This fall, you can turn your Aeroplan miles into support for international education at U of G.
In the first-ever participation of a university in the Aeroplan Charitable Pooling Program, members of the U of G community can donate their Aeroplan miles to be used by undergraduate and graduate students travelling internationally for exchanges, semesters abroad, research or study that contributes to the completion of their Guelph degree.
Prof. Alan Shepard, associate vice-president (academic), says the idea was born during a Centre for International Programs (CIP) retreat. Up for discussion was how to get more money for U of G students to study and do research abroad. Guelph currently has 65 exchange and study-abroad programs in 25 countries, with about 450 students participating each year.
“The biggest barrier for students wanting to get international experience through these programs is the cost,” says Shepard.
“You pay the same tuition when you study abroad, but you also have to pay for airfare and all your accommodation and living costs. As a result, studying abroad is not an option for some students. That's something we want very much to change. We want every student to have the opportunity to get the broadening and often life-changing experience that international education provides.”
One suggestion from the CIP retreat was to approach Aeroplan, which was already working with charitable organizations such as the Red Cross and Engineers Without Borders on mileage-donation programs. Shepard says Aeroplan was happy to bring U of G on board.
“We think it's fabulous,” he says. “We're really excited about the potential of this program and thrilled at the prospect of helping more of our students study abroad. All we need now is for people to start donating their miles.”
Lynne Mitchell, director of CIP, adds that it's “very gratifying to be asked for our ideas and then watch them turn into something concrete. We've always known airfare is a huge barrier for students going abroad. This is a community activity, and we need everyone to join in, donate miles and help students have the experience of their lives.”
To participate in the program, visit the Alumni Affairs and Development website at www.alumni.uoguelph.ca/aeroplan.htm for a printable registration form that can be mailed or faxed to Alumni House. The pledge period is from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15. For more information, contact Grace Correia at Ext. 53901 or gcorreia@uoguelph.ca.
