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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In January, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced new restrictions on international education in Canada, including cuts to spousal work permits for certain international students and a 35 per cent reduction in the number of study permits issued. These cuts are especially pronounced in Ontario, which expects to see a 50 per cent reduction in study permits.

In January, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced new restrictions on international education in Canada, including cuts to spousal work permits for certain international students and a 35 per cent reduction in the number of study permits issued. These cuts are especially pronounced in Ontario, which expects to see a 50 per cent reduction in study permits.

But how did we get here? And how can the province move forward? TVO Today speaks with Roopa Trilokekar, an associate professor in the Faculty of Education at 快播视频 who focuses on government policy in international education, about the reasons for the announcement, how students might be affected 鈥� and what comes next.

Read the full article on the .

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Embarking on an educational adventure abroad is a journey of cultural immersion, broadened perspectives, and enduring connections. Victoria Ennis (BEd 鈥�17, MEd 鈥�19), a passionate education professional, shares her transformative time participating in 快播视频's International Exchange program during her time as a student at 快播视频鈥檚 Faculty of Education.  These experiences played a key role in shaping not only her career, but also her view on education.

Ennis' international exploration began unexpectedly in the summer of 2015 during her time as a student in the concurrent Bachelor of Education program at 快播视频. An opportunity arose to study abroad in setting the stage for her journey into international education. At the Padogigsche Hochschule Freiburg, she unraveled the intricacies of global education systems, sparking her passion for the field. 鈥淔rom my early travels to Germany, I was fascinated by how different education systems work and what trajectories different students were on around the world,鈥� she says. This exposure became the catalyst that steered her towards specializing in international education.

Her journey would continue in 2017 as she ventured to Nicaragua with a colleague, teaching English in a remote village. This one-month teaching placement provided Ennis with professional growth and an intimate understanding of cultural nuances, underscoring the profound impact educators can have beyond traditional classrooms. 鈥淭he host family we both stayed with were very special to the town, and hosted people from out of town often,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hey provided fresh bread for the community, and lived on a small lot with mango trees and a horse. I became friends with locals in the town and shared meals and experiences with them on a regular basis.鈥�

Ennis' travels then continued to Costa Rica in 2018, as part of her Master's program, which immersed her in environmental sustainability studies. During this phase, unfolding in the eco-rich landscapes of Costa Rica, she had a unique opportunity to live with a Costa Rican host family. Engaging deeply with Indigenous communities, Ennis delved into crucial topics such as land sovereignty, education, and politics. 鈥淚 was with my professor that travelled with us to the country, and my colleagues who took the same course as me titled 鈥淕lobalization and Indigenous Peoples,鈥� she says.

International exchanges are not just about places; they are about people. Ennis recounts her collaborations, emphasizing the bonds forged during her studies in Germany, teaching in Nicaragua, and exploring Costa Rica. "The friends that I made in all of the places I have travelled while participating in international exchange opportunities at 快播视频, have become lifelong friends. This is the greatest accomplishment of all because relationships drive our lives in the most positive ways."

In 2018, Ennis鈥� international travels took her to new heights as she spent three transformative years in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This marked her longest time abroad where she contributed her teaching expertise to both the Bilingual and English campuses of the Canadian International School system. 鈥淭his work was amazing as I got to develop my teaching practice, witness diverse education practices, and connect with the wider Vietnamese community,鈥� she says. Venturing into an entirely new cultural landscape, Ennis found herself not only developing her teaching practices but also witnessing firsthand the diversity of education methodologies. The warmth of this novel and culturally rich country left an indelible mark on her professional journey. "It was a place I had not researched or travelled to previously to before moving there,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 was so welcomed by this culture, my students, the parents, and local people I interacted with. I treasure it as one of my greatest experiences.鈥�

Having worked as a research analyst in the Massachusetts State House and currently contributing to the Black Excellence 365 program, Ennis further reflects on her varied career path. "I feel blessed to live a flexible lifestyle at the moment, where I do work that fuels my soul and find different avenues and contracts that use my skills and passions best."

Inspired by her studies and experiences abroad during her time at York, Ennis applied to the International Education Policy Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, graduating in May 2022. Her trajectory from exploring global education systems to engaging in high-level policy work at Harvard underscores the lasting influence of her international experiences and the solid foundation laid by 快播视频.

Ennis鈥� journey from Germany to Harvard University exemplifies the profound impact of global education experiences.

She emphasizes the value of the opportunities that York International and the Faculty of Education provides to education students. "The value is adding yourself to the list of educators who consider themselves well-rounded in their practice," she notes. There are a wealth of diverse opportunities to explore that allow educators to enrich their perspectives and develop a comprehensive understanding of global education.鈥�

Ennis encourages other students to recognize the breadth of opportunities within the education field. "Education is changing quickly, and at the same time is largely unchanged from hundreds of years ago. There is a lot of work to be done, and it takes great minds with a passion for the cause to get the work done."

Article by Dennis Bayazitov special contributing聽writer.

