Conestoga news

November 1, 2013 3:59 PM

Conestoga students gain a Global Edge

Last spring Breanna Hartwick and Kimberley Fooks, both from the International Business Management program, had the unique opportunity to be the first co-op students to travel to Guayaquil, Ecuador. The Global Edge program made it possible for these two students to embark on an experience that has left a footprint on their educational journey.

Global Edge, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment offers Conestoga students college-wide the opportunity to participate in an overseas work experience. The program provides co-op and non-co-op students a grant of up to $4,000 to help offset the costs of travel, accommodation and health insurance. Students gain valuable international business experience and the opportunity to learn first-hand what it takes to be an entrepreneur in another country. Students will benefit from positions that illustrate the importance of entrepreneurs and the opportunities that exist globally for small and medium sized enterprises. Picture1sm.jpg

Ezequiel Silva, an Architecture - Project Facility Management student, is in Ecuador this fall to gain experience in the construction and design field. Ezequiel will assist architects in the development of construction plans, work control, program management of model housing design and green technology implementation in the building of 180 houses across the coast. He will also learn entrepreneurial skills. Picture2sm.jpg

Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical Systems Engineering students Christopher Murphy and Gary Rachitsky are both studying and working abroad for an 8 month adventure in Liberec, Czech Republic. They will work as New Product Development Assistants. Chris and Gary will be working alongside researchers from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Liberec and a medium sized manufacturing company who produces radiators and heat exchangers that are sold in 25 countries throughout Europe and Asia.

These Ontario Global Edge participants broaden their cultural awareness while acquiring valuable work experience and knowledge about entrepreneurship. Do you want to have a global edge? Why not consider getting involved and discovering how business works in different parts of the world. Applications for the Global Edge program are now available and the next internships will commence in May 2014. Interested students should contact Taylor Petrie in Co-op & Career Services by email at tpetrie@conestogac.on.ca or telephone 519-748-5220 ext. 2271.