May 5, 2014
Vancouver, BC - A unique student group is embarking on its first day of university studies at Langara today – nine students from Brazil’s Science Without Borders Program (SwB) are entering science and technology programs at the College as part of a massive international scholarship initiative.
The program, funded primarily by the Brazilian government, was launched in 2011 and aims to send 101,000 students overseas to study science, engineering, technology, and mathematics by the year 2015. Langara’s SwB students joined the College in 2013, but have been studying in the LEAP English as a Second Language Program to prepare themselves for university-level study in another language. They begin their undergraduate programs today, as the rest of the College student community enters the summer term.
“This is an extraordinary initiative by the Brazilian government to bolster science and technology education amongst their student population,” said Langara’s Dean of Science Margaret Heldman. “As a College, we’re thrilled to play a part of these efforts, and we will work to reinforce this international relationship and to support our visiting students in realizing their educational goals.”
Four of Langara’s SwB students have already gotten a taste of Canadian undergraduate culture, as they participated in an Environmental Studies field trip to Tofino on Vancouver Island in April.
The SwB program aims to foster the training of highly qualified students in the best educational institutions around the world, in order to promote the internationalization of science and technology and to increase the exchanges and mobility of undergraduate and graduate students. The program provides year-long study-abroad funding for eligible students, many of whom are pursuing their education in Canada.
Langara anticipates the arrival of a further 18 students from the SwB Program in the coming months, who will begin their university studies at the College in September.
Dean of Science Margaret Heldman with SwB students Ananda Codo Favero, Lahiri Loradao Souza, Renan Bitencourt Garrido, and Luis Gustavo Bet. Photo: Jennifer Oehler.
About Langara
Langara College, located in beautiful Vancouver, BC, Canada, provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies programs and courses to more than 21,000 students annually. The College’s expansive academic breadth and depth allow students to choose their own educational path.
Media Contact:
Annie Mullins
Communications Officer
Langara College
604.323.5058 | amullins@langara.bc.ca