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York community members invited to share feedback on draft Well-being Strategy

Compass with needle pointing the word well-being. 3D illustration with blur effect. Concept of wellbeing or wellness

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

Dear York community,

Following consultation beginning in late 2022 with students, staff, faculty and instructors to determine well-being priorities, York’s draft Well-being Strategy is now available for community members to review and provide their feedback. Your input is needed to ensure that the final strategy reflects the current needs of our community.

This draft Well-being Strategy aligns with the University Academic Plan’s priority of Living Well Together and reflects York’s commitment to fostering well-being across all of our campuses. It is the culmination of work based on insight provided by York community members who shared that “a stronger sense of connection, inclusion and well-being” is among the key changes they are seeking in their experiences at the University.  

Ways to provide feedback

We encourage students, staff, faculty and instructors to review the draft Well-being Strategy and provide feedback in one of two ways:

  1. Attend one of the engagement sessions between Oct. 13 and Nov. 30.
  2. Complete the online feedback form by Dec. 15.

Feedback collected will be used to finalize the strategy and prepare for its launch in 2024. Please note that all information provided will remain confidential and will not be linked to any individual community member.

York strives to create a healthier campus community for everyone and to build an environment where members can flourish and be well. Together, we can help shape the future of well-being at York.

Learn more about the strategy and how to get involved by visiting the Well-being at York website.

Thank You, Migwech Merci

Alice Pitt
Interim Vice-President Equity, People and Culture

Nona Robinson
Vice Provost Students

Les membres de la communauté de York sont invités à donner leur avis sur la version préliminaire de la Stratégie de bien-être

Chers membres de la communauté de York,

À la suite de la consultation entamée à la fin 2022 avec la population étudiante, le personnel, et les corps professoral et enseignant pour déterminer les priorités en matière de bien-être, la version préliminaire de la Stratégie de bien-être de York est maintenant à la disposition des membres de la communauté pour qu’ils l’examinent et fournissent une rétroaction. Nous sollicitons votre opinion pour nous assurer que la stratégie finale reflète les besoins actuels de notre communauté.

Cette version préliminaire de la Stratégie de bien-être s’aligne sur la priorité Bien vivre ensemble du Plan académique de l’Université et reflète la volonté de York de favoriser le bien-être sur l’ensemble de ses campus. C’est l’aboutissement d’un travail basé sur les observations des membres de la communauté de York qui nous ont fait savoir qu’un « sentiment plus fort de connexion, d’inclusion et de bien-être » fait partie des changements clés qu’ils recherchent dans leur expérience à l’Université.  

Façons de fournir une rétroaction :

Nous encourageons les membres de la population étudiante, du personnel, et des corps professoral et enseignant à prendre connaissance de la version préliminaire de la Stratégie de bien-être et à nous faire part de leurs commentaires de l’une des façons suivantes :

  1. Participez à l’une des séances d’engagement qui auront lieu du 13 octobre au 30 novembre 2023.
  2. Remplissez le formulaire de rétroaction en ligne avant le 15 décembre 2023.

Les commentaires recueillis serviront à finaliser la stratégie et à préparer son lancement en 2024. Veuillez noter que tous les renseignements fournis demeureront confidentiels et que les résultats ne seront pas liés à un membre individuel de la communauté.

York s’efforce de créer une communauté universitaire plus saine et un environnement dans lequel tous les membres peuvent s’épanouir et se sentir bien. Ensemble, nous pouvons façonner l’avenir du bien-être à York.

Pour en savoir plus sur la stratégie et sur les façons de vous impliquer, consultez le site Bien-être à York.

Merci, Migwech, Thank You.

Alice Pitt
Vice-présidente intérimaire de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture

Nona Robinson
Vice-rectrice aux affaires étudiantes

York leads research initiative to explore populism in Canada

Observatory of Populism in Canada

By Ashley Goodfellow Craig, editor, YFile

York University will lead a new initiative that aims to increase understanding of the impacts of populism on Canadian politics.

