International Travel Opportunities

Japan Summer Program

May 2022, May 2023, May 2024

The objective of the Japan Summer Program (2022-2024)  is to offer an enriching experience that facilitates intercultural learning and effectiveness, as well as cultural self-understanding by bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous Japanese and Canadian students together in a variety of activities and spaces. From in-class learning to site visits that foster deeper understanding, participants will develop their capacity to understand other worldviews and contribute to a sustainable, globalized world.  This experience is meant to be a reflective and profound personal and academic journey; it is for anyone who seeks to engage insightfully and impactfully with the world.

Participants will be spending three weeks between two cities/regions (Hokkaido and Kyoto), using an Indigenous Wholistic Framework (anchored in respect, responsibility, relevance and reciprocity) to engage with their environment, develop meaningful personal and professional connections, and learn culturally astute ways of thinking, being and communicating with the world.

Belize Summer Program

May 2022, May 2023, May 2024

“Nation to Nation: Building Indigenous Knowledge Across International Borders”. Students from Acadia University, Bishop’s University, Mount Allison University, and St. Francis Xavier University will come together to have a short-term study abroad experience in Belize through Galen University in the spring 2022 term focusing on sharing their Indigenous experience and learning about other Indigenous cultures abroad. Students will receive academic credit for their experience.

The group will travel to multiple locations around Belize to learn about the Yucatec, Mopan, Garinagu and K’eckchi cultures of Belize. Guest speakers and visits to cultural sites will form the basis of this immersive learning journey.

The topics that will be covered in the course titled “Indigenous Cultures of Belize: Preserving Indigenous Culture and Heritage through Decolonizing the Narrative” are:

Language Preservation (Ancient Maya Hieroglyphs, Garifuna, Yucatec, Mopan & K’ekchi)
Cultural Heritage & Education
Food
Indigenous Governance & Land Rights
Environment & Health
Indigenous Innovations