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快播视频鈥檚 UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education towards Sustainability Charles Hopkins, along with Executive Coordinator to the UNESCO Chair Katrin Kohl, will be among 250 experts presenting concepts toward implementing education for sustainable development (ESD) at a global UNESCO meeting in Japan.

鈥淭ransforming education together: ESD-NET Global Meeting鈥� takes place Dec. 18 to 20 and aims to highlight progress on ESD through new country-led initiatives, trends and innovations for the 2030 Agenda 鈥� an action plan to encompass the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UNESCO Chair at York focuses on developing and strengthening global networks, as well as creating and fostering research that supports responsible and inclusive policymaking in reorienting education toward sustainability in the SDGs and beyond.

In light of the global climate crisis, humans must learn to live together sustainably and change the way they think and act as individuals and societies, says Kohl. 鈥淓ducation has an important role to play and, in turn, must change to create a peaceful and sustainable world for the survival and prosperity of current and future generations.鈥�

ESD has been identified by the United Nations as an empowering concept to address growing sustainability challenges. The global meeting will serve as a forum to understand how educators can enable learners to develop the knowledge and awareness to act for a better future.

Experts from around to world will unlock ideas for concrete, transformative action and identify specific interventions that can be carried out by UNESCO麓s member states, says Hopkins, who will contribute perspectives on higher education鈥檚 unique roles and how the whole-institution approach, or even a whole-community approach, can come to life. Canada aims to launch its own country initiative on ESD with a pan-Canadian working group in early 2024.

The session 鈥溾�� aims to discuss how to enable higher education institutions to inspire societal change through the lens of education, research and innovation, and how to embed core sustainability competencies within educational programs.

Kohl will co-moderate the 鈥溾�� to create shared projects and research focusing on transformation, technology and governance as future priorities for ESD.

The meeting will take place as a hybrid event at the United Nations University Main Campus in Tokyo. Plenary sessions on the first day will be livestreamed. For more information, visit the .

Article originally published in the December 13, 2023 issue of

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This past year witnessed not only a global health crisis but also a dramatic hit on China鈥檚 academic profession. There has been a U-turn with respect to academic appraisal exercises in Chinese universities.

A leading scientist in China, Shi Yigong, revealed a stunning reason for this behind the scenes: Chinese universities do not produce many original or breakthrough innovations. He further warned that the current campaign for boosting publications would not necessarily lead to a boost in science and engineering.

Qiang Zha, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at 快播视频, wrote this article which was first published in International Higher Education discussing why China is falling behind on breakthrough innovation.

Read the full article at

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Earlier this winter, Associate Professor Qiang Zha made two trips to China to conduct case studies for his research project about institutional diversity in Chinese higher education, and to present and moderate sessions at two conferences.

Zha participated in the Duke International Forum, hosted by Duke Kunshan University near Shanghai, and presented a paper titled 鈥淚ssues and Challenges Facing Chinese and American Universities: An Academic Culture & Academic Freedom Perspective.鈥� In his paper, Zha maintains that there arises a climate of fear for Chinese scholars and students or a Sinophobia in American universities and academe, which stems from the xenophobia now taking hold in the American society. 鈥淲hile the university autonomy and academic freedom in the US, as well as the changing worldviews of the Chinese government might offset this 鈥渨hole-of-society鈥� threat manner towards Chinese scholars and students, the notions of Chinese academic culture and academic freedom should be put through examination and reconfiguration in relation to nationalism and patriotism,鈥� says Zha.

After the Duke International Forum, Zha paid a brief visit to Shanghai Normal University, which now houses a UNESCO Category 2 teacher education center that is mandated to sustainably increase the supply of qualified teachers in developing countries through international cooperation. While there he met with Dr. Minxuan Zhang, the former President of Shanghai Normal University and founder of the UNESCO teacher education center, Dr. Huixian Xia, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, and Dr. Wenle Yan, an associate professor with the UNESCO center. Upon returning to Toronto, Zha connected with Charles Hopkins, the UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education towards Sustainability at 快播视频 to discuss future opportunities to work collaboratively with his Chinese colleagues, and both sides have expressed interest. In early January, Zha took part in the Yidan Education Forum 2020 鈥淟iberal Education: An Intercultural Dialogue between China and the West,鈥� jointly hosted by the Peking University and Chen Yidan Foundation. At this event, Professor Qiang Zha shared the ideas and studies behind his ongoing application for a SSHRC partnership grant, which explores the ways and innovations with respect to transforming liberal arts education (LAE). Both the Peking University and the Chen Yidan Foundation are confirmed partners in this application.

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During her remarks, the elder Ms. Asiyo spoke about the partnership that the Wikondiek school has developed with FESA and with the university through the York International Internship Program (YIIP).

The Honourable Phoebe Asiyo and Atieno Asiyo (centre) with representatives of the FESA executive, York International and the Faculty of Education.