Launched Sept. 27 at York’s Glendon Campus, the Observatory of Populism in Canada is a first-of-its-kind research endeavour that will work to generate, support and highlight empirical and theoretical research on populism’s role in Canadian society.

Rémi Vivès
Rémi Vivès
photograph of York Professor Emily Laxer
Emily Laxer

The Observatory is led by Emily Laxer (associate professor of sociology at Glendon and York Research Chair in Populism, Rights and Legality) in collaboration with Rémi Vivès (assistant professor of economics at Glendon) and Efe Peker (assistant professor of sociology and political science at the University of Ottawa), and supports the University’s priority to advance research on compelling developments of our time.

“There is a great deal of confusion and debate about what populism means, how it manifests and what its impacts are,” says Laxer. “The Observatory’s overarching objective is to bring clarity and specificity to the conversation about populism in Canada through robust social scientific research, for the benefit of researchers, the media and the interested public.”

Populism, which researchers say is globally on the rise, is the notion that society can be divided into two conflicting groups: the pure “people”; and the corrupt “elite,” who are thought to undermine the general will. Data from Google Trends published in an Observatory brief shows that searches of “populism in Canada” have increased dramatically in number since 2016 – the year that saw Britain exit the European Union (“Brexit”) and the U.S. election of Donald Trump. The highest peaks in interest were recorded in 2018, the year the People’s Party of Canada was founded, and 2022, during the “Freedom Convoy.”

And, despite a growing interest, Laxer says there remains a lack of clarity about what populism means, and about the distinct, context-dependent ways that it manifests in Canada.

“The Observatory of Populism in Canada aims to address this by promoting and generating original research that elucidates the manifold dimensions of populism in Canadian political life,” she says.

The demand for research on the topic is urgent; until recently, a widespread narrative of Canadian “exceptionalism” held that Canada had not seen the rise in populist parties and movements witnessed elsewhere in the world. This, says Laxer, downplays the multiple, ideologically and regionally diverse expressions of populism in Canadian history and precludes a clear understanding of populism’s role in Canada today.

The Observatory grew out of, and is partially funded by, the York Research Chair in Populism, Rights and Legality, held by Laxer. One of its collaborators, Vivès, is working with the Observatory to develop a large-scale database that will enable the use of advanced quantitative analysis techniques to study manifestations of, and support for, populist framing on social media in Canada.

The Observatory team also includes a number of researchers – among them several York graduate and undergraduate students who are pursuing independent research related to the theme of populism, in both Canada and elsewhere.

The Observatory is a public-facing, collaborative endeavour. Further information, including research findings, can be found at yorku.ca/research/robarts/observatory-populism. Members of the York community are encouraged to send any inquiries to observatory.populism@yorku.ca. 

Calling all adventure seekers: explore outdoors through new recreation program

For York University students and community members looking to get active this semester, but don’t want to commit to the gym or a sports team, check out Athletics & Recreation’s new Outdoor Experience Program. Adventure seekers are invited to immerse themselves in Canadian culture beyond the York campuses, with staff taking participants by bus to off-campus locations to participate in a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking, treetop trekking and zip lining to horseback riding, skating and more.

The program’s first event, a hike at Crawford Lake, takes place on Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with the hike itself lasting 90 minutes. Travelling by bus, participants will head to Crawford Lake, part of Conservation Halton Parks, where they will explore the 15th-century Longhouse Village and experience what daily life was like for Indigenous people in the area over 600 years ago. Hikers can expect to see a variety of plants and animals, as well as the unique body of water of Crawford Lake. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, try something new, and get the health and well-being benefits of being active outdoors.

Other upcoming events in the series include:

  • Treetop Trekking, Oct. 27 (register by Oct. 13);
  • Horseback Riding, Nov. 12 (register by Oct. 29); and
  • Christmas Market and Skating, Dec. 8 (register by Nov. 24).

For more information about the Outdoor Experience Program, including pricing, and to register, visit the program website. The prices of the events cover transportation, entry to the experience, required equipment and a snack. All York University community members are welcome to participate.

