2024 Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships Program Study Tour

March 14, 2024 - A group of 26 Master’s and Ph.D. students gathered in Ottawa from February 19 to 23 to take part in the 15th edition of the Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships Program Study Tour. The Study Tour contributes to the strengthening of people-to-people ties, encourages exchange partnerships and research collaboration between Canadian postsecondary institutions and their counterparts abroad.

The participants were selected from among this year’s scholarship recipients under the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program and Study in Canada Scholarships. They came to Canada from 19 different countries: Algeria, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Colombia, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Türkiye, and Uganda. They are currently pursuing study and/or research exchanges in 19 postsecondary institutions across seven Canadian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.

Throughout the week, the participants enhanced their understanding and knowledge of Canada through the visits to the Senate and the House of Commons, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Canadian Space Agency, among others. They met with representatives from the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy, the Parliamentary Centre and the Prime Minister’s Youth Council to discuss Canada’s role on the global stage, inclusive democratic institutions, and the role of Canadian youth in influencing policy. The participants also had an opportunity to learn more about the history of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples through a Blanket Exercise led by an indigenous facilitator. Finally, the students had an extraordinary chance to network with the Ambassadors and the High Commissioners from their countries during the reception hosted as part of the Study Tour. The tour was organized by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), which administers the International Scholarships Program on behalf of Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

The event proved highly successful, creating lasting memories for the participants, forging meaningful connections among them, and enriching their study and research exchanges. It also presented a unique opportunity for GAC representatives to meet scholarship recipients and learn first-hand about their experiences in Canada.