Global Skills Opportunity program empowers students and strengthens Canada's global ties

Since its launch in 2020, the Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) program has been a beacon of opportunity for students at the University of Calgary and across Canada. Funded through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), GSO is a cornerstone of Canada’s International Education Strategy, fostering global learning experiences that are reshaping the future of our students and, by extension, our country.

Empower students with essential skills

Global learning opportunities, supported by the GSO program, are far more than academic exercises. They are pivotal in developing transferable and durable skills that are increasingly vital in today’s competitive job market. 

Students who participate in these programs enhance their communication, collaboration, resilience, empathy, and confidence — skills essential for personal and professional success. Canadian businesses benefit enormously from a workforce enriched with these competencies, which are crucial for thriving in a globalized economy.

• Photo above, from left: Taryn Lambert,  Dr. Angelique Jenney, Dr. Christine Walsh, Mary Smales, Kristen Kaemingh, Ella Gulayets, Courtney Nwaerondu, Lucas Hale, Jenn Mate, Taye Louie, Dawn La Croix at Agra Fort, India.

“UCalgary is proud to be part of this transformative journey, facilitating opportunities that not only enrich our students’ lives but also contribute to Canada’s global brand and its capacity for international collaboration,” says Dr. Ed McCauley, UCalgary president and vice-chancellor.

“By empowering our students with essential skills and global perspectives, we are not only enriching their personal and professional lives but also contributing to a more inclusive and interconnected world.”

McCauley continues, “The success stories of our students are a reflection of the incredible impact this program has on individuals and our broader community. We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to continuing our efforts to support and inspire our students on their global journeys.”

Inclusivity at the core

One of the standout features of the GSO program is its commitment to inclusivity. Unlike similar programs in other countries, GSO places a significant emphasis on enhancing accessibility. It prioritizes support for underrepresented students, including Indigenous students, students with disabilities, and those from low-income backgrounds. 

To date, more than 11,000 Canadian students have benefited from this inclusive approach, with over 8,000 of these students coming from underrepresented groups.

By fostering partnerships with 141 Canadian universities and colleges, and engaging with more than 100 countries, GSO is significantly expanding Canada’s global education network. These partnerships are not only beneficial for the students but also contribute to strengthening Canada’s international relationships and collaborative efforts.

Student stories: A testament to impact

The real impact of the GSO program is best understood through the experiences of the students themselves. 

UCalgary has supported 149 students through multiple initiatives funded by GSO, including the Global Indigenous Skills (GIS) award, which aims to invest in global skills for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. This award cultivates leadership, identity awareness, and global networks related to Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, connecting, and being. 

The Global Access Fund (GAF) award was established to address barriers experienced by economically disadvantaged students, students who are first-in-family to attend university, Indigenous students, 2SLGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and visible/racialized minority students. 

Additionally, the Building Bridges to Global Learning initiative provides students with funding prior to submitting a global learning application, allowing them to see the possibility of participating in global learning and choose the best program fit with the assurance of guaranteed financial support. Their stories provide a window into the benefits of global learning opportunities.

‘Essential part of my healing journey’

Ryan Kirk, an undergraduate in International Indigenous Studies and Law and Society, received a GIS award to go to the University of Newcastle. “The GSO scholarship played a crucial role in supporting me as an older student with a family in Canada. It provided me with the opportunity to participate in an exchange program in Australia.

“As an ex-paramedic/firefighter diagnosed with PTSD from a 25-year career, the scholarship not only allowed me to engage in Aboriginal programming in Australia but also enabled me to transform my trip into an essential part of my healing journey.”

“I have since developed a program that brings together Indigenous students from Canada and Aboriginal students from Australia, aiming to foster a unique cultural exchange and promote international collaboration and connection. I am grateful for the GSO scholarship, which has empowered me to explore various paths and discover my true passion as I seek my next career opportunity.”

‘I would not have been able to build the fantastic skills and connections’

Navjot Dhaliwal is an undergrad in the Haskayne School of Business, and program assistant of access and inclusion on the Global Learning team. Dhaliwal says, “The GSO program funds my co-op work position through the GSO Innovation Fund and has affected me in various ways. It has allowed me to build my professional resume by developing critical career skills regarding leadership, intercultural experience, and access to professional office practices.

“As a ‘first-in-family’ university student from a lower-income household, the GSO Innovation fund has allowed me to academically and professionally develop myself as a multidimensional business leader while funding me financially.”

“The GSO program has empowered my professional and personal development by enhancing my confidence, communication, and global awareness. It has provided me with tangible and intangible skills that will undoubtedly enrich my life and future career within human resources. Without the GSO program, I would not have been able to build the fantastic skills and connections that I have, and I am very grateful for the existence of the GSO program.” 

‘Local NGOs ... have taken active roles to empower underserved communities’

Taye Louie, a fourth year Bachelor of Health Sciences student, with a major in Biomedical Sciences, says of the program, "The GSO allowed me to take part in a really transformative study abroad experience where I had the privilege to learn in depth about India’s rich and diverse culture. During our group’s two-week stay in India, we got to visit NGOs, explore historic sites, and speak with local experts from the action-packed capital of New Delhi to the peaceful mountain town of Dharamshala to learn about the different challenges faced by local communities.

“I found it particularly interesting to make connections between how aspects of India’s history like the caste system, its period of colonial rule, and the longtime presence of many religious groups have shaped the country to where it is today.”

“It was also very inspiring to learn about how much social and economic development India has experienced in recent years thanks to the hard work of local NGOs, which have taken active roles to empower underserved communities with health-care services, education, and employment opportunities to name a few. Overall, the GSO has helped greatly enhance my global awareness, allowing me to better understand the challenges present across the world and enabling me to develop a broader perspective on the active steps I can take to advocate for and improve the lives of others. I am extremely thankful to have received funding from the GSO and really hope that UCalgary students continue to benefit from it for years to come."

‘I learned how to interact with people from around the world’

Saria James-Thomas, an undergraduate in the Faculty of Arts (Psychology), received a GAF award and is currently on exchange at the University of Exeter, United Kingdom. “For my GSO program, I took a course on Adapting Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to Increase Access to Psychological Therapies. This experience allowed me to forge lasting friendships with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and gather their perspectives on various CBT topics.

“Without the GSO funding, I would not have been able to attend this program or sustain myself on it, as the costs were not feasible for an average student. This experience was crucial for gaining confidence, independence, and a global perspective on my practice.”

“I learned how to interact with people from around the world, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to a new culture. As an aspiring clinical psychologist, this experience provided essential cultural competency skills and insights into how different cultural contexts influence mental health and therapeutic practices. The friendships and connections I made have enriched my understanding of global mental health challenges and innovative solutions. The confidence and independence I gained will undoubtedly contribute to my success in the field of mental health, and I am deeply grateful for the GSO funding that made this transformative experience possible.”

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The GSO program is more than just a funding initiative; it is a transformative force that empowers students and strengthens Canada’s global ties. While the GSO program has achieved remarkable success as a pilot project since its inception, its future remains uncertain. The continuation of this vital program depends on sustained support and recognition of its transformative impact on students and the broader community. We urge everyone to raise awareness and highlight the importance of global learning experiences and advocate for the continuation and expansion of this initiative.