On August 2nd , the Government of Saskatchewan recognized 160 post-secondary students who have completed the Saskatchewan Student Ambassador Program. The program is part of the new International Education Strategy and provides students studying abroad and international students studying in Saskatchewan with specialized training to become global citizens and ambassadors of the province.
A total of 137 international students and 23 Saskatchewan students have completed the program since it launched on March 28, 2022.
“The Saskatchewan Student Ambassador Program is a unique opportunity that prepares post-secondary students to represent Saskatchewan across the world and brings the world to Saskatchewan,” Advanced Education Minister Gordon S. Wyant said. “This program will help us continue to build international relationships and partnerships and enhance global opportunities and experiences for both Saskatchewan and international students.”
Following a mission to Mexico in May 2022, Saskatchewan welcomed 130 students from the Yucatan to study English at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan (USask). Today’s event celebrates the final cohort of Yucatan students who will now be Saskatchewan Student Ambassadors and will receive their certificates. In addition, Saskatchewan students and students from member institutions of the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) who participated in the University of Regina’s Discovery Camp Saskatchewan previously received their certificates, as well as students from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Parkland College who studied in Mexico this summer.
“Saskatchewan has proven to be a key partner for our State, because of the excellence of its universities. We are very pleased with the service we have received from both the University of Saskatoon and Regina, the Saskatchewan Mexico Office, and the Canadian Embassy in Mexico. They provided us with the necessary support to ensure the success of our program which we are celebrating with great pride today,” Director of Research and Innovation from the State of Yucatan, Gerardo Vela Monforte said. “We sent 130 of our best students to the Province of Saskatchewan to equip them with international exposure, we are certain that after this exchange our students will be better professionals for the benefit of our State, but also for our globalized world.”
“Our university community is strengthened by the diverse world views and experiences that are fostered through initiatives such as the Saskatchewan Student Ambassador Program,” University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jeff Keshen said. “Both inbound and outbound students are given a remarkable opportunity to develop cross-cultural relationships and global perspectives that will serve them well now, and in the future.”
“The provincial International Education Strategy and the Student Ambassador Program present opportunities for USask to strengthen its global connections and to be the university the world needs,” University of Saskatchewan President and Vice-Chancellor Peter Stoicheff said. “Programs such as these encourage students to gain international experience, add to the diversity of perspectives in classrooms and enhance the overall educational experience for everyone.”
“Saskatchewan Polytechnic is excited to be an active partner in the newly launched Saskatchewan Student Ambassador Program and we are proud of our newly recognized student ambassadors,” Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said. “Student mobility is an important part of our Global Engagement Plan. In taking advantage of international learning experiences, Canadian and international students will increase their problem solving, adaptability, resilience and intercultural competencies.”
“Having the opportunity to study abroad provides students with a learning experience that cannot be taught in a classroom. It builds deeper intercultural competencies that only immersion can develop and prepares our graduates for diverse work environments.” Parkland College’s Vice-President of External Relations, International, & Research Kami DePape said. “While our students studied in Mexico, the Saskatchewan Ambassador Program provided them with valuable tools to promote our province as a vibrant place to study and live.”
A variety of supports are accessible to inbound and outbound students through their institution, including the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship which provides funding to students studying abroad as well as international students studying in the province. Students interested in participating in the Saskatchewan Student Ambassador Program can apply as part of their student mobility application through the designated post-secondary institution of their choice. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate to recognize their participation, support their future careers and enrich their lives.
