B.C. students awarded opportunity to learn from the world
Victoria: A record 50 B.C. students have been awarded Premier’s International Scholarships to study in more than 20 different countries and regions, supporting them to achieve their education goals and benefiting B.C. communities with their global knowledge and experiences.
The students are enrolled in overseas programs studying a wide variety of subjects ranging from business administration to molecular biology. “These scholarships open the doors of opportunity for B.C. students,” said Premier John Horgan. “We all benefit from the knowledge and cultural experiences students will bring back to their post-secondary institutions, workplaces and communities.”
The Premier’s Scholarships are valued at between $6,000 and $10,000, and are administrated by the Irving K. Barber BC Scholarship Society. Premier’s Scholarships are funded from the returns on a $17-million endowment fund established by the Province of B.C. for international education. They are awarded to students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement and an understanding of how global literacy impacts society. The scholarships are part of the larger One World international scholarship program offered by the society.
“Premier’s International Scholarships provide students with opportunities to broaden their horizons through overseas study and work placements. Students benefit both culturally and academically, and upon return to Canada, find that these experiences enhance and often guide further work and study,” said Shirley Kamerling Roberts, the society’s chair.
Since the program began in 2008, the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society has awarded more than $5.7 million in 2,598 international scholarships.
“The Premier’s Scholarship will allow me to better understand globalization and how I can work toward higher intercultural competence as I study abroad at Universidad de La Sabana in Colombia,” said Sultan Sandur, a scholarship recipient who is completing his master of education at Thompson Rivers University.
In addition to the Premier’s Scholarships, One World Scholarships of $1,000 to $3,500 are available throughout the year for students attending B.C. public post-secondary institutions to support their participation in study or work abroad programs.