Summer Program
The summer program complements academic studies by providing up to $3,500 for scholar-driven experiences that provide opportunities to integrate academic learning, develop skills and expand one’s horizons. Unsurprisingly, given the diversity of programs that GW scholars pursue, summer projects are quite varied.
Maxime Laliberté (2005 Upper-Year) trained for five months with the chief flight instructor of the Montréal Soaring Council. An aviation maintenance student at Collège Édouard-Montpetit, Maxime (pictured at top left) developed his skills as a pilot. He now works as a bush pilot in the Congo.
Carmen Janzen (2006 Upper-Year), a fashion design student at University College of the Fraser Valley, spent two months in India, where she designed muslin patterns for a small garment business run by women. Carmen (pictured at left) also learned embroidery, Dahbu block printing and other techniques from Indian craftspeople.
Mohamad Raad (2006 Upper-Year), a transporation logistics student at Cégep André-Laurendeau, worked for five weeks at The Port of Le Havre, one of the busiest ports in the world. While in France, Mohamad met with fellow transportation logistics students at one of his Cégep’s partner institutions, the Institut Universitaire de Technologie du Havre.
Jennifer Pilles (2006 Entrance), an animation student at Sheridan College, taught kids aged 3-6 at a school in Tanzania. With classes ranging from 70-120 students, Jennifer (pictured bottom left) and another volunteer had their hands full. Says Jenn of her experience: “I feel more determined and inspired than ever to do the best that I can do in my field. I feel driven and powerful. I have a strong feeling that I am able to do amazing things with only my energy and my initiative, and that I can do them right now.”
Simon Garant (2005 Entrance), a television production and post-production student at Cégep de Jonquière, filmed a group of English-speaking young ambassadors who travelled from Canada to Tanzania with World Vision. Since returning to Canada, Simon (pictured top right) has continued to work as a volunteer on video projects for the young ambassadors program.
Travis Smith (2006 Entrance), an enterprise management student at Nova Scotia Agricultural College, spent four months in Collinsville, Texas, working as an apprentice to a renowned horse trainer. Travis (pictured at right) trained seven colts and learned what it takes to run a horse farm.
Madeline Chabot (2006 Upper-Year), a cosmetics technique and management student at Sheridan College, spent one month in Xi’an, China, where she taught English to 40 kids at a summer camp (pictured at bottom right). She also attended lectures and workshops on Chinese medicine, art, music, language and food.
Tyler Prediger (2006 Upper-Year), an environmental conservation and reclamation student at Lakeland College, travelled to the Galapagos Islands to study the diverse species of animal and plant life on the islands. He also visited volcanic crater national parks in Ecuador.
Kristy Waalderbos (2006 Entrance, pictured at right), a welding student at Nova Scotia Community College, travelled to the Netherlands to work for Eeftink Rensing, a large welding company. Working as the only female welder in a non-English speaking environment was a welcome challenge, one that in Kristy’s words has “boosted my confidence and knowledge to succeed as a welder.”
