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October 25, 2007
CANADA WEEKS AT WOU ARE HERE!
From October 29th through November 9th we will be celebrating Canadian - US friendship, history, cooperation, and sibling rivalry at Western Oregon University. Please take a look at the schedule listing two speakers (a glaciologist and a diplomat) and four films (two documentaries and two feature films). Surely there is something for you. Join us!
Posted by smithr at 10:31 PM
October 23, 2007
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDY IN CANADA
Washington and Oregon Students Awarded $16,000 to Study in Canada
Canada's universities are drawing more Pacific Northwest college students for study abroad semesters. Promoting studies in Canada, the Seattle based Canada America Society has given, so far, $74,000 to help Americans take some of their college work at French and English language universities in Canada.
“For a long time, Canada to me was more of the backyard of the US, or as some people joke, 'the 51st state'. Several years ago the idea of studying abroad in Canada would have seemed an oxymoron. In my future career I want to be on the forefront of the international arena, and to do that I am now convinced that I must have a solid grasp of how Canada fits into it", says Lucas Olson, 20, of the University of Washington, who was awarded $4,000 to study International Studies at the University of Alberta this summer.
Elizabeth Diana St Clair, 22, of Kirkland will attend the University of Laval in Quebec to study Political Science. As a student at the University of Washington in Seattle, St Clair states, "I am interested in Canada because I feel like Canada is an upstairs neighbor that has always been a good friend but deserves more attention. There is need for individuals who are educated and interested in Canadian - US relations. As both countries continue to grow economically, demographically and socially, the demand rises for those individuals who have an interest and have been educated about both Canada and the US."
Olson and St Clair were awarded 'Study in Canada' scholarships for the 2007-08 academic year by the Canada America Society of Washington in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest Canadian Studies Consortium and Consulate General of Canada Seattle.
Created and first awarded in 2002, $74,000 has been awarded to 32 American undergraduate university students in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska who choose a Canadian university for their study abroad experience.
"Despite sharing a 5,500 mile border, having the largest trading relationship in the world and two different democratic systems of government, American students rarely think of Canada as a destination for studying abroad" says Michael Treleaven, Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Canadian Studies Consortium and professor of political science at Gonzaga University in Spokane. “We are indebted to the Canadian Consulate and CAS for their efforts and we look forward to the Canada Gala each October in Seattle at which these scholarship monies are raised."
The Consortium numbers over 40 American and Canadian institutions of higher learning in the Pacific Northwest that creates opportunities for students, staff and faculty to engage in cross-border research, forums and field trips to learn about each other.
"I find it odd that there is a lack of education about Canada, considering that the US shares such an expansive border with them" says Justin Brock, 19, of Eugene, Oregon who attends Willamette University in Salem. Brock will attend Brock University in Ontario where he will study history and international relations.
Laura Uva, 22, of Portland will attend the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec to study french, social services and history. As a student at Portland State University, Uva says "As Canadian Studies are often ignored at universities in the United States, studying abroad in Canada provides the opportunity to delve into women's issues and the Canadian social services in more depth. I am interested in observing the differences in Canadian culture as compared to that of the United States".
Each of the four students receives a scholarship of $4,000 upon completion of their studies in Canada.
Information on the next round of scholarships, for study in Canada during the Summer 08 - Spring 09 year will be available shortly. Contact Robin Smith in the Anthropology Department if you are a WOU student interested in this scholarship: smithr(at)wou.edu
Posted by smithr at 5:45 PM
October 12, 2007
TIME TO APPLY FOR THE 2008 INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN STUDIES INSTITUTE
The 8th Annual International Canadian Studies Institute will visit British Columbia and the Yukon July 15-27 2008. WOU faculty who are interested in applying should contact Robin Smith (503 838-8357 or smithr@wou.edu) for an application, due 1 December 2007.
The purpose of the ICSI is to provide US academics with a broad, multi-disciplinary introduction to Canada and its provinces and territories and to assist their schools in developing or strengthening International Studies programs. The Institute will reveal the magnitude and importance of US-Canada relationships, explore the similarities and differences between the two countries, and provide relevant and timely information and materials for potential research projects and course development.
Here is an account by Mary Pettenger, Political Science, of her experience during the 2007 ICSI in Alberta.
Posted by smithr at 5:10 PM