Darrin Visscher has always loved travelling. Currently completing his diploma in Health Sciences at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC), Darrin jumped at the chance to travel abroad this past summer for an immersive, 10-day experience through the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) Consortium’s Discovery Summer Camp.

Darrin, along with a group of students from Canada, Malaysia, and the Philippines travelled to Surabaya, Indonesia where they were hosted by University Airlangga. During their ten days together, the group took part in classroom learnings and off-site excursions.

With Airlangga’s Discovery Camp’s focus on conservation and natural resources, Darrin says they learned lot about Indonesia’s ecosystem and the country’s conservation efforts.

“A highlight for me was learning about their sea turtle conservation program. It was incredible to see how these endangered species are being protected, and how their offspring are carefully hatched and released back into the ocean,” says Darrin.

With support from Global Affair’s Canada, Darrin’s UMAP-Canada scholarship covered all in-country expenses including accommodation, food, excursions, and course fees. Which meant there was minimal out of pocket expenses.

“Having access to the UMAP Consortium works well for us,” says Rod Torrezan, Manager, International Programs and Partnerships at JIBC.  We can easily navigate UMAP partners and scholarship opportunities for our students, as well reciprocal partnerships for us as an institute.”

“For anybody who is interested in travelling and study abroad experiences I recommend they do this,” concludes Darrin. “For me, it was a great opportunity to see and experience another culture.”