Trinity Students and Faculty Put Classwork to Use Abroad

Posted: March 22, 2018

Over Reading Week, close to 80 University of Toronto undergraduate students spent time learning abroad as part of the International/Indigenous Course Module (ICM) program. Organized by the Faculty of Arts & Science, this program offers students a unique opportunity to experience the practical application of topics covered in their courses. Travelling to Greece, Iceland, Rwanda, England and more, many participants were Trinity students and faculty members. 

Here’s what members of the Trinity community had to say about their recent experiences abroad:

How did the trip compare to what you’ve been learning in the classroom?

“This class taught me the importance of getting real-world experience — no matter your chosen field. Working and interacting with human resources professionals in Iceland helped me understand the role culture plays within an organization. It was especially interesting to see the significance that Icelandic people place on work-life balance. Many organizations have facilities like a pool table or a music studio to keep their employees happy!” 

– Keshini Mahesan, a fourth-year student at Trinity College doing a double major in International Relations and Employment Relations

Keshini Mahesan's ICM group poses in Iceland’s Golden Circle

Keshini’s ICM group poses in Iceland’s Golden Circle (Photo: Mandy Wang).

What do you hope your students took away from this experience?

“I’m a strong advocate of ‘learning by doing’ as part of intellectual training. I hope the students came back from their ICM with a life-changing experience under their belts. The thing about academic learning is that it is static and bookish. Being in the field (i.e., the real world) doing research that may eventually lead to intellectually interesting findings is another thing entirely. Taking students to the field and doing a project also keeps me engaged with my own research. I re-live the excitement through their eyes. It helps me remember how precious, important and exciting it is.”

– Trinity Fellow Prof. Sali Tagliamonte, Department of Linguistics

Prof. Sali Tagliamonte shares a hearty breakfast with students before a busy day of field research in York, England. (Photo: Sali Tagliamonte)

Prof. Sali Tagliamonte shares a hearty breakfast with students before a busy day of field research in York, England. (Photo: Sali Tagliamonte)

Read what other Faculty of Arts & Science students and faculty had to say about their ICM trips abroad.