Brock International Education Week
International Education Week is a week long event that helps to strengthen Brock’s global reach. It brings people together to learn more about Brock’s diverse identity and its core competencies through a global lens. Learning abroad can help you become more adaptable, more open-minded and, more resourceful. The Canadian Bureau for International Education has more information about learning abroad here.
What’s It Like Working Abroad?
To learn more about what it’s like to work abroad meet a member of the Career Education Team, Quentin Dus, and read his experience abroad:
1. Brief description of your work.
2. What sparked your interest in travelling abroad?
“I have always been curious about other cultures, especially through arts and food. Moreover, History (we have a lot of it in Europe and France where I’m from!) and Geography were always my favorite topics at school, so it was natural for me to want to learn about other countries. As a result, I really wanted to experience first-hand a different culture than the one I grew up in. I chose Canada because North-American culture is very influential in Europe through films, food, music so it felt like a great place to visit, and I had only heard good things about Canada and Canadians! French being an official language of Canada also made it easier for me to adapt when I first arrived.”
3. What is it like working in a different country?
“Professionally, it’s considered a very valuable experience when you go back in your home country, because we live in a global world and you’ll have gained many skills. For instance, a new language maybe, or the ability to work with people from a different business culture. You will definitely experience cultural differences that you’ll learn from, such as different ways to work and collaborate, deal with conflicts or hierarchy, and that will make you a more well-rounded professional.
I have personally enjoyed Canada’s more informal and horizontal approach to hierarchy relations compared to France. Another difference I appreciated was the emphasis on individual responsibility which gives people more autonomy at work. On the other hand, the flipside of this culture was a vastly different relationship to money, work-life balance and personal success than in France.
Outside of the office, working in another country is a great way to discover it slowly, at your own pace and experience life as a local. It is a very rewarding experience on that front. I have been able to discover so many regions of Canada over the years and I would not have been able to without the possibility to live here long-term.”
4. Tips for travelling and working abroad.
· “Pick a country that interests you and learn the language!
· Check out Canada’s work permit agreements with other countries. In particular the Work-Holiday Visas from International Experience Canada
· At first (1st) expect to get jobs below your qualification level, use them to gain experience and prove yourself!
· If you’re only there for a short time (ex: 1 year) and want to focus on travelling, join the service industry. You’ll have more flexibility to work in different cities or save up and travel.”
5. Your favourite thing about working abroad.
“Being able to really immerse
yourself in a different culture (rather than superficially experience it
through a short tourist trip), truly live like a local person and discover the
country progressively. You’ll have a deeper understanding and connection to a
country’s culture and people and meet truly amazing friends! It’s an amazing
experience and it will definitely open your mind. I also love that Canada is so
diverse because I’ve made friends from all backgrounds and learned so much from
them.”
Brock International Services
Brock International Services is a resource for international students and students looking to go abroad. They supply resources to help students succeed in this ever-changing, diverse and competitive world. International services host many events surrounding important skills and necessary tools for transitioning to life in Canada and for studying or moving abroad.
Events:
International Services hosts many interesting and helpful events, here are some events happening soon:
· International Welcome Day – Winter 2022 (Mon, Nov 22 at 9am)
· Academic Skills Drop-In Session (Mon, Nov 22 at 1pm)
· International Student Connect – Banking & Credit (Tues, Nov 23 at 3:30pm)
· And many more can be found on Experience BU International or International Upcoming Events
Services:
Their services include but are not limited to 1-on-1 appointments to help students adjust to life at Brock and in Canada, Webinars where students can learn important academic skills, Brocks online platforms and much more. You can also practice a new language through the Conversation Partner Program! Learn more about these and other services here.
Internship Program:
Brock International Services is partnered with many different programs around the world and offers many different opportunities to work and study abroad all over the world! They offer both in person and virtual internship opportunities. Find out more here! Some of the partnered programs include Walt Disney World Resort and University of Florida, Ontario/Rhône-Alpes Summer Research Program, Arcadia Virtual Europe Internships, and many more!Going Global:
Check out this infographic to learn more about Going Global!
We are here to support you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help! We offer many student resources on our portal (careerzone.brocku.ca) and can be contacted via email at career@brocku.ca to answer any inquiries you may have.
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Written by Jessica Kroeze, Career Assistant
Edited by Kara Renaud, Supervisor of Career Education, CCEE Department
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