Change Makers - Women in STEAM - Vietnam
Summary
The Change Maker Project will develop female change leaders in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) with the aim of progressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
NSCC students and employees will partner with students from Tra Vinh University (TVU) in Vietnam. Through a series of challenges, participants will explore how to influence the progress of SDGs in their respective fields. The project will involve visits and interviews with community members, and local businesses, as well as cultural excursions to enrich project work. Through this consultation and cultural learning, participants will cultivate new ideas for sustainable development.
Participates will gain confidence by building relationships and practicing their skills in leadership. The project will conclude with participants sharing their learning with youth in a local school to inspire female STEAM leaders; our future "change makers".
The project will take place for two weeks in June 2025.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply knowledge, skills and attitudes from tasks and projects in an international setting;
- Outline the benefits of cross-cultural collaboration for work-related projects and tasks;
- Build evidence of experiences and new learning (both personal and industry related) for portfolio development and the education of others;
- Assess safety and risk pertaining to international travel to make informed decisions about traveling abroad;
- To identify and reflect on the differences and similarities between Canada and Vietnam.
Timeline
Subject to change
November 18, 2024 - Applications launched
January 10, 2025 - Student application deadline
January 2025 - Student selection
February 2025 - Online pre-departure course begins
April 2025 - Pre-departure conference
June 2025 - Change Makers program in Vietnam
July 2025 - Evaluation and debrief
Fall 2025 - Celebration of learning
Student Eligibility
This project is open to full-time female students from programs at NSCC that are related to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). One goal is to increase the retention of women in STEAM careers where they are typically underrepresented, such as programs in: engineering technologies, geomatics, IT, marine technologies, and building and manufacturing trades.
This project is also open to women in creative industry programs, bringing the "A" for Arts into STEAM to enhance outcomes with creative perspectives. Students must be in good academic standing. Some international learning programs can fall under the Prior Learning and Assessment (PLAR) Procedures | NSCC. Students interested in this process should seek advice from a faculty advisor and academic chair prior to travel to review whether the international learning program could satisfy program or course outcomes.
Travel advice and advisories
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Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Program Fee (includes airfare, local accommodations, in-country ground transportation, program activities and some meals) - Student pays NSCC through a payment plan, NSCC will then pay partner | $4,500 |
| Passport and any associated travel documents & fees (if having to apply for one) - Student responsibility | $200 |
| Entry VISA for Vietnam - Student responsibility | $75 |
| Guard.me travel insurance (mandatory purchased through Guard.me). - NSCC responsibility | $100 |
| Immunizations & prescriptions (cost will vary depending on individual) - Student responsibility | $200-500 |
| Transportation to and from Halifax airport (depending on location) - Student responsibility | $200 |
| Other meals and incidentals (will vary depending on individual) - Student responsibility | $200 |
| Items of personal nature, tourism activities and excursions outside of the program and souvenirs (varies depending on individual) - Student responsibility | $200 |