YURA walk to fundraise for student food support

Image shows people wearing running shoes

On Oct. 3, members of the York University Retirees’ Association (YURA) will walk five kilometres through the University’s Keele Campus to raise funds for the York Federation of Students (YFS) Food Support Centre, more commonly known as the student food bank on campus.

Earlier this year, the YURA executive committee voted unanimously to assist the YFS Food Support Centre, as one in four students at York struggles to afford food, according to a Campus Well-Being Survey conducted during the past winter term. It also stated more than 2,500 students were relying on the YFS Food Support Centre.

The fundraising walk on Oct. 3 will take place at 1 p.m., starting at the Lorna Marsden Honour Court (north of the Schulich School of Business building, east of the York University subway station), the new location of the YURA office. The route through the Keele Campus was developed with Recreation York, and all members of the University community – faculty, staff and students – are welcome to participate in all or part of the approximately one-hour walk, to show their support for this important cause.

To date, YURA’s Charity Challenge team has already raised more than $18,000 in sponsor donations from friends, family, and former York colleagues and co-workers. YURA welcomes further contributions from faculty, staff and others who are also concerned about student food insecurity at the University. To sponsor the YURA team or any of its members, tax-deductible online donations can be made here: raceroster.com/events/2023/65909/2023-tcs-toronto-waterfront-marathon/pledge/team/528606.

For further assistance, contact the YURA office at yura@yorku.ca or call 416-736-2100 ext. 70664. 

The YURA team consists of eight members registered officially as fundraisers and a larger contingent of York retirees who wish to support this cause. 

This is the fifth year that YURA is taking part in the Charity Challenge. In previous years, YURA’s participation helped raise sufficient funds to endow in perpetuity three graduate student awards given annually at York University.

The upcoming YURA fundraising walk is being held in conjunction with the Toronto Waterfront Marathon Charity Challenge, which offers the option of a “virtual” Charity Challenge, allowing registrants to do the five kilometres on their own or with others.

Libraries makes accessing electronic articles quicker, easier

Libraries atrium

York University Libraries (YUL) has acquired a time-saving tool to connect users to electronic articles with one simple click to the verified version of record. 

This tool is called LibKey, and it interacts with Omni, YUL’s state-of-the-art library catalogue. Omni was launched early in 2020, with the goal of making it easier for all users to discover and access articles. LibKey works behind the scenes in Omni and is enabled at all times. 

How does LibKey work in the Omni catalogue? 
The Libraries subscribe to full-text journal content from many platforms, often with an article being available from five or more different providers. Sometimes having so many options can lead to confusion: Which platform is best? What will get users to content with the fewest clicks? Can users quickly snag the PDF? Is this link going to take users to a complicated website or even a dead end? LibKey answers all of these questions.

Here’s how: 

  • LibKey only highlights full-text options that are closely monitored to help avoid dead links; 
  • LibKey always prefers the version of record for articles but will also get users to a freely available manuscript when no version of record is immediately available; and 
  • LibKey provides convenient options, the most frequent being: 
    • Download PDF: downloads a PDF of the article to a computer; 
    • Read Online: links users to a web version of an article, which is more compatible with adaptive software and great for taking a quick look; and 
    • Manuscript PDF: if no version of record is available via LibKey, links users to the submitted manuscript openly available in a repository. If needed, the Libraries’ Resource Sharing Department can assist in getting the version of record through Omni Interlibrary Loan. 

All full text options remain available in the full record for an article in the same way they always have.

“We’re always seeking new ways to give our researchers an edge,” says Andrea Kosavic, interim dean of Libraries. “This product saves time by connecting researchers to electronic content more directly than ever before, including global open-access content, which in the past required multiple clicks to view the full text.”

LibKey Nomad connects users seamlessly to YUL content while browsing the web 
A common challenge of discovering scholarly content on the open web is connecting easily to the Libraries’ subscription content. LibKey Nomad is designed to be sensitive to citation information on platforms like Wikipedia, PubMed and scholarly publisher websites, and to easily connect to full-text content for journal articles and even ebooks.

