On August 2, 2022, there were 160 post-secondary students who were recognized by the Government of Saskatchewan for completing the Saskatchewan Student Ambassador Program. The program is part of the new International Education Strategy. This program provides international students and students studying abroad with training to become global citizens and ambassadors of our province. 137 international students and 23 Saskatchewan students in total have completed this program since it first launched on March 28, 2022.
"The Saskatchewan Student Ambassador Program is a unique opportunity that prepares post-secondary students to represent Saskatchewan across the world and brings the world to Saskatchewan," Advanced Education Minister Gordon S. Wyant said. "This program will help us continue to build international relationships and partnerships and enhance global opportunities and experiences for both Saskatchewan and international students."
Saskatchewan welcomed 130 students from the Yucatan, following a mission to Mexico in May 2022, to study English at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and the University of Regina. The event looked to celebrate the final cohort of Yucatan students who will now be Saskatchewan Student Ambassadors and will receive their certificates. Saskatchewan students from member institutions of the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) who participated in the University of Regina’s Discovery Camp Saskatchewan previously received their certificates, as well as students from Parkland College and Saskatchewan Polytechnic who studied in Mexico this summer.
“Saskatchewan has proven to be a key partner for our State, because of the excellence of its universities. We are very pleased with the service we have received from both the University of Saskatoon and Regina, the Saskatchewan Mexico Office, and the Canadian Embassy in Mexico. They provided us with the necessary support to ensure the success of our program which we are celebrating with great pride today,” Director of Research and Innovation from the State of Yucatan, Gerardo Vela Monforte said. “We sent 130 of our best students to the Province of Saskatchewan to equip them with international exposure, we are certain that after this exchange our students will be better professionals for the benefit of our State, but also for our globalized world.”
"Our university community is strengthened by the diverse world views and experiences that are fostered through initiatives such as the Saskatchewan Student Ambassador Program," University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jeff Keshen said. "Both inbound and outbound students are given a remarkable opportunity to develop cross-cultural relationships and global perspectives that will serve them well now, and in the future."
"The provincial International Education Strategy and the Student Ambassador Program present opportunities for USask to strengthen its global connections and to be the university the world needs," University of Saskatchewan President and Vice-Chancellor Peter Stoicheff said. "Programs such as these encourage students to gain international experience, add to the diversity of perspectives in classrooms and enhance the overall educational experience for everyone."
"Saskatchewan Polytechnic is excited to be an active partner in the newly launched Saskatchewan Student Ambassador Program and we are proud of our newly recognized student ambassadors," Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said. "Student mobility is an important part of our Global Engagement Plan. In taking advantage of international learning experiences, Canadian and international students will increase their problem solving, adaptability, resilience, and intercultural competencies."
"Having the opportunity to study abroad provides students with a learning experience that cannot be taught in a classroom. It builds deeper intercultural competencies that only immersion can develop and prepares our graduates for diverse work environments." Parkland College's Vice-President of External Relations, International, & Research Kami DePape said. "While our students studied in Mexico, the Saskatchewan Ambassador Program provided them with valuable tools to promote our province as a vibrant place to study and live."
A variety of diverse supports are available to inbound and outbound students through their institutions, this includes the Saskatchewan and Opportunity Scholarship, which provides funding to students studying abroad as well as international students studying in the province. If you are a student and interested in participating in the Saskatchewan Student Ambassador Program, you can apply as a part of their student mobility application through your designated post-secondary institution. Once the program is completed, the student will receive a certificate to recognize their participation.
For more information on the program, you can visit their website at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/international-education-strategy/saskatchewan-student-ambassador-program