UPEI joins the Canadian Bureau for International Education’s Learning Beyond Borders initiative
UPEI has joined the Canadian Bureau for International Education’s (CBIE) Learning Beyond Borders initiative to get more Canadian students to take advantage of learning experiences in other countries.
Reports indicate that annually only 3.1 per cent of full-time Canadian undergraduate university students have an education abroad experience. The number is even lower for full-time college students, at 2.5 per cent. This, despite reports from the students on the transformational nature of the experience, its many contributions to their academic and career achievements and its value in enhancing their communication skills, self-awareness and adaptability.
“One of the pillars of UPEI’s current strategic plan is the ‘student experience,’” said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, president and vice-chancellor of UPEI. “We are improving student learning and experiences by examining what—and how—we teach in support of UPEI’s vision of becoming a leader in experiential learning. The Learning Beyond Borders initiative is a crucial tool for us to increase the number of students participating in global exchange opportunities. I am proud that UPEI is a part of it.”
As a partner in the Learning Abroad Innovation Zone, UPEI commits to identifying and addressing internal barriers to learning abroad and to participating in peer discussions with institutions across the country that are tackling similar issues and challenges. As a partner in the Learning Abroad Promotion Zone, UPEI commits to contributing to a national communications campaign to promote the value of learning abroad to students and other stakeholders by creating and sharing content on the impact and outcomes of learning abroad.
“Canada is faced with the challenge of getting more of our students to take advantage of learning experiences in other countries,” said Karen McBride, President and CEO of CBIE. “It is time to leverage the leadership role of education institutions in a concerted and coordinated effort to give our generation of young leaders the knowledge, skills and global outlook they will need to thrive in our interconnected world.”
CBIE will provide support by organizing webinars and thematic peer discussions throughout the year to allow institutions to discuss challenges and potential approaches to common goals, identify best practices and disseminate supporting research and case studies as needed.
CBIE will promote the initiative on its website homepage and create a special landing page to showcase all CBIE and institution created content. CBIE will also regularly share content through its social media and member communications channels.
About CBIE
Established in 1966, the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) is a national, not-for-profit, organization dedicated exclusively to international education. Working closely with a membership of over 150 education providers nationwide, from K-12 to postgraduate, public and private sectors and with a network of strategic partners throughout Canada and around the globe, CBIE is ideally positioned to promote global learning by mobilizing expertise, knowledge, opportunity and leadership.
About UPEI
The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