To install LibKey Nomad in a browser, go to Third Iron and download the version for the preferred browser(s) and watch the brief video for a quick overview of Nomad’s features. Installation is easy and is only required once. 

Those with questions about LibKey can contact the Libraries using one of the Ask & Services options. 

University statement on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

Dear York community,

Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day intended for individuals and communities who reside in what is now known as Canada to learn and unlearn, reflect and act on the legacy of residential schools.

September was chosen to commemorate this occasion because this is when children traditionally start school and, for most children, their first day of school brings an emotional concoction of excitement and trepidation. Indigenous children who were forced to attend residential schools often associated attending school with fear and stress. This would become true for Phyllis Webstad, who arrived at a residential school wearing a new orange shirt made by her grandmother. Webstad’s story of having that shirt taken from her inspired the Orange Shirt Day movement.

The legacy of residential schools is a complex mix of personal and intergenerational trauma, resulting in the erosion of culture, frayed family bonds and the loss of language. The colonial structures of educational and other public institutions still cause harm to Indigenous, Metis and Inuit Peoples and communities, and we need to be attentive to the struggles these communities face when, for example, they call for a search of a Winnipeg landfill for two missing and presumed murdered Indigenous women. A recent landmark ruling by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal approving $23.3 billion in compensation for First Nations children and families who experienced institutional racism in Canadian child welfare systems signals both increased awareness of the effects of our policies and a willingness to begin to address them.

York has taken some important steps in our own reconciliation journey. We acknowledge the work of those individuals that led to the development of the Indigenous Framework (2017), which continues to serve as a helpful guide to action for the University, its divisions and Faculties. But much remains to be done, and it will take the unwavering response of our entire community in our personal and professional lives to advance the principles it espouses.

This year, we have encouraged community members to engage in learning about residential schools and their legacy through a variety of media, which is also the theme for the culminating event this week, taking place on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This event is hybrid, and for those who are on campus, we encourage you to attend in person for a more enhanced community experience. All details are available on York’s website for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, along with links to resources for learning and other events.

Let us all be open to learning more about the legacy of residential schools, to better understanding other colonial practices and policies, and the ongoing impacts of Canada’s history.

We know that this day, as well as its events and messages, may be difficult for many Indigenous members of our community, especially those who are survivors or with close personal or family ties to experiences in the residential schools, and we encourage all community members to please be kind to one another. Support is available for survivors and those affected through the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society at 1-800-721-0066 or through the 24-hour crisis line at 1-866-925-4419. Supports are also available to the York community, and these are listed on the Mental Health and Wellness site and through the Employee and Family Assistance Program.

Thank you. Merci. Miigwech. Anushiik.

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor

Alice Pitt
Interim Vice-President Equity, People & Culture

Susan D. Dion
Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Initiatives

Déclaration de l’Université à l’occasion de la Journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation

Chers membres de la communauté de York,

Le 30 septembre est la Journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation. Cette journée est l’occasion pour les personnes et les communautés, qui résident dans le pays que nous appelons aujourd’hui le Canada, d’apprendre, désapprendre, réfléchir et passer à l’action relativement à l’héritage des pensionnats autochtones.

Le mois de septembre a été choisi pour cette commémoration parce que c’est habituellement la rentrée scolaire. Pour la plupart d’entre eux, le premier jour d’école est un mélange d’excitation et d’appréhension. Les enfants qui étaient obligés de fréquenter les pensionnats autochtones associaient souvent l’école à la peur et au stress. C’était le cas de Phyllis Webstad qui est arrivée dans un pensionnat en portant un nouveau chandail orange confectionné par sa grand-mère. L’histoire de Mme Webstad, dont le chandail a été confisqué, a inspiré le mouvement de la Journée du chandail orange.

