International Education, Domestic Students

International Experience at Home

There are a number of ways to experience an international education at home. An international experience allows you to develop your global and intercultural competencies, and Manitoba is the perfect place for you to hone those skills.

Manitoba celebrates multiculturalism inside and outside of the classroom. Many Manitoba schools and post-secondary institutions offer courses, student clubs, or volunteer opportunities that can help you become an involved global citizen.

You can also use your smart phone, computer, or tablet to access information to increase your awareness of international issues while exploring new concepts and ideas.

You will also find opportunities for international experiences within your community through cultural organizations, events, and festivals throughout the province. Here are a few options you may want to consider:

Take a course with an international focus

Learn about cultures from around the world in a classroom setting and actively engage with students and professors in a structured, guided, and student centered environment. Courses with an international focus are available in both high schools and post-secondary institutions.

Talk to your guidance counselor or academic advisor to find out what course options are available to you. Before picking specific courses, consider what types of international content you are most passionate about. Here are some examples to think about:

  • Asia Pacific Studies
  • Cinema as a Witness to Modern History (40S)
  • Comparative Religion
  • Cultural Anthropology
  • Global Politics
  • Global Issues: Citizenship and Sustainability (40S)
  • International Business
  • International Development
  • International Marketing
  • International Relations
  • Language Studies (French, Japanese, Spanish, etc.)
  • Latin American Studies
  • World Religion Studies
Learn a new language and develop a deeper understanding of another culture

The ability to communicate in multiple languages is considered an asset around the world. You will enjoy the benefits of being able to speak another language when applying for jobs, traveling to other parts of the world, or when meeting new people.

Many cultural centres in Manitoba teach heritage language classes, offering you the opportunity to explore a new language and learn more about your family’s culture. You can also talk to your guidance counselor or academic advisor to find out what languages classes are offered at your school.

Connect with international students in Manitoba

Interacting with international students at your school through classroom assignments, group work, student clubs, and buddy programs is an easy and fun way for you to enjoy the benefits of an international experience in Manitoba. You might even make a lifelong friend!

Talk with your guidance counselor or academic advisor, international student program coordinator, or international student centre to find out about opportunities for you to meet and collaborate with international students at your school.

Host an international student in your home

Many school divisions and post-secondary institutions offer Homestay Programs for international students studying in Manitoba. Homestay programs offer Manitoba families the opportunity to host international students in their homes.

Inviting an international student to stay with your family for a few months lets you share each other’s culture. While assisting international students to practice their English or French language skills and how to be a true Manitoban, you will learn about your student’s cultural values, practices, languages, and home country.

Talk to your family to find out if this is an opportunity you would all be interested in. Talk to your guidance counselor or academic advisor, international student program coordinator, or international student centre to find out how you can become the newest host family for an international student.

Become involved in local ethnic, newcomer, development organizations

Manitoba is home to a number of non-profit organizations focused on Manitoba’s international diasporas. You can become involved through volunteer work, practicum or cooperative education placements, or community service projects.

Contact your nearest welcome centre, cultural centre, international student centre, and youth centre to get involved.

Participate in multicultural and international events

Manitoba celebrates a number of multicultural and international festivals and events you may want to actively participate in, or even volunteer with.

Visit the Multiculturalism secretariat’s Multiculturalism Calendar for event details. A list of festivals celebrated in Manitoba is available on Manitoba Business Facts Quality of Life: Festivals page.

Visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is Canada’s newest National Museum and the first of its kind in Canada. Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the museum explores past and present human rights issues from around the world.

In addition to the permanent galleries and interactive activities, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights offers special events highlighting specific human rights issues.

Use technology to travel the world

You can explore the world from the comfort of your home or on-the-go using your cell phone, computer, or tablet.

Information and communication technology is the easiest and most cost effective way to travel virtually and to explore cultural experiences from all corners of the globe. Here are some options to consider:

  • Use social media apps and forums to connect and engage in discussions with people all over the world. Remember to be careful when posting and discussing with others online. Visit Media Smarts for tips on socializing and interacting online.

    To help you find interesting posts, thoughts, and discussions online check out some example hashtags below:

    • #international
    • #internationalstudents
    • #studyabroad
    • #travelabroad
    • #workabroad

  • Use media streaming websites and apps such as YouTube and Netflix to access videos vlogs, podcasts, television series, or documentaries with an international focus. Some examples you could check out are:

    • Departures, a Canadian television series featuring 2 Canadians traveling around the world. Visit the Departures media page to watch episode clips.
    • BBC’s Human Planet, a documentary series that focus on how people and cultures have adapted to the planet’s natural environments.
    • Watching informative and inspiring international content will allow you to travel vicariously through film. You may even become inspired to plan your own study, work, or volunteer trip abroad!

  • Use the internet to access online articles, blogs, books, and magazines to research international content that interests you. Expand your research by reading materials produced by authors from around the world. Some examples you could check out are:


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