Preparation

Fulbright TGC to Canada 2022 Leadership

I was so thrilled to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Webinar conducted by IREX on May 23, 2022, for the select Fulbright fellows traveling to Canada. The webinar was required for all Canada-bound Fulbrighters. It aimed to introduce background information about Canada and its education system, discuss key components of the International Field Experience (IFE), and identify preparation steps for the IFE.

So far, I have learned the following general interesting facts about Canada:

Canada Fast Facts

Population: 38 million

Largest Cities: Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver

Independence: 1956 (France)

Languages:

• English (58.1%)

• French (21.4%)

Religions:

• Roman Catholics (39%)

• Protestants (20%)

• Atheists (24%)

Canadian Education System

Public education - from Kindergarten to Grade 12

Compulsory school - starting at age 6 and ending at age 16

Tracks of study - lead to colleges/institutes or universities

CEGEP - a publicly-funded college providing technical, academic, vocational, or a mix of programs exclusive to the province of Quebec's education system

Challenges:

• no centralized department of education

• government invests too little in learning

• literacy and numeracy skills

Strengths:

• well-funded

• high PISA results

• flexibility

Additionally, I have learned that Fulbright Canada has two key initiatives: Fulbright Arctic Initiative and Honoring Nations Canada. Fulbright Arctic Initiative stimulates international scientific collaboration on Arctic issues while increasing mutual understanding among the people of the Arctic Council member states. On the other hand, Honouring Nations Canada recognizes, celebrates, and shares stories of Indigenous achievement and promotes and encourages opportunities for Indigenous persons. I'm hoping my Fulbright visit to Canada will help me see how I can help promote these initiatives in the future and build sustainable networks and friendships with global-education-minded Canadian educators.

Further, as stipulated in the program itinerary, I have been informed of the key components of the IFE, as follows:

June 5 or 6: Depart United States

June 6-10: Educational and cultural activities in Toronto and surrounding areas

June 10–15: Educational and cultural activities in Quebec City, Saskatoon, or Whitehorse

June 15–16: Debrief in Toronto

June 17: Return to United States

After visiting Toronto, I have been assigned to visit Quebec City, which sits on the Saint Lawrence River in Canada's mostly French-speaking Quebec province. I can't wait to experience and observe schools in a French-speaking community for the first time. With the leadership of IREX Senior Program Officer Lynn Seumo, I will be visiting Quebec with the following group:

Lastly, as part of our preparation, I find it beneficial for all of us to be oriented with ways to keep safe and secure while in Canada through the Canada Safety and Security Webinar. Beforehand, I have already complied with the other pre-departure logistics such as COVID-19 vaccination confirmation, plane tickets confirmation, bank confirmation for the Fulbright award money, allergy/dietary/medical information, international contact information, guiding question for international travel, and Canada Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Below are the highly competitively selected Canada-bound Fulbright fellows so enthusiastic and resolute to help change the world. I'm extremely proud to be with this cohort. I believe this Fulbright TGC culmination activity is not the end but the beginning of a much more significant and symbolic global collaboration.

Fulbright TGC to Canada 2022 Fellows

Part of my personal preparation is to check the top places to visit in Toronto and Quebec City. While I know we would be busy visiting schools and collaborating with Canadian educators and administrators, I find it wise to familiarize the cities' bests in advance. I might see one of these places if time permits.