Opportunities for experiential learning abound at Durham College (DC).

Faculty-led Classrooms Abroad (FLCA) opportunities give students the chance to travel to other countries to enhance and apply the skills they’ve learned in the classroom, all while seeing a new part of the world and making new friends.

Earlier this year, four such trips created lasting memories for DC students and Faculty Members.

Costa Rica – Exploring global perspectives in Behavioural Science

Our Behavioural Sciences students took their knowledge of applied behavioural analysis to Central America. Visiting schools, special education centers and health care facilities in Costa Rica, they gained insight into the teaching methods and types of therapy used within a broader global context. In three communities, they explored the differences in resources available in urban versus rural areas and the impact that may have on the services provided.

“We immersed ourselves in another culture to better understand how they work closely with their families and clients, to develop cultural humility and see how clinical approaches can be adopted from different lenses,” explained Nehal Siam, Faculty Member. “It’s important for students to work outside of their comfort zones, and on this trip, they travelled to novel environments where they didn’t speak the language and found ways to engage with the staff and the participants, and exchange knowledge and information.”

The trip was generously funded by Global Skills Opportunity, the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program.

Denmark – Discovering innovations in elder care

By pioneering innovative housing solutions and cutting-edge technology that empower seniors to live safely and with dignity, Denmark has moved to the forefront of dementia care. Personal Support Worker (PSW) students met with seniors, healthcare professionals, and technology leaders while Journalism and Video Production students captured compelling stories, photos, and videos to share back home. They returned home with invaluable insights and new ways to support seniors living with dementia in Ontario.

“I think that experiencing a different culture and learning from the practices in Denmark will have a lasting impact on the care I provide and my clients that I work with,” said first-year PSW student Alicia Timleck. “I hope to see the innovative practices we saw In Denmark be implemented into future Canadian elder care.”

On Tuesday, April 22, the students will share their experiences at a “Community Conversation” event from noon to 2 p.m. in the Rotary Global Classroom. Local community members will be on hand to discuss the future of elder/dementia care in Ontario.

Fourth year Journalism and Creative Writing student Ganga Rajesh was inspired by the trip and looks forward to sharing the story at the event.

“It was life changing. In conversations with caregivers and residents, I heard stories of love, loss and resilience, stories of the elderly creating their own new, happy world with the people they met in the care home. It touched my heart and crossed all borders,” he said.

“The experience made me understand why my professors always emphasized that journalism isn’t just about reporting facts. It’s about feeling, listening, and giving voice to those who might not otherwise be heard.”

Italy – Immersed in classical architecture

Second and third-year students in the Architectural Technology program travelled to Italy, where they studied art and architecture in the cities of Rome, Pompeii, and Foligno.

There, they studied the roots of architecture by examining works of antiquity and renaissance in contemporary cities. They also learned about the importance of preserving historical buildings as cultural property as well as the materials and techniques used to build and maintain buildings.

“Students had a chance to see life in the ancient world that led up to our civilization. They were able to study Ancient Rome and imagine life in the streets and see how things have changed well into modern times,” said Faculty Member Stan Zalewski. “They saw truly historical and significant works and walked amongst art and architecture in a completely different cultural context.”

Peru – Tasting tradition in South America

Culinary Management students travelled to one of the top culinary destinations in the world, Peru, to learn about traditional cuisine techniques, ingredients and baking and dessert recipes at the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL). They also explored the Minka Market and downtown Lima to discover the country’s rich cultural history.

“The trip exposed them to new techniques, ingredients, and ways of thinking about food. They realized that there isn’t just one ‘right’ way to approach cooking, and this broadened mindset will be invaluable in their future careers,” said Faculty Member Tanya Heck, who also benefitted from the journey.

Whether it’s through international summer programs, study abroad semesters, or FLCAs, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the world while studying at DC. Learn more about international learning opportunities.