1. THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY

2. Regional Innovations Numerous international initiatives in the Interior of British Columