Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Media Production students recently had the opportunity to participate in a new international study abroad initiative, allowing them to gain hands-on learning experiences outside of Canada. Traditionally, academic programs collaborate with the International Partnerships and Projects team to coordinate global learning opportunities for all students in the program. These experiences typically include cultural exchange, skill development, and broader global learning. However, this latest initiative presented a different structure. Individual Media Production students joined an overseas study trip for another program and documented their experiences through photos and videos.
In the fall of 2024, Kevin Mahlberg, the program lead for Media Production, sent a message to second-year students informing them about the study abroad opportunities in Cuba, the UK, and Japan. Students were selected based on their academic performance, a recommendation from the program lead, and most importantly, a brief written statement expressing their interest in the program.
The students participated in various overseas study trips, gaining valuable hands-on learning experiences, which they described as “study abroad within study abroad.” They were amazed by the wealth of knowledge they gained during the trips.
Cuba Trip
In mid-February, Patrick Lavasco, a student from Regina, joined a group of students from Environmental Engineering Technology, Resource and Environmental Law, and Integrated Resource Management for a study trip to Cuba. Although Lavasco had previously traveled to the United States and the Philippines, where he has relatives, this was his first true international trip. “I wasn’t sure what to expect and felt a bit overwhelmed at first,” he said. “Cuba is unlike anywhere I’ve been before. This wasn’t a typical vacation.”
Lavasco praised the International Education team for organizing an outstanding program. “We felt safe and comfortable here, and we had many opportunities to learn about the country’s history, political landscape, wildlife, and more,” he said.
Since the trip was designed for students in environmental programs, the group spent time in national parks, focusing on how the Cuban people are working to preserve natural resources for future generations. While Lavasco participated in all the activities, he was also tasked with applying the skills he had learned in the Media Production program by documenting the experience through photography and videography.
“Before we left for Cuba, we met with Mahlberg and the project team to discuss our expectations,” Lavasco explained. “They asked us to take photos and videos of the trip, but not the typical vacation shots. Our job was to document the study abroad experience, not just the country we were visiting.”
Lavasco felt that the trip was a valuable opportunity to try out the roles of both cinematographer and photographer. “I’m improving my skills, but I’m not a professional yet,” he admitted. The experience allowed him to test the knowledge he had gained in class and make creative decisions about what shots to take. It gave him confidence in his abilities and revealed areas for improvement.
Wales Trip
Darby Forwood, a Métis Media Production student, participated in a week-long study trip to Wales and England with students from the Hairstylist and Beauty Care program. This was Forwood’s first time traveling abroad, and he initially hesitated to apply. However, after encouragement from a friend, he decided to take the opportunity. “I didn’t expect this study abroad experience to offer so much,” he said. “I knew I would have tasks to do, but I didn’t realize how much the process of filming photos and videos would test my communication skills and ability to build rapport with the subjects I was filming.”
Forwood was surprised to discover that he would be the only male student on the trip. He quickly learned how to integrate with the hairstylist students and build connections. He conducted video interviews with half of the class, some of whom needed a little convincing. “Getting good footage of the trip was important, and that meant I had to make friends so people wouldn’t feel awkward,” he said.
Forwood explained that being part of another program’s study abroad trip provided a unique learning experience. “While the other students were learning, I was actively practicing my skills in a new way. I didn’t have the same kind of ‘free time’ as the others because I was always thinking about my equipment, what shots I needed, and battery life. It’s the nature of media work—you have to be ‘on’ all the time.”
During the trip, Forwood also had the chance to connect with a media student from the Welsh college where they spent part of the trip. “The college was great,” he said. “They were welcoming and answered all my questions. I made a lot of connections and will be sharing my photos with them.”
A Successful Collaboration
Kiela Caudillo Ruiz, the International Partnerships and Projects Coordinator for Media Production’s new study abroad opportunities, expressed her excitement about the positive impact of this collaboration. “Seeing study abroad from the students’ perspective and having photo and video documentation with a professional flair will help us show others what a great experience study abroad can be,” she said. “I’m pleased that the first few opportunities for Media Production students have gone well, and I look forward to future trips with the program.”
Saskatchewan Polytechnic is committed to global engagement, offering students the chance to participate in international study programs. The institution has received $1 million in funding for study abroad initiatives through the Global Skills Opportunities fund, which has helped send 194 students on 12 diverse programs to eight cities across four countries, with 39 faculty chaperones. Saskatchewan Polytechnic is proud of its commitment to increasing participation, with 46% Indigenous and 48% low-income student participation in study abroad programs.
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