidate (TC), I've never been involved in a project where my students communicated globally with students from another country, let alone another class in Ontario. This opportunity taught me how Ukrainian children experience school differently than students in Ontario. During one of our weekly online interactions, Vika Matkivska told us about her student's experience of having to accompany her class into a bomb shelter.  This helped me comprehend that education is not experienced in the same manner globally as it is in Ontario.

I am grateful to have had this opportunity to learn from Vickie Margado, who guided me through this project and introduced me to tools like Flipgrid that can be used in the classroom. This experience has informed my teaching practice as it has taught me new ways I can engage my future classrooms globally with students around the world safely. It also has shown the importance of collaborating with colleagues as there is always so much that you can learn from others.

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In the summer of 2011, Rubecca Lui (BEd '13, MEd '15) embarked on a transformative journey through her time abroad in 快播视频's Faculty of Education鈥檚 Bachelor of Education program. Motivated by an interest to broaden educational perspectives, Rubecca opted for the road less traveled鈥攁n exchange program with P盲dagogische Hochschule Freiburg in Germany, facilitated by the Faculty of Education鈥檚 international education program. The objective was not merely learning, but rather immersive engagement with diverse teaching methodologies from around the world.

"My decision to pursue education through this program at 快播视频 was fueled by the anticipation that it would not only enhance my academic perspective but also contribute significantly to my professional development,鈥� Lui says, 鈥淚 was eager to step out of my comfort zone, explore diverse teaching methodologies, and engage with a global community of educators."

Driving this international education experience were collaboration and community. Lui found herself amidst a diverse cohort of like-minded individuals, guiding mentors, and her instructors. There, collaboration was not only encouraged; it constituted the heart of the experience. Imagine exchanging insights with fellow students from disparate corners of the globe鈥攁n eclectic confluence of ideas, cultural nuances, and a collective journey of learning.

"During my time abroad, my primary collaborators were my fellow students at the partner university and the instructors who guided our educational journey. Interacting with a diverse group of international peers allowed for a rich exchange of ideas, perspectives, and cultural insights,鈥� she says.

It was at P盲dagogische Hochschule Freiburg where her academic immersion would truly unfold. There, lecture halls resonated with global wisdom, workshops bustled as canvases of shared experiences, and collaboration with fellow students provided a panoramic view of German teaching methodologies.

"The majority of my learning during my international education experience took place at P盲dagogische Hochschule Freiburg.鈥� Lui mentions. 鈥淭his institution served as the primary venue for my academic pursuits, where I attended lectures, participated in workshops, and collaborated with fellow students, offering a comprehensive immersion into German teaching methodologies."

Amidst the academic crescendo, personal milestones emerged. One notable achievement was the evolving connection with a roommate in Freiburg, Germany. Overcoming language barriers showcased the magic of cross-cultural connections and personal growth.

Fast forward to the present, and Rubecca finds herself navigating the intricacies of the public sector. Today, her enthusiasm for learning and adaptability, nurtured during the journey, has evolved and branched out into different realms. In working as an administrative assistant in the public sector, her exposure to diverse cultures has proven invaluable in navigating the complexities of a multicultural workspace.

"Although my current role doesn't directly relate to my teaching degree, I've found that my enthusiasm for learning and my eagerness to acquire new skills easily transfer across different areas,鈥� she notes.

Zooming out, the potential of going abroad with York becomes apparent. Its value extends beyond just an educational program; it is a global rendezvous鈥攁n opportunity to explore, connect, and cultivate personal and professional growth beyond borders.

"Taking my education abroad with York brings great value to education professionals,鈥� Lui says. 鈥淚t's a chance to explore new ideas, meet diverse people, and understand learning from different perspectives."

And for those sitting at the edge of possibility, contemplating a career into the world of education, Rubecca offers a direct recommandation鈥攖ake the leap! Embrace the unknown, and let the skills acquired pleasantly surprise. The journey, as she attests, unfolds where the real experience abroad happens.

"Go for it!鈥� She says. 鈥淵ou won't know until you try, and the skills you gain are really valuable. If it interests you, give it a shot鈥攜ou might be surprised at what you can achieve."

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