Webinar – ‘Yani’ Global Cultural Exchange: a New Learning Abroad Program for First Nations Students

In this webinar, the speakers will explore the ethos and pedagogy behind the creation, development, and implementation of a new student exchange program at La Trobe University. This program, designed to support First Nations students at La Trobe and select partner institutions, offers the opportunity to study abroad for a semester. Led by La Trobe’s Indigenous Student Services in collaboration with the Learning Abroad Office and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the program—Yani (‘To Journey’)—has been purposefully designed to promote access, diversity, and inclusion in study abroad experiences, with a special focus on La Trobe’s First Nations students and staff.

At the heart of the initiative is its human connection, with an emphasis on building community. The program fosters meaningful relationships among students and staff both at La Trobe and its overseas partner institutions, making the exchange a deeply enriching experience for all involved.

This webinar is part of an ongoing series on Indigenous study abroad programming, showcasing how institutions worldwide create inclusive and culturally relevant experiences for Indigenous students. Watch the first session, featuring the University of British Columbia and the University of Otago (New Zealand) here.

Speakers:

Sherrin Collocott, Yani Program Coordinator, Indigenous Student Services, La Trobe University
Renee Sleigh, Deputy Director, Indigenous Student Success, La Trobe University
Brett Smith, Learning Abroad Advisor, Learning Abroad Office, La Trobe University
Raul Sanchez Urribarri, Associate Dean (Partnerships), School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University