GBC Abroad

My experience of doing an internship abroad was something that I can’t forget. It has helped me boost my confidence and my skills. People may wonder whether there's any point in going to another country for an externship — I think this was the best decision I could ever make. I got to learn about the Panamanian culture and society while working alongside local people, rather than just being on a tropical vacation.

I got a chance to work in a very high-end hotel and I consider myself very blessed to have had this opportunity. Not everyone is lucky enough to get this degree of work and life experience. This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

- Mehak Dhanda, Hotel Management

During my time in France I learned a great deal. I staged at a patisserie named Maison Jouvaud in Carpentras, France. While I was there I put to use all the skills I have learned at George Brown and at ENSP. From learning, simple tasks such as how to properly nappe a tart so it is shiny at beautiful, to putting together multi layered entrement cakes. 

Now upon returning home to Canada I cannot wait to see what the future has in store upon graduation. I want to use my newfound skills to start working with passionate skilled people in the industry to create delicious and stunning pastries.  

Erin McKee, Advanced French Patisserie 

My experience in China was an amazing excursion I will not forget. Through the study abroad program I was able to experience the largest city in the world and see landmarks old and new. From the peaceful 450 year old Yu Garden in Shanghai, to the Great Wall at Jinshanling that our group hiked together, as well as the new skyscrapers and urban infrastructure projects that we visited in Shanghai, the experience was nothing like Canada, and nothing like I could have expected.

The days of my trip were spent in a classroom teaching students and monitoring their progress to help them succeed, but my evenings were spent venturing out alone. I was able to connect with students and experience the Chinese culture they experience every day. I was able to create working relationships and focus not only on what I said, but how I said it, in order to emphasize important points that may be overlooked by someone who does not speak English as a first language.

On a couple occasions I wandered off the map and found myself in areas that were unfamiliar, where English was not spoken, and communication was difficult. Getting out of my comfort zone and trying to find my way was the best part of the trip.

- Mark Parrott, Construction Management

I was beyond satisfied with the trip and I would recommend anyone thinking about going to absolutely go for it. It was an opportunity to learn and relax at the same time. I was inspired throughout the trip by the elements that made up a day in a different world. The language, architecture, landscape, local specialties and products- I will never be able to forget how these things felt. The experience of the trip has built in me the courage to challenged myself to leave my own city and look through multiple perspectives. It was simply an amazing trip, and looking back at the photos still makes my heart flutter with hope to return soon.

- Salley Jeong, Food & Beverage Management

I was very honoured to have joined this culinary tour to India and Thailand.  Although I come from Thailand and am used to their spices, I was still interested in learning about spices in India.

During the tour I not only learned about, but also tasted different kinds of food. In addition, I experienced their unique food cultures. For example, I tried to use my hands to eat all my meals in India.

I very much enjoyed my time studying in India and Thailand.

- Malatee Pramanus, Culinary Arts

I am very fortunate to have been given the opportunity and the financial help to be part of the 2017 Europe leadership study abroad program in France and Germany. . To be able to travel in a foreign country and be studying at the same time is unique. Not only does this provide me with experience but it also helped enhance my skills such as communication, as I had to communicate with not only our group and tour guide but with strangers from a different country in a different language.

This learning opportunity was amazing because it educated us about how the EU works and it broke down all the presumptuous ideas and stereotypes we had before.

- Calvin Wong, Event Management

I believe that this placement has done so much for me during the three weeks I visited China. I feel I have become more mature with my decision-making when creating curriculum for children. My goal is to work as well as teach internationally and this experience has helped me.

With the help of a scholarship and the opportunity to be in China, I know 100% that I will continue my work with schools internationally. I’m now hoping to locate a job internationally in the near future. 

- Krishna Marie Asistio, Early Childhood Education

The Special Event Conference & Tradeshow started on Monday, January 9th 2017 with the Hand on Hundred training session for volunteers. It was a great opportunity to get to meet fellow volunteers and introduce ourselves to the events team putting on the largest conference and tradeshow for special events.

My first volunteer shift was assisting with the Opening Night Party set up at the Long Beach Aquarium the following day, and my second shift was assisting with the Closing Night Party set up the following evening. The final day I attended the most anticipated session of the entire TSE Conference and Tradeshow – Michael Cerbelli’s “The Hot List”. This was definitely the highlight of the conference as he showcased event trends and entertainment in the special event industry for 2017.

As a student representative from George Brown College, the impact that this opportunity had on me was profound. This conference gave me a fresh perspective on the industry, and I look forward to bringing new ideas and approaches to my work in Toronto. I had the opportunity to meet potential employers as well as mentors who were very willing to share their knowledge and expertise regarding the Special Event industry with me. I found this very useful to ensuring my future success. Lastly, this opportunity exposed me to new products and services, which I hope to apply in my professional career once I graduate.