L’héritage des pensionnats autochtones est un mélange complexe de traumatismes personnels et intergénérationnels qui ont entraîné l’érosion de la culture, l’effritement des liens familiaux et la perte de la langue. Les structures coloniales des établissements d’enseignement et d’autres institutions publiques continuent de nuire aux nations et aux communautés autochtones, métisses et inuites. Nous devons prêter attention aux luttes de ces communautés lorsqu’elles demandent, par exemple, que l’on fouille une décharge de Winnipeg pour essayer de retrouver deux femmes autochtones disparues et présumées assassinées. La récente décision de principe du Tribunal canadien des droits de la personne approuvant une indemnisation de 23,3 milliards de dollars pour les enfants et les familles des Premières Nations victimes de racisme institutionnel dans les systèmes canadiens de protection de la jeunesse témoigne à la fois d’une prise de conscience accrue des effets de nos politiques et d’une volonté d’y remédier.

York a réalisé des avancées importantes sur la voie de la réconciliation. Nous tenons à souligner le travail des personnes qui ont permis d’élaborer notre Cadre autochtone (2017) qui sert aujourd’hui encore de guide d’action à l’Université, à ses divisions et à ses facultés. Il reste néanmoins beaucoup à faire. La mobilisation constante de toute notre communauté sur le plan personnel et professionnel sera nécessaire pour faire avancer les principes qu’elle défend.

Cette année, nous invitons les membres de la communauté à s’informer sur les pensionnats et leur héritage grâce à divers médias; ce sera aussi le thème de l’événement marquant de cette semaine qui aura lieu le jeudi 28 septembre de 11 h à 12 h 30. Cet événement sera hybride, mais si vous êtes sur le campus ce jour-là, nous vous encourageons à y assister en personne pour mieux vivre cette expérience collective. Tous les détails de la Journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation ainsi que des liens vers des ressources d’apprentissage et d’autres événements sont affichés sur le site Web de York.

Nous devons faire preuve d’ouverture pour en apprendre davantage sur l’héritage des pensionnats et pour mieux comprendre les autres pratiques et politiques coloniales, ainsi que les répercussions durables de l’histoire du Canada.

Nous savons que cette journée ainsi que ses événements et ses messages peuvent être difficiles pour de nombreux membres autochtones de notre communauté, tout particulièrement les personnes survivantes ou celles qui ont des liens personnels ou familiaux étroits avec la réalité des pensionnats. Nous demandons à tous les membres de la communauté d’être bienveillants les uns envers les autres. Les survivants et autres personnes concernées peuvent obtenir du soutien auprès de l’Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society en composant le 1-800-721-0066 ou auprès de la ligne d’écoute téléphonique, en tout temps, au 1-866-925-4419.  La communauté de York offre aussi divers services de soutien, énumérés sur le site Web Le bien-être à York, ainsi que dans le cadre de son Programme d’aide aux employés et à la famille.

Merci. Thank you. Miigwech. Anushiik.

Rhonda Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

Alice Pitt
Vice-présidente intérimaire de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture

Susan D. Dion
Vice-présidente associée aux initiatives autochtones

Show your York U pride, join Spirit Day Oct. 4

SpiritDay YFile Banner

La version française suit la version anglaise.

President Rhonda Lenton invites all students, staff, faculty members and course instructors to a day of festivities and celebration of York community excellence at Spirit Day on Oct. 4, taking place at our Keele and Glendon campuses.

Get ready to show your York U pride by wearing York University colours (red, white or blue) and connect with us for a day of activities, treats, and giveaways to celebrate and recognize York community members who continue to make positive change.

For more information, visit: yorku.ca/events/spiritday.

Glendon Campus
Wednesday, Oct. 4
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Key events:

Giant Flag Drone Photo
10 to 10:30 a.m.
West Quad, beside Centre of Excellence

Ceremonial Large Tree Planting
10:30 to 10:40 a.m.
Large area behind Hilliard Residence

—————

Keele Campus
Wednesday, Oct. 4
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Key events:

Community Tree Planting
Noon to 2 p.m.
Nelson Road, behind Osgoode Hall Law School

Giant Flag Drone Photo
2 to 2:30 p.m.
Harry W. Arthurs Common

Please note that in the event of inclement weather, an alternate location will be arranged indoors and you will be notified by email.