鈥淭he partnership with FESA and with 快播视频 has benefited Wikondiek and its residents immensely,鈥� said Asiyo. 鈥淪ome of the impactful changes that have occurred as a result of the fundraising efforts of FESA include the construction of roads to make the village more accessible; the building of the school and other facilities so that students can continue their studies despite the weather conditions; and the creation of a First Aid Club started to help develop residents鈥� life-saving skills 鈥� this is particularly impactful due to Wikondiek鈥檚 rural setting and clinics/hospitals not being as accessible.鈥�

Through YIIP the Wikondiek School has hosted a number of York students as interns during the summer months. 鈥淭hese experiences have been beneficial for not only the students, but have also provided some key learning opportunities for us here at the school,鈥� said Atieno.

鈥淢obilizing knowledge and learning from each other, all while understanding the importance of education and its impact on people as global citizens 鈥� locally and abroad is key,鈥� said FESA President Kim Tran. 鈥淎s future educators (within the classroom or not), we believe that education should be accessible for everyone.鈥�

In 2003, 快播视频 awarded an honorary doctorate to Phoebe Asiyo, a former Kenyan member of Parliament, in recognition of her impressive human rights work. That work continues today through her ongoing support and work with the Wikondiek School.

To learn more about internship opportunities at the Wikondiek School, please visit the .

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The Faculty recently celebrated the accomplishments of a group of 26 professors from various universities in Jiangsu province in China who were in Canada for an intensive 11-week professional learning program focused on teacher education in Ontario. The graduation ceremony held in late December included remarks by Heather Lotherington, Associate Dean (Research), and Rick White, Coordinator of International Programs in the Faculty of Education as well as the presentation of certificates of accomplishment. Now in its 3rd year, the Jiangsu Provincial Outstanding Teacher Training Program hosted by the Office of Professional Learning in the Faculty of Education gives international educators an overview of Ontario鈥檚 education system.

The group learned about teacher education at York, programs in Ontario schools, research-based high yield instructional strategies, assessment practices, and many other important topics. York faculty and course directors developed and taught the program curriculum which included a range broad range of courses including Professional Learning and Inquiry; Creating Equitable Learning Environments; Pedagogies that Foster Deep Learning; and Growing Success: Assessment and Evaluation of Students in Ontario. The program also included visits to the Ministry of Education, Ontario College of Teachers and local schools.

鈥淢any of the participants said that the most impressive observation taken from all of the school visits was that teachers in Ontario classrooms are passionate about their teaching and dedicated to the success and well-being of their student,鈥� said Richard White, Coordinator of International Programs and Leadership in the Faculty of Education. 鈥淥ur hope is that many of these professors will be able to implement some of the instructional strategies that they learned in their own classrooms when they return home.鈥�

The program is coordinated jointly with SuOn College, an international educational organization managed by Jiangsu Education Services for International Exchange. Since its opening in 2007, SuOn College functions as an educational and collaborative bridge between China and North America.

The Office of Professional Learning in the Faculty of Education offers a variety of customized professional learning and training programs for international teachers and educational leaders.

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On Nov. 29, this symposium will assess the capacity of educational institutions to internationalize curricula, as well as create a dialogue surrounding the dichotomies of home and abroad, local and global, domestic and international.

鈥淭his symposium allows us to begin a discussion on how to promote a comprehensive approach to internationalization,鈥� said Narda Razack, associate dean, Global & Community Engagement in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. 鈥淭raditionally, the focus tends to be on mobility and international students. However, including the broader categories of policy, programs, curriculum and broader commitment are also critical for global citizenship education.鈥�

Jane Ngobia

Symposium presenters include Jane Ngobia, assistant vice-president, Diversity & Human Rights at the University of Guelph and Roopa Desai Trilokekar, a professor in 快播视频鈥檚 Faculty of Education.

Ngobia will present Internationalizing at Home, making a distinction between two approaches: internationalization at home versus internationalization abroad or across borders. She will focus on the non-mobile majority who do not directly engage in cross-border academic endeavours and the methods to incorporate intercultural and international perspectives into teaching and learning.

Roopa Desai Trilokekar

Trilokekar will present Internationalization of Higher Education: Localizing a Global Policy Discourse by focusing on the themes of history, identity, experience, community and policy. She challenges faculty and staff to reclaim internationalization as engagement with diversity.

Faculty, staff and students are invited to participate. The Internationalizing Higher Education Symposium is hosted by the , and runs from 2 to 4pm on Nov. 29 in Room 802 South Ross Building, Keele campus. For more information and to register, .

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The Office of 鈥婸rofessional Learning in the Faculty of Education is delighted to host a delegation of 26 Education Professors from universities in Jiangsu province, PRC. The professors are at York to engage in 11 weeks of professional learning.

The group will be learning about teacher education at York, programs in Ontario schools, research-based high yield instructional strategies, assessment practices, and many other important topics.

This unique program was initiated through the Faculty's partnership with SuON College in Toronto. Heather Lotherington, Associate Dean (Research), and Rick White, Coordinator of International Programs, welcomed the group to York at an Opening Ceremony on Monday October 2nd.

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