Change Makers Project - Women in STEM - Vietnam
Summary
The Change Maker Project will develop female change leaders in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) with the aim of progressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
NSCC students and employees will partner with students from Tra Vinh University (TVU) in Vietnam. Through a series of challenges, participants will explore how to influence the progress of SDGs in their respective fields. The project will involve visits and interviews with community members, and local businesses, as well as cultural excursions to enrich project work. Through this consultation and cultural learning, participants will cultivate new ideas for sustainable development.
Participates will gain confidence by building relationships and practicing their skills in leadership. The project will conclude with participants sharing their learning with youth in a local school to inspire female STEAM leaders; our future "change makers".
The project will take place for two weeks in June 2026.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply knowledge, skills and attitudes from tasks and projects in an international setting;
- Outline the benefits of cross-cultural collaboration for work-related projects and tasks;
- Build evidence of experiences and new learning (both personal and industry related) for portfolio development and the education of others;
- Assess safety and risk pertaining to international travel to make informed decisions about traveling abroad;
- To identify and reflect on the differences and similarities between Canada and Vietnam.
Timeline
Subject to change
November 14, 2025 - Applications launched
November 28, 2025 - Employee application deadline
December 2025 - Employee selection
January 12, 2026 - Student application deadline
January 30, 2026 - Student selection
February 2025 - Online pre-departure course begins
April 24, 2026 - Pre-departure conference
June 2026 - Change Makers project in Vietnam
July 2026 - Evaluation and debrief
Fall 2026 - Celebration of Learning
Employee Role
his project is open to faculty from programs at NSCC that are related to STEM such as: engineering technologies, geomatics, IT, marine technologies, and building and manufacturing trades
Employees will provide mentoring and support to the students during the pre-departure phase of the program which will include frequent project meetings, some training modules and other duties required by NSCC International, and will accompany the students during the on-site phase. Employee leads will have the option of being mentored by those who have led similar projects in the past. Employees will be required to submit a report/feedback on the program upon return to Nova Scotia.
Selection Criteria:
- Must be a female employee from programs at NSCC that are related to STEM
- International experience considered an asset.
- Must have a valid passport or the ability to get one.
- Commitment to applying learning that is gained in future work with NSCC.
- Have permission from the employee's manager to participate in the project.
Travel advice and advisories
The Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories will help you make informed decisions about safe travel while you are outside of Canada.