Welcome to Beyond Borders! I invite you to join us on this amazing journey towards greater global citizenship through academic study, community involvement and international service.
At Beyond borders we believe that everyone should care about the world we live in and we know that many people seek practical ways to "make a difference" by putting their abilities to work in the service of others. Self transformation is an important first step toward global change. Therefore we promote living life in a way that is both meaningful and valuable as an aspect of responsible global citizenship.
If you desire to "be the change you want to see in the world," Beyond Borders is for you. Join us on this incredible experience as we work together to make the world a better place. Talk to us about Beyond Borders today!
If you would like information on the Beyond Borders program, please contact Joanne Benham Rennick.
Why did you choose to participate in the Beyond Borders program?
I had wanted to do something that incorporated volunteer work with traveling ever since high school and Beyond Borders gave me that exact experience I was looking for. What was best about the program being offered by SJU was the extensive preparation we went through prior to leaving Canada. It gave me the chance to seriously reflect on WHY I wanted to do work like this, and what this work should actually look like. I also liked the opportunity of meeting with like-minded people who I could share ideas, frustrations and passions with.
Where were you placed?
Mochudi, Botswana.
What was your favourite experience or thing to do during your Beyond Borders placement?
Just talking to my host mom/aunt and learning about the culture. I also liked to hanging out at the after-school centre I worked at with the youth of my village.
When you returned home to Canada, what was the one thing you missed most about your experience?
Not being able to see the youth that I was working with at the centre. It took me at least a month to get over the fact that I wasn't able to ask them how their day was and make sure that they were doing okay. I still miss them every day.
What did you miss the most about Canada/St. Jerome's, while you were away?
Family and friends, no doubt. I could deal with the lack of electricity, the noise of animals at night, and everything else... but there really is no place like home with your friends and family. I think I also missed the constant feeling of security that you have in a country like Canada. It took me a long time to get used to constantly feeling vulnerable and insecure... and I'm not too sure I ever fully did get over it.
How was your experience ?
AMAZING. Not too sure what else to say. My experience was eye-opening, challenging, rewarding, exciting, scary and everything else. In a nut-shell, it was everything that I was never expecting.
Would you recommend Beyond Borders to others?
Absolutely. I already have.
Why did you choose to participate in the Beyond Borders program?
I have always wanted to do an international development placement but didn't know how to go about doing it. Beyond Borders was perfect it provided a structure to learn more about global issues and then doing something about it.
Where were you placed?
I was in placed in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana.
What was your favourite experience or thing to do during your Beyond Borders placement?
Being immersed in the culture and appreciating the beauty of my host country.
When you returned home to Canada, what was the one thing you missed most about your experience?
The simplicity of life.
What did you miss the most about Canada/St. Jerome's, while you were away?
Family and friends, as well as the safe community we have which we often take for granted.
How was your experience ?
My experience was humbling, rewarding and challenging. This is why: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8igI3MME8A
Would you recommend Beyond Borders to others?
Definitely. It allows you to understand better your role in relation to the world, helps you discover your inner strengths, and gives you the tools to determine the kind of life you want to lead.
