11/28/2000 2:19:24 PM
November 28, 2000 - Even though he has been in China for only two months, Cory Lingard of Grand Falls-Windsor says he has fallen in love with the culture and the people there.
A recent graduate of College of the North Atlantic’s Business Management Program, Lingard is doing an internship at the Sichuan University of Science and Technology in Chengdu, Sichuan, China under the Youth International Internship Program.
“It’s hard to begin to explain what it’s like to experience a culture so unique and rich as that of the Chinese. At first, all five senses are nearly overwhelmed. But soon your fascination turns to appreciation,” says Lingard.
“I have adjusted and have fallen in love with the kindness and unique hospitality that the people here offer me. I could think of no better way to open my mind and achieve the personal growth necessary to become confident and assertive enough to commence my career.”
The Youth International Internship Program is a project funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and delivered by College of the North Atlantic and the Faculty of Arts of Memorial University of Newfoundland.
It’s a partnership program where private or public sector partners, non-governmental and international organizations cooperate with the DFAIT to provide international opportunities for youth on a shared cost basis with cash or in-kind contributions from implementing organizations and employers.
The college, through the Association of Canadian Community Colleges - Canadian College Partnership Program (ACCC-CCPP) is in partnership with Red River College (RRC), Winnipeg and SUST, Chengdu on the Energy Management Systems - China Project.
"I feel it is essential for people and organizations to be aware of the many benefits that arise through the execution of a project that creates an international partnership. The strengthening of foreign relations, exchanging of technologies, and creation of individual opportunities for invaluable work experience make up some of these benefits," says Lingard.
"Furthermore, I wish to applaud the efforts of everybody involved in this particular project, as well as encourage the implementation of future projects like this one."
College of the North Atlantic and Memorial University currently have 21 international placements for their graduates in 12 countries. The Youth International Internship Program provides opportunities for skilled young people to gain valuable work experience within a global context. Interns are participating in a wide variety of placements including, community development projects in Ireland, e-commerce programmes in rural Poland, and digital animation studios working on Hollywood movies.
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For more information contact:
Stephen Lee
Communications Officer
College of the North Atlantic
Tel: (709) 643-7928
Fax: (709) 643-7932
Email: stephen.lee@northatlantic.nf.ca