Taking Advantage of A World of Opportunities
Saint Mary's student Ben McKay seen in Bolivia on a three month internship funded by the Canadian International Development Agency 
Ben McKay conducts research for his Masters' thesis on the mining industry's affect on food security in Bolivia |
Just months away from completing his Masters of Arts in International Development Studies, Ben McKay isn't thinking about the six years he's spent wandering the halls of the McNally Building or the laughs he's shared with classmates at the Gorsebrook.
He says his best best university moments are the ones he spent a world away from campus in places like Bolivia, Mexico and very soon Brazil.
McKay recently returned from a three month internship in Bolivia that allowed him to work with a non-governmental organization conducting research on the state of mining and food security in the country. The internship was co-ordinatred by the University's International Activities office but funded by the Canadian International Development Agency.
It provided McKay with the opportunity to advance a key component in his Masters’ Thesis while also earning a university credit.
In August of 2010, the 26-year old took advantage of another study abroad opportunity after he was awarded an AVP/SMUSA International Travel Mobility Award to attend a conference and take a Directed Readings Course at the Universidad Autonoma de Zacatecas (UAZ) in Zacatecas, Mexico.
McKay’s isn’t the only student taking advantage of international travel opportunities as a necessary step in jump starting a successful career.
At Saint Mary’s University a variety of options through International Development Studies or funding opportunities such as the Homburg International Mobility Award provide students programs that integrate work, study and travel in another country.
For McKay however, Bolivia proved much more than just another achievement to add to his resume. It was an opportunity to plunge into a world entirely different than the one he knew in Canada.
“The trip was exciting, refreshing and really a new learning experience,” he said. “Many people in Bolivia still live very traditional livelihoods and are not influenced by the hegemonic North American culture. It’s amazing to see, and you’d never get that same experience studying at home.”
For three months McKay worked in the small town of Cochabamba, focusing on the mining industries effect on farmers and food security. He examined the country’s constitution and the mining and environmental laws, and analysed the economic, social and environmental outcomes and consequences of both mining and agriculture.
However, McKay says it wasn’t until finding himself in the city’s capital of La Paz, did he truly experience an event that changed his outlook on life.
Indigenous groups protesting the government’s plan to build a highway through the TIPNIS national park and autonomous territory arrived in La Paz after a 70 day, 360-mile cross-country trek that sparked both national and international attention. The protesters were fighting to stop the construction of a Brazilian influenced and funded highway that would threaten their livelihoods and land. It was a battle that they won after the government was forced to step in and reverse its decision.
“This just showed the struggles and sacrifices that these people are willing to make to defend their right,” said McKay. “It really gave me a sense of hope for successful social movements in the defense for social justice around the world.”
While McKay admits it is events such as this that raise red flags and discourage students from pursing international travel opportunities, most things aren’t always as they appear on television or on the internet.
“The media can create a culture of fear when countries are not pursuing the North American way of life -- economically and politically. Many countries are painted with some kind of negative socialist brush which is described as dangerous or volatile,” he said. “In every city there is definitely a degree of danger, but whether you're in Toronto or La Paz you still have to be smart, aware, and informed”
McKay says there’s no reason for students to shy away from opportunities that are easily available to them, and feels any international experience can only lead to a brighter future.
“Don't be scared to try new things and take on new experiences. This is how we grow and really discover ourselves.”
The future is certainly looking bright for McKay. On February 1st, he’ll embark on another internship with the United Nations Development Programme in Brasilia, Brazil where he’ll be conducting research on rural social policy. One more achievement to add to an already impressive career.
This page last modified Wednesday, 18-Jan-2012 15:23:48 AST