Joignez-vous à nous pour la Journée des couleurs de York le 4 octobre et affichez votre fierté

La présidente Rhonda Lenton invite tous les membres du corps étudiant, du personnel et des corps professoral et enseignant à une journée de festivités et de célébration de l’excellence de la communauté sur les campus Keele et Glendon à l’occasion de la Journée des couleurs de York (Spirit Day) le 4 octobre.

Venez afficher votre fierté d’appartenir à York en portant les couleurs de l’Université (rouge, blanc ou bleu) et joignez-vous à nous pour des petits cadeaux, des friandises et des activités sur les campus Keele et Glendon pour célébrer et reconnaître les membres de la communauté de York qui ne cessent de créer des changements positifs.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez visiter : https://www.yorku.ca/events/spiritday/.

Campus Glendon
Mercredi 4 octobre 2023
De 10 h à 15 h

Événements-clés :

Photo avec le drapeau géant prise par un drone
10 h à 10 h 30
Quadrilatère ouest, à côté du Centre d’excellence

Plantation cérémonielle d’un grand arbre
10 h 30 à 10 h 40
Grand espace derrière la résidence Hilliard

—————

Campus Keele
Mercredi 4 octobre 2023
De 10 h à 15 h

Événements-clés :

Plantation communautaire d’arbres
12 h à 14 h
Nelson Road, derrière l’École de droit Osgoode Hall

Photo avec le drapeau géant prise par un drone
14 h à 14 h 30
Harry W. Arthurs Common

Veuillez noter qu’en cas de mauvais temps, les événements se tiendront à un autre emplacement. Vous recevrez un avis par courriel.

Academic integrity and student success: join the conversation

Academic integrity month students

York University’s second annual Academic Integrity Month, taking place in October, invites faculty, students and staff to join a series of workshops and activities developed to help deepen understanding of the topic.

The York-wide event series aims to broaden knowledge of academic integrity through this year’s theme: Connecting the Community. The spotlight is on innovative academic integrity approaches from the York community that facilitate new thinking about the topic and new ways to foster student success.

Organizers from the Office of the Vice-Provost Academic will present four events specifically designed for students, with a focus on: how to demonstrate academic integrity; sources and citing; academic skills, such as time management and group work; English-as-a-second-language theme classes; and using ChatGPT and artificial intelligence (AI).

The full list of student-focused events is here.

For faculty, instructors and staff, each week includes a variety of presentations, workshops and courses that delve into topics including: academic integrity and group work; AI and education; designing assessments; and more.

The full list of these events, listed by week, is here.

For more information and to register for a session, visit the Academic Integrity Month website.

Students can explore career paths, meet alum at Connections events

A virtual classroom displayed on an open laptop

A series designed to bring York University students and alum together for career conversations returns this fall for the sixth consecutive year, with the first event scheduled for Sept. 27.

Students and alumni at a previous Connections event
Students and alumni at a previous Connections event

Launched by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies development team, the Connections: Speed Mentoring and Networking series presents five events that put students and alum together for a fast-paced evening of conversation. The events present an opportunity for students to ask questions, make connections and learn more about potential career paths.

“As a student struggling to choose a career path, it provided me with a lot of insight,” said previous attendee, third-year student Kigi Abaiowei. “It also relieved some of the pressure that comes with the uncertainty of not knowing exactly what to do after university.”

Guest alumni mentors attending include vice-presidents, chief financial officers, and entrepreneurs who each bring breadth of experience and knowledge from their various fields.

For this academic year, upper year and graduate students can register for the following events:

  • Careers in Economics Accounting and Finance, Sept. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. – register here;
  • Leveraging my Liberal Arts Degree, Nov. 21 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. – register here for this in-person event;
  • Careers in HR Management, Jan. 31, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. – register here;
  • Careers in English or Creative Writing, Feb. 13, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. – register here; and
  • Careers in Information Technology, Feb. 28, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. – register here.

