College strengthens Brazilian connection

Students and faculty from Brazil are enjoying their time at College of the Rockies. Pictured (l-r) Daniela Barizi, Yara Silva Vettori, Larissa Bezerra, Camila de Miranda, Marla Costa, Mauricio Novais Furtado, Thalison Campos Correa, Angelo dos Santos Vasconcelos, Hilton Galvao

College of the Rockies continues to create ties around the world. Brazil has been a country of interest for the College’s international department over recent years and the investment has paid off with faculty and students from Brazilian institutions now attending the College.

A new Science Without Borders scholarship program is funded by the Brazilian government and sends students from Brazil to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics internationally. Referred to as a “sandwich” program as students travel abroad in the middle of their studies in Brazil, participants take part in up to 18 months of language and academic studies and practical experience in various countries, including Canada. Currently College of the Rockies is host to six scholarship students with another 15 to 18 expected before the end of the winter semester. Students will enrol in English language and academic programs including courses in the hard sciences (biology, chemistry, etc.), engineering, business, tourism and kinesiology.

The first-phase of a Brazil teacher training program has seen two Brazilian teachers coming to College of the Rockies in February. During their three month stay they will learn about the Canadian approach to teaching, curriculum development, how to conduct applied research and connect with industry for research initiatives, and the ways to manage and administer training programs. The pair will then collaborate with over 40 others from Brazil who engaged in learning at other post-secondary institutions in Canada to develop and design a one-year program that will be used to train 1,000 new Brazilian teachers at Canadian institutions in the coming years.

In addition to the scholarship students and teachers, the College is pleased to welcome a faculty member and student from Brazil. The student, Larissa Bezerra, a visual arts major, is taking part in the English Language and Fine Arts programs while faculty member Hilton Galvao is taking short-term English classes and working closely with College staff to explore future collaborations.

“My time in Cranbrook has been sensational,” Galvao says. “I have loved experiencing Canadian culture. The teachers at the College are excellent and the daily socializing with students from different countries and cultures is extraordinary. I thank everyone for the wonderful Canadian hospitality.”

College of the Rockies Executive Director, International and Regional Development, Patricia Bowron adds, “Our collaboration with Brazil provides excellent opportunities for our faculty and students to participate in exchanges and to learn about different cultures. Having students and teachers from Brazil at our campuses also allows us to expand the diversity of our student body, which enriches the learning experiences for all involved.”

Visit the College of the Rockies’ International department programs, to learn more.