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Make The
World Your
Classroom!

Explore the World through Education

The British Columbia Study Abroad (BCSA) Consortium is a group of BC post-secondary institutions that work together to encourage students to gain international academic experience by offering short-term study abroad programs across disciplines and countries around the world.

Go ahead; Make the World Your Classroom!

Megan Graham, Thompson Rivers University, winner of the BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

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Are you an undergraduate or a post-graduate student looking to study in Japan? The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of the Government of Japan is currently...

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Studies in China Alumni Society of British Columbia (SCAS-BC)

The BC Studies in China Alumni Network (BCSCAN) was established in 2016 as an initiative between the Chinese Consulate General in Vancouver and BC Council for International Education to help BC...

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Mingguang (明光), China - Welcome in to Kevin's family for Chinese New Year

Cross-cultural experiences: How Empathy can Overpower Xenophobia

By: Harris Green, a member of the Studies in China Alumni Society of...

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The Blog

Mingguang (明光), China - Welcome in to Kevin's family for Chinese New Year
Posted by BCSAadmin on 05/25/2020

Cross-cultural experiences: How Empathy can Overpower Xenophobia

By: Harris Green, a member of the Studies in China Alumni Society of British Columbia (SCAS-BC).

My first study abroad experience was almost 7 years ago when I took a leap to study in Lund, Sweden for 6 months. The desire to continue living overseas began to build after returning home to Vancouver. Those feelings are what inspired me to work in Shanghai for the last 2 years. The effects from these study/work abroad experiences on how I value the interconnectedness of cultures and the importance of cross-cultural experiences has only compounded in the face of the current COVID-19 situation.

Despite the current closing of borders and fear of the unknow...

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Testimonials

“The world is my home.” I realized that no matter where I am, I don’t need to miss home because I am home. Home is where one chooses to make it. Two months ago, home was in Abbotsford. Last month, home was in Arlon. Today, home is here in Rotterdam. I don’t know where my home will be next year, but I don’t feel worried about it anymore.

Oana Salcescu, BCSA Writer in Residence

Learning solely through books has its place, but actually getting out and experiencing the world is a whole different level. When you physically see the vast skies over the river, when you smell the dirt, flowers and trees after a downpour, when you taste the local food and see the smiles of its people; that’s absorbing knowledge.

Lisa King, Winner of the BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship, BCSA Writer in Residence

I think throughout this exchange, it has helped me understand a larger picture and window of possibilities that the world has to offer. Although the comfort of my home is cozy, it doesn’t help me accelerate my career to lengths I can imagine. It all starts with you taking that initial step and who knows where it might take you.

Brian Lau, Simon Fraser University, winner of the fall 2019 BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Take the chance, get out of your comfort zone and ensure you put your all into whichever culture you’re exploring. The memories, experiences and insight you will gain will be priceless moments no one can teach you,

Porsche Campbell, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Winner of the spring 2019 BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

What are you going to do there? Listen. Reflect. Transform. We will stop asking what 'we'can do for 'them' and start asking how we can listen to each other and develop a truly sustainable global system together, remembering that sustainability is a three-pronged pursuit: Environmental, Social, and Economic.

Betsy Agar, Capilano University

The desire for independence and a sense of adventure were some of the driving forces behind my choices.

Melinda Ng, Winner of the BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship, BCSA Writer in Residence
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