For more information about Connections and event details, visit yorku.ca/laps/connections.

New opportunities await York study abroad students

Map plane travel international world

By Elaine Smith

York University has a robust global learning program, and this fall, 31 York students will travel abroad to study at institutions in 15 countries outside Canada.

These exchange students embody York’s priority for advancing global engagement, as stated in University Academic Plan (UAP), and its commitment to expand inclusive global an intercultural learning, as set forth in the University’s new Internationalization and Global Engagement Strategy. “More than ever,” states the UAP, “universities have a responsibility to contribute to positive change through global co-operation and borderless education.”

Photo of Sarah Persaud (centre) shows Japanese exchange student at left and York student at right
Photo of Sarah Persaud (centre) with Japanese exchange student (left) and fellow York student (right)

Sarah Persaud and Anthony Chedid are among exchange students heading abroad this fall, and they are eager for the adventure. Persaud is off to Asia for the entire year to study art at Yamanashi Gakuin University in Japan, where she’ll focus on visual arts in the International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA). Chedid is going to England to spend a semester at the University of Leeds.

“Before I begin teaching, I want to do my final year of courses abroad,” said Persaud, a fifth-year student in the visual arts and concurrent education program. “Over the past couple of years, I took a lot of art history courses and focused on East Asian art, so this is a wonderful opportunity.”

Chedid has been dreaming of going abroad since high school.

“I read the blogs of a number of travel bloggers talking about travelling the globe,” said Chedid, a third-year student in the joint political science/Master’s of Management program, “and they all had the same origin story: they studied abroad and travelled while they were there. I want to travel, and York offers all these incredible opportunities.”

Both students attended the pre-departure training for exchange students run by York International and found it beneficial.

“It actually changed my plans,” said Persaud, who also took a York study-abroad course in South Korea this summer. “I met an exchange student from Japan and her friend who were in Japan all summer, so I stopped in Osaka to see them, and I’ll be able to connect with the Japanese student once I’m at the iCLA.”

Chedid was thrilled by the session.

Anthony Chedid
Anthony Chedid

“I got to meet exchange students from Britain and it was exciting to hear their experiences,” he said. “I was able to connect with a student who was here from Leeds and he gave me a lot of useful information about the city and the culture. It was also really helpful to get travel advice and information about health insurance.”

Both Persaud and Chedid have applied for bursaries and scholarships to help defray the costs of studying abroad. York International has bursaries available to students studying overseas, as does the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and there are also external awards available – topics that are also discussed in the pre-departure training.

“The York International Safety Abroad office is committed to enhancing the safety of students’ experiences during their time abroad,” said Sara Jane Campbell, manager, safety abroad for York International. “As part of the pre-departure training, we support students in understanding and mitigating risks they may encounter. All students are also required to enrol in York University Safety Abroad Travel Registry to enable us to monitor travel advisories and safety/security concerns and provide help in case of an emergency overseas.”

Although her courses will be taught in English, Persaud took Elementary Modern Standard Japanese (JP 1000) in preparation and plans to continue learning Japanese while she’s at iCLA.

“You never stop learning kanji (written characters); there are always more of them to know,” she said.

In fact, she hopes to have the opportunity to tie language and art together through a course at iCLA called Calligraphy and Kanji Culture.

“I’m going to a whole new country, so I hope I’ll be inspired to try different things,” Persaud said. “I am excited about the new opportunities.

Chedid plans to  take courses in British politics. “Our system is based on theirs and it’s important to understand where our legal system originated,” he said. “It will also be interesting to see the effects of Brexit. This will be a great way to experience international politics, something for which I have a big passion.

“It will also be cool to explore a city that isn’t as widely known.”

Both students will experience the benefits of borderless intercultural education first-hand, and will be able to share their greater understanding of the global landscape with their York classmates upon return.