As an instructor at New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), Futong Kang’s love for learning and passion for diversity and inclusion go far beyond the classroom walls. For her, education is not just about mastering a single subject but about continuously expanding one’s horizons. “Nobody knows everything,” she says with a smile. “Being an expert in one area shouldn’t stop you from learning something new outside of it; eventually, it all comes back together.” This mindset led her, along with two NBCC students, to apply for an unforgettable opportunity in Truro, NS, this past May, as part of the Bridging Inclusion, Digitalization, and Sustainability (BIDS) project.
This global initiative brings together students and staff from Canadian and European vocational colleges to explore innovative practices, develop soft skills, and nurture international competencies. In Truro, the participating group—from various ages, cultures, and educational backgrounds—immersed themselves in sustainability practices. This is the first of three project modules with inclusion and digitalization set to take place in 2025. For two weeks, they experienced a balanced approach to learning that took them from the classroom and into the heart of nature. From witnessing sustainable forestry practices firsthand in the lush forests of Nova Scotia, feeling the rough bark and sticky sap as they tapped maple trees, to striking findings through measuring the carbon footprint of a parking lot, each day was jam-packed with memorable moments.
But it was more than the field days that left an impression. The shared experiences, the laughter, and the meaningful conversations with peers from Portugal, Denmark, Finland, and the Netherlands enriched their perspectives. In every discussion, every shared meal, and every problem-solving session, they found themselves growing not only as individuals but as part of a global community. One moment that stands out for Futong is the World Café, where the participating educators came together to brainstorm strategies for sustainability. The atmosphere buzzed with ideas and left her feeling inspired. “We took complex questions and turned them into real solutions,” she reflects. “It felt like we were laying the groundwork for something that could truly benefit our learners and society.”
Overall, Futong’s experience through the BIDS opportunity renewed her commitment to sustainability and demonstrated how global perspectives can add value in driving change. “For students and staff, this program offers an incredible opportunity to network with peers from different countries and educations,” she says thoughtfully. “It also allowed for participants to envision where their newfound skills can contribute to the future of their industry.”
With the next modules set in the Netherlands and Finland, focused on digitalization and inclusion, Shawn Ethier, NBCC’s Director of Global Partnerships, sees endless possibilities for NBCC students and staff. “Student and staff mobility opportunities enhance the NBCC experience—and we are thrilled to collaborate with such fantastic partners in these international learning experiences. Programs like BIDS are a pathway to new worlds, new ideas, and new ways of thinking that will strengthen learners’ skills for the workforce of tomorrow.”
Together, we’re not just learning. We’re working towards transforming lives and communities.
