Government of Canada Global Skills Opportunity Program supports student mobility at Keyano College

Keyano College received notice that the College is a successful applicant for the Global Skills Opportunity Program.  This grant allows students to unlock endless potential through life-changing global skills and experiences through the Go Global initiative, which will enable them to study and work abroad.

The Government of Canada’s Global Skills Opportunity is a national outbound student mobility program that is expected to enable more than 16,000 Canadian colleges and undergraduate-level university students from across the country to acquire the global skills employers want and the Canadian economy needs.  A key component of the Government of Canada's International Education Strategy, Global Skills Opportunity, is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada, Colleges and Institutes Canada, and by Universities Canada.

Dr. Sandra Efu, Director of Student Services said, “We are grateful for the opportunity through the Global Skills Opportunity Program to advance our student mobility initiative Go Global. Widening access to global education through inclusive outbound mobility is a key focus for us under this grant. We look forward to engaging students, faculty, and staff on virtual and physical mobility initiatives over the next four years”.

While open to all Canadian post-secondary students, the national program targets groups for whom international experiences have traditionally been less accessible — specifically Indigenous students, students from low-income backgrounds, and those with disabilities. It also aims to diversify destination countries where Canadian students pursue international learning. 

Compared to similar countries, fewer Canadian students, only about 11% of university undergraduates, and 3% of college students participate in work or study abroad experiences during their studies. The new program stands to change that. By empowering post-secondary institutions to implement innovative solutions to barriers to participation, Global Skills Opportunity will expand the horizons of Canadian students from coast to coast and improve Canada’s competitiveness on the world stage.