Global Health exchange students look forward to building connections while broadening their knowledge base

The Global Health program is unique in its transcontinental approach and the immersive learning environment which fosters internationalization and builds career skills for a globalized world. Its exchange opportunities with partner universities enable students to broaden their perspectives and benefit from rich intercultural learning.

This week, we hosted an orientation event to welcome twenty-eight inbound mobility students on exchange at McMaster University from Maastricht University (Netherlands) and for the first time, from India, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).

The welcome orientation provided time for students to introduce themselves, discuss course selections for the winter term, and learn about opportunities to connect and collaborate with faculty and peers. Showing optimism and inspiration for their time at McMaster and the learning opportunities ahead, Dr. Sonya De Laat, Academic Coordinator, Global Health, further emphasized the opportunity to build connections and strengthen their  international professional networks.

The Maastricht and MAHE exchange student nationalities include Dutch, German, Indian, Ghanaian, and Irish to name a few. The exchange has diverse benefits which supports students to build relationships with people from all over the world, broaden their experience and knowledge base, and develop intercultural communication skills within an international academic community.

This unique opportunity supports McMasters internationalization strategy and commitment to global health with its emphasis on programs and experiences that are collaborative and global in nature.

Program exchange students can choose to specialize one of the three fields of study offered at McMaster (Global Health Management, Globalization and Equity, or Global Health: Disease Burden Challenges and Changes). Motivated by the course selection and range of courses offered students voiced their enthusiasm about the learning opportunity and perspective offered by the innovative programming.

The exchange students expressed their excitement about studying at a distinct university and their positive and curious attitude toward diversity. They reflected on their interest and motivation to meet new people and learn more about Canada was echoed by many of them. This immersive learning environment will not only enhance their worldview but will bring a broad range of experiences to the McMaster Global Health program.