The International Seminar

With a hands-on approach to learning, the Seminar contributes not only to bridging the gap between theory and practice, but promotes meaningful intercultural exchange.

This year, the International Seminar will take place in Peru from May 25th to July 10th, 2009. Canadian participants will work with Peruvian students to conduct group research and contribute to local development initiatives. The group research will focus on the topic of "Water issues in Peru".

List of Peruvian participants

What is the International Seminar?

Campus

Participants

Seminar 2009 - Peru

	Anne-Christine Poulin Anne-Christine Poulin fait un baccalauréat intégré en Études internationales et langues modernes à l'Université Laval, Québec. « Le bagage de connaissances et d'expérience qui résultera de ce séminaire me permettra de devenir une porte-parole convaincue et convaincante sur les thématiques de la coopération internationale.»
	Christiane Palluau Christiane Palluau is pursuing a degree in International Studies with a focus on international development, economic and environmental issues in Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. "I believe that we, as individuals and communities, should help each other achieve a better life and if basic needs are not being met somewhere then we should stand together when able and help the other."
	Mélanie Rochette-Mercier Mélanie Rochette-Mercier réalise présentement une maîtrise en droit avec mémoire sur "l'obligation générale de coopérer de la Convention sur le droit relatif aux utilisations des cours d'eau internationaux à des fins autres que la navigation et les commissions mixtes : le cas du fleuve Colorado et des Grands Lacs d'Amérique du Nord" à l'Université Laval, Québec.
	Natalia Andrea Romero Buitrago Natalia Andrea Romero Buitrago is currently at Vanier College studying Modified Science. "I am ready to get 100% out of this experience. My dream is, one day, to become a doctor no matter how long it will take.I know it takes motivation, leadership and a great sense of humility... which I am sure this occasion is going to teach me while I will be travelling, learning, helping and becoming a person ready to make changes in society."
	Shannon Baxter Shannon Baxter is studying to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Calgary. "To me, this year's international seminar looks lika a way to contribute to development, be part of research, utilize my Spanish, and spread the word all at the same time."
	Vanessa O'Connor Vanessa O'Connor is currently studying politics at Concordia University's School of Community and Public Affairs, in Montreal. "I find that access to water is a fascinating conjunction of both my passions since it touches on both environmentalism and human rights. I see this seminar as a step further in my exploration of the subject."
	Alexandra Rydz Alexandra Rydz is currently studying at the University of Alberta, Edmonton. "As a second year undergraduate student, I am unsure as to which career I wish to pursue. The hands-on experience, combined with the educational component of the seminar, will be substantially helpful in guiding my decisions for the future."
	Liberty Looker Liberty Looker is studying at the Ryerson University School of Social Work, doing a minor in Political Science, Toronto. "The Seminar will be my first overseas cross-cultural experience in a developing country. Participating in this Seminar is a logical next step in my passion for international development."
	Mariam Opoku Mariam Opoku is doing her 3rd year Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Nipissing University, North Bay (Ontario). "As a nursing student, I am aware of the implications of not having access to clean water. Regardless of what the implication may be, the end results is that dirty water causes so many deseases, which will impact negatively on the individual's body, resulting in poor quality of life... As a future nurse, I would not want that to happen since the main cores of practice are: health promotion, health maintenance, health restoration, and health prevention."
	Maryline Badalian Maryline Badalian is studying Social Work at Ryerson University, Toronto. "I believe it is everyone's right to safe and clean water and just as much everyone's responsibility to change injustice. I am prepared to join this resistance on a global scale."
	Sarah Peek Sarah Peek is an MA Candidate to International Affairs at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University, Ottawa. "In spite of all of my studies, it is the knowledge of communities struggling, organizing and succeeding in creating new livelihoods that I truly feel is missing from my understanding of these issues. Consequently, the opportunity for a new starting point of knowledge building represents my primary interest in participating in the international seminar."
	Carlos Zavarce Carlos Zavarce is a student at Nipissing University, North Bay. He is studying Environmental Geography, doing a minor in Biology and a certificate in Geomatics.
	Jordan Neave Jordan Neave is currently in Nanaimo (British Columbia) working towards a Bachelor's degree in International Studies and Modern Languages. He would like to pursue a career in politics as an ambassador or diplomat. "This seminar is an opportunity to learn about development issues, and be able to have an in-depth experience in a developing country."
	Louise Lavigne Louise Lavigne is studying International Studies and Modern Languages at the University of Ottawa. "I feel that the International Seminar in Peru will be an invaluable stepping stone for me to become involved with supporting much needed sanitation and water development in Peru."
	Madeleine Northcote Madeleine Northcote is a second year student attending Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick. She is currently studying International Relations and doing a self-directed minor in African Studies. This year, Madeleine will be continuing her studies abroad at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. "I have consistently found myself confronting the frustrating view of development work as people from more developed countries (such as Canada) going and ‘saving’ poor people ‘over there’. A project where half the participants are Canadian and half are from the host country, goes a long way towards challenging this problematic view of development work and promoting solidarity over charity."
	Magaly Paquet Magaly Paquet fait présentement un baccalauréat en éducation au préscolaire et en enseignement primaire à l'Université Laval, Québec. "L’eau est pour moi une denrée rare et je crois qu’il est important de sensibiliser les populations à ce sujet. Lorsque je lis la description du Séminaire, je me sens réellement interpellée. Ce projet me permettra de réaliser un défi, de faire des rencontres enrichissantes, de partager mes compétences et de grandir."
	Maya Tapiero Maya Tapiero is doing a Bachelor of Arts & Science in Environment with a minor in Political Science at McGill University, Montreal, Quebec. "I believe cross-cultural projects and collaborations are essential in today’s shrinking world, where many different countries and people increasingly share difficult environmental and social challenges. Such multi-cultural programs as this seminar help ensure a future of cooperation and mutual assistance."