Enhancing the Impact of Global Learning Programs Through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
The Global Learning Award (GLA) is a uniquely designed funding opportunity offered by Simon Fraser University (SFU) with awards valued at $1000-$10,000. This project is funded by Global Skills Opportunity, the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program.
This award is designed to:
- increase the participation of underrepresented Canadian students (including permanent residents and students with refugee status) and
- diversify destination countries where all Canadian students pursue international learning opportunities outside the USA, UK, France and Australia in programs such as SFU Study Abroad, International Co-op Education and other SFU academic credit-bearing study abroad programs.
This award is for students looking to further their understanding and education of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) abroad; and to learn about the global issues and challenges we face today to innovate and create solutions for tomorrow. If applicable, you are encouraged to share how your study/work abroad may help to further your own learning, commitments and actions to advance reconciliation.
Apply for this award prior to your international program placement.
This applies for terms up to Fall 2024.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this award, you must:
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status as defined by the Government of Canada;
- be enrolled full-time* in an SFU Bachelor's (undergraduate) degree program in any faculty in the term of award; **
- be in good academic standing (a minimum 2.00 CGPA);
- be 18 years of age or older by the program departure date, as required by the Global Skills Opportunities program;
- be participating in an international learning opportunity in countries other than the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia;
- students who self-identify as one of the following populations: low-income, student with disabilities, or Indigenous student, will be prioritized for additional funding; and
- be accepted and enrolled in an eligible international learning opportunity in the term of award. **
Applicants can only receive one Global Skills Opportunity Program funded award (EDI IMA or GLA) for a virtual program and one in-person (EDI IMA or GLA) international learning opportunity per lifetime.
Questions?
The Global Learning Award is intended to be accessible and low barrier. If you have any questions about the award, please reach out to Nina Inaoka Lee at nina_inaoka_lee@sfu.ca.
Eligible International Learning Opportunities:
- an SFU Formal Exchange Program or Field School (virtual or in-person), outside of Canada, administered through International Services for Students;
- an International Co-operative Education term or an approved Work Integrated Learning Opportunity (virtual or in-person) administered by SFU Work Integrated Learning;
- an academic credit-bearing study abroad program approved by the Senate Committee on International Activities, such as the International Teacher Education Program (ITEM); or
- an SFU Virtual Global Learning activity in a credit bearing course at SFU.
* Full-time enrollment means that students are required to be enrolled in a minimum of 9 units of standard graded courses at SFU in the term of award.
Students with disabilities are required to be enrolled in a minimum of 6 or more units of standard graded courses in the term of award and be registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) for a reduced course load. Verification from CAL will be required. Students enrolled in an international Co-op work term are considered to meet the full-time enrollment criteria
** In the term that you are accepted/enrolled at SFU for your international learning opportunity
All policies and regulations regarding SFU financial and and awards apply.
Award Value
Multiple awards will be given to undergraduate students in the following amounts, in $CAD.
- Virtual program (1+ weeks): $1000
- In-person short term program (1-4 weeks): $1000 to $3000
- In-person medium/long term programs (5 weeks and over): $3000 to $5000
Students who meet the above eligibility and self-identify as one of the following populations: low-income, student with disabilities, or Indigenous student will be considered eligible for the following funding amounts:
- Virtual programs (1+ weeks): $1,000
- Short term programs (1-4 weeks): $1,000- $3,000
- Medium term programs (5-16 weeks): $3,000 - $7,000
- Long term programs (17+ weeks)*: $5,000 - $10,000
*If you are a recipient of long-term program funding which spans 2+ SFU terms, you will receive $7000 in your first term and up to $3000 in your second term. If you do not participate in your second term, your second term funding will not be disbursed, and is non-transferrable to a future term.
Application & Selection
How to Apply
1. Create your profile for the GLA with your SFU email address here.
Please note this link will lead you to the SFU Study Abroad application system page, however is intended for all GLA applicants.
2. Click on the "Search Funding Options" tab
3. Search for the Global Learning Award (GLA) and click apply.
4. Review eligibility and selection criteria and begin application.
5. Complete your application and "Submit" before the deadline. (Saved applications will not be considered by the GLA review committee after the deadline.)
Selection Process
Award selection is based on meeting eligibility, needs and character-based criteria, and the demonstration of a high desire to learn, rather than your academic standing. See the application site for full details. After the deadline, submitted applications will be reviewed anonymously by the GLA Review Committee. If successful, conditional award nominations will be sent four to six weeks after the award application deadline. You must still meet eligibility and selection requirements for your specific international learning opportunity.
The number of awards funded for each deadline period will depend on the applicant pool.
After you Apply
Students will be notified of the status of their application 4-6 weeks following the application deadline. All recipient requirements are detailed in the GLA application. Those who are conditionally nominated to receive award funding will receive all details and next steps, directly in an email.
What is the definition of the specified critera for low-income students, Indigenous students, and student with disabilities?
Low-income students: Students who report to be in receipt of Canada Student Grants, or similar non-repayable student financial assistance offered by provinces and territories, or in the absence of receiving non-repayable student financial assistance, can provide information to demonstrate that they require financial support in order to study or work abroad.
Indigenous students: Students who report being an Indigenous person, that is, First Nations, Metis or Inuk (Inuit).
Students with disabilities: students who report to have a difficulty or impairment due to a long-term condition or health problem and/or experiences a limitation in their daily activities.
I don't self-identify as the specified critera of low-income, student with disabilities, or Indigenous student, am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, so long as you meet the eligibility criteria for the award and be participating in an international learning opportunity in countries other than the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.
I am not currently enrolled full time, am I eligible to apply?
Yes, the "term of award" refers to the term you apply for and are accepted to your study/work abroad term and requires you to "be enrolled full-time in an SFU Bachelor's (undergraduate) degree program in any faculty in the term of award".
Applications for my program are not open yet. Can I apply before getting accepted?
Am I still able to apply before getting accepted to a program?
Yes, we encourage you to apply in advance of your nomination or selection for your term abroad. If successful, you will be awarded with a Conditional Nomination for the award. In your GLA application, please indicate your proposed country destinations.
For example, the exchange applications for Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 will not open until January 2024. Or you may not know your placement. You may apply still apply in advance.
Can I apply for any other funding options?
Yes, there are many funding options through SFU Financial Aid and Awards that are available!
In addition to this award you may also consider applying for loans, bursaries, and scholarships for undergraduate students. Please apply by these application deadlines in the term of your international learning opportunity.
For program specific funding please visit the following sites:
Applicants can only receive one Global Skills Opportunity Program funded award (EDI IMA or GLA) for a virtual program and one in-person (EDI IMA or GLA) international learning opportunity per lifetime.
Am I eligible for this funding if I receive another Study Abroad Award or Work Integrated Learning award?
Other than the Global Skills Opportunity funded EDI IMA, the GLA is not connected to other SFU award funding. We encourage you to apply for the Suite of Study Abroad Awards or possible International Co-op awards, as the GLA is not connected to these other awards or scholarships.
The Global Learning Award is part of the Global Skills Opportunity program. If you have already been awarded an EDI IMA, you will not be eligible for the GLA to allow others students the opportunity to be awarded.
Do I need to be enrolled full time (9 units) or registered with CAL for a reduced course load to apply for the GLA?
No, you do not need to be enrolled full-time to apply for the GLA. However you must be enrolled full time, or have accommodations for a reduced course load with the Centre for Accessible Learning, in the term you are registered/approved for your international learning program (eg. exchange, field school, international co-op, etc.). Students enrolled in an international Co-op work term are considered to meet the full-time enrollment criteria.