Fleming students pack their bags for Sweden, Denmark and Holland
A group of students from the School of Business will bid farewell to Fleming College to travel to Sweden, Denmark and Holland this spring for their Travel-Based Learning course.
The new Travel-Based Learning (INTL 10) course is an opportunity for students to witness and explore new corners of the globe. In this course, students learn about commercial travel, research their destination, and explore relevant social justice issues. Students are also exposed to the cultural, educational, environmental, economic, political, and social norms at play within the societies they visit.
“This is a very unique course. We really look forward to taking this journey with our students, and seeing them learn and develop,” said faculty member Rogier ten Kate. “During their trip, students will learn and understand what these countries do to implement innovation and sustainability in their societies. We want to feel and explore these cultures– its positive and negative impacts on innovation and sustainability.”
The elective Travel-Based Learning course is available to students in the School of Business, as well as students in other programs at Sutherland Campus provided that the course fits their timetable. Seating is limited. This year, the April 26 to May 6 jam-packed trip itinerary is a Nordic Expedition. The group will first fly to Stockholm, Sweden, exploring companies that helped Sweden develop a strong reputation as an innovative country, as well as museums and other points of interest.
“It’ll be amazing!” said Marnie Young, Human Resources Management student. “We will see innovative companies that we don’t get the chance to see in Canada.”
One site Marnie is particularly looking forward to is the incineration program in Sweden, where trash is used underground for heating. She is also interested in exploring wave energy in Holland, as it takes up less land than wind turbines.
The group visits Copenhagen, Denmark on Day 4, known for its technology, modern art, music and theatre. An Education Day has been carved in the schedule, between sightseeing, to tour companies known for innovation and sustainable solutions, which will provide students with invaluable information they can apply to their industry in Canada.
The lessons learned in sustainability and innovation is something Marketing student Kenneth Bruce Stauffer plans to apply to his career. “I’m interested in taking what I learn at these businesses and bringing it back to Canada,” he said. “The first-hand experience I will gain there is excellent and worth it to me.”
For fellow Marketing student Leena Yagnik, this knowledge is something she hopes sets her apart on the job hunt. “I am going to graduate soon and will be looking for jobs,” she explained. “I will be learning a lot of things on this trip that will give me a competitive advantage against my colleagues.”
On Day 7, the Travel-Based Learning group heads to Utrecht, Holland, then to Amsterdam; followed by Rotterdam the next day to visit Eneco Group, a group of companies under one umbrella that focus on sustainable energy. The group will enjoy free time sightseeing on their ninth day of travel and will fly home the next day.
The whole package is something that excites Tourism – Global Travel student Brenda Boutin-Lacelle, who will apply the experience of being a tourist to her career. “I’m going for the travel experience, which will help me in my job,” she said. “Like how I experience going to that country and what I enjoyed will be useful if I’m ever asked about my experience in my job.”
The students would like to thank their generous sponsors for their support in making this learning experience possible:
- Part Time CFO Services Inc.
- Paget Denture Clinic
- Peterborough Museum & Archives
- Fleming Student Administrative Council
“This experience for the students will be like none other,” said faculty member Kris Dawson. “We are hoping that students will get inspired, and put some of the innovative and sustainable practices and techniques learned abroad into action here around Peterborough and the surrounding communities. This is such an exciting opportunity and I am so thankful to Part Time CFO Services Inc. and all of our sponsors for their support and enthusiasm for this learning experience. We truly appreciate it.”