- Lisa Novic

I was very proud to be a part of an amazing organization. Nine Miles of Smiles could not do what it does without the generous support of people that care.

Words cannot express the valuable experience I obtained going down to Jamaica. I was able to bring back with me the confidence I needed in restoring teeth. We all worked as a team and were able to touch many lives.

- Carolyn Cassidy, RDH

The Future Ways of Living International Summer School was held at the Cascina Triulza, located in a former World Expo site in Milan, Italy. In this summer school I worked on the concept of a ‘future global village’ and was asked to think about what a global village would look like in the future, how it would work, and what value systems this community would share.

The best thing in summer school was that I could talk to and share my ideas with other people that had different backgrounds, not only in terms of nationality, but also working experience. Thanks to this opportunity, I found what I needed as inspiration to study more about planning, which drove my ambition to study design strategy.

-Hyeeun Son

The China Project broadened my perspective on Early Childhood Education. I witnessed different curriculum as well as different expectations for teaching young children and it has allowed me to build on my practice. I have learned valuable ideas for how to plan curriculum for a variety of creative activities, and about different teaching styles and philosophies. I was most impressed with the creative and engaging activities using recycled materials that can be easily found in the community. Going on this trip, I had intended to find new ideas to incorporate into my own practice as an educator and this project has really allowed me to explore the field through a different culture.

I also learned to work with children who speak a different language and to work with staff who have different teaching styles and practices. I have gained many valuable experiences and I would highly recommend this trip to those looking for a great learning experience.

- Karina Chua

I am very fortunate to have been a part of the 2017 study abroad trip traveling 13 days in Europe specifically, France and Germany. We started in Paris then traveled to Reims, Strasbourg and Heidelberg, Germany tasting amazing food as well as beverages and visiting incredible landmarks. 

Our group was made up of fourteen George Brown students and two professors in leadership. As a group we learned to balance our free time between exploring these new countries as tourists and focusing on the study of leadership. My rationale for engaging in this experience was to learn about hospitality and the food industry in different countries and also gain experience studying out of the normal classroom style atmosphere. This trip has influenced my motivation to travel to different places in the world, I truly think traveling broadens your horizons. Meaning that whether you’re traveling for work, school or leisure, experiencing different cultures will give you the advantage of being more diverse in the industry going forward.

- Sierra Duckett

My one month work research abroad trip in Shanghai has proven to be a successful one. I have learned numerous things while abroad, both professionally and personally, about myself. There were many obstacles that came our way but we managed to prepare and solve them as they arose. Work aside, we were able to experience many of the cultural aspects of Shanghai and we were able to get exposure to some of the industry standards that they take pride in.

Overall, the experience was good as we were able to interact with the professors differently. This would not have been possible without my scholarship as it is fairly expensive to stay in Shanghai.

-Safraa Yunas

The international placement in Jamaica was an incredible life changing experience. I am extremely grateful for being able to spend my time facilitating Life Skills with my partner in the adult correctional facilities. Here, I was treated with the upmost respect from the adult learners and members of JFLL. It was a humbling experience that continues to warm my heart and water my eyes to this day. It inspired me to continue my work on this path, and I will be completing my second year placement working in reintegration services with the John Howard Society. Thank you George Brown. Thank you Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning. Thank you.

- Rachelle Van Dijk

There are very few de ning moments in life that you will shape who you become in the future. The Future ways of Living Charrette hosted by the Institute without Boundaries in Milan, Italy was just that for me.

During my time in Italy I participated in a charrette (a design-focused intensive workshop) hosted by friends and professors at the Institute without Boundaries & Politecnico di Milano. Not only were we collaborating with real stakeholders such as locals, businesses, and government officials; the actual space the charrette was located inside of the Expo-site. This meant we had special privileges to access during the weekdays.

To say the least, it was a pivotal learning that I will keep close to my heart. I met wonderful people, who I still keep in contact with today.

-John Abila

The scotia bank scholarship has enabled me to achieve my personal learning and professional goals by helping me to be an active participant in the culture that is hosting me (Cancun, Mexico).

The following pictures illustrate the ease in which I have been able to adhere to the customs and working culture of my host country, as well as having been able to thrive in this environment while maintaining my academic and career goals.

- Thomas Shreve

Being given the opportunity to travel to China and work at Suzhou Regent International Preschool was an experience of a life time. Not knowing what to expect of a new city, culture and child care centre it was both nerve racking and exciting.

As a new Early Childhood Educator I've learned how to engage with children who speak English as a second or third language and how to successfully implement dual language activities that reflect the child care centre's and my personal philosophy. During this placement I was given opportunities to show my leadership skills and take risks. I also embraced Chinese culture by visiting a variety of kindergartens, the College of ECE in Suzhou, and historical sites. After completing this international placement I have been offered a one-year contract which I have happily accepted.

-Christine Lain