Students discover the benefits of global connections without leaving the classroom
This past year, Mohawk International offered two Virtual Global Learning Opportunities (GLO) connecting students with international peers and professionals to explore global themes, foster intercultural awareness, and apply learning beyond the classroom.
Connecting students globally
Students in their final semester of the Electrical Technician program must create a capstone design project which is presented to industry leaders at the end of term. To practice presentation skills and professional branding, student groups create a Do-it-Yourself video and presentation. In Winter 2025, the packages were based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Taught by Dr. Christine Boyko-Head, the course integrated Virtual Global Learning Opportunities (GLO) with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in the United States of America, the University of Delhi in India and grade 5/6 students at Agnes G. Hodge Public School in Brantford, Ontario.
RIT PhD candidate, Kyle Pernall, presented a two-hour Zoom lecture on industrial sustainability and acted as the students’ sustainability consultant for their DIY projects. Education students in India, Canadian theatre professionals and grade 5/6 students were sent their DIY packages to give the Mohawk College students feedback on their presentations and personal and professional branding. “This real-world project emphasizes the importance of case, credibility and call to action as it brings diverse learners—by age, education and geography—together to engage in ways to make small steps toward positive change,” said Boyko-Head. “No other program in the country brings trades students, theatre professionals, scientists, and [elementary school] kids together in such a playful, learning experience”.
In previous years, the COIL project involved students in Morocco, Croatia, New Zealand, India and Canada and provided much needed online learning materials for teachers. Boyko-Head stated that GLO and COIL opportunities enrich the learner experience by bringing creative pedagogy to the college classroom.
Witnessing the power of Niagara Falls
To complement the in-class component and extend the learning on sustainability, Mohawk International organized a visit to the Niagara Parks Power Station for faculty and students from the Electrical Technician program and Mohawk College exchange students from partner schools in Jamaica, Mexico and the Philippines. The visit began with an engaging presentation by Niagara Parks Chief Operating Officer, Marcelo Gruosso, highlighting the building’s legacy and its importance in harnessing the energy of Niagara Falls for hydroelectric power. The group also participated in an educational tour of the historic Niagara Parks Power Station. This immersive experience offered students a deeper understanding of the Plants’ restoration and preservation efforts, as well as its significant role in the history of electricity generation.
“The visit to the Niagara Parks Power Station was a powerful extension of the Virtual GLO experience. By bridging online international collaboration with an in-person exploration of engineering innovation and heritage, students were able to connect global conversations with local context. It aligned perfectly with the GLO COIL objectives—fostering intercultural awareness, applied learning, and real-world engagement across borders," Sandra Gruosso, Mohawk College’s Manager, International Partnerships and Programs. "Opportunities like this reinforce course concepts by turning theory into experience, especially in a collaborative, globally minded setting."
The group was then guided through the infrastructure, exploring key features, instruments, and equipment that once powered the station during its operational days. Students gained valuable knowledge about the station’s engineering processes and its connection to groundbreaking ideas and inventions by Nikola Tesla, whose technologies inspired certain aspects of the station.
As part of the tour, students appreciated the significance of electricity generation and innovation while walking through the Power Stations tunnel and seeing Niagara Falls up close. This visit provided a meaningful blend of history, technology, and hands-on learning, enriching the students' understanding of industrial heritage and engineering advancements.
Experiencing diverse cultures
Mohawk International also offered a Virtual GLO for Communications Professor Alice Pivniceru’s Success in the Global Workplace class with Colegiul National Ienachita Vacarescu, Targoviste in Romania. The purpose was to engage students in authentic intercultural communication and active learning. Mohawk students were able to connect with students in Romania to understand working with diverse cultural perspectives and worldviews. Mohawk student Anita Anigbogu commented, "The COIL project was a rewarding experience that taught me the value of international collaboration, communication, and teamwork." Mohawk student Evelin Estrada noted, "I am grateful to have been part of this project. I learned a couple of things about Canada I did not know before, [and] I am happy that I learned about Romania and got to meet students from the other side of the world as I do not think I would have ever had this experience. This was the closest I got to ‘being in’ [or] ‘experiencing’ Romania.”
Winter 2026 Virtual GLOs applications open now
Mohawk College Faculty are invited to apply by August 6th, 2025 to participate in a Mohawk International Virtual GLO-funded course for the Winter 2026 term. This opportunity will build on the past successes that have brought together international students, educators, and industry experts to enrich classroom learning, foster intercultural collaboration, and inspire global citizenship.
For additional details, email glo@mohawkcollege.ca or visit Virtual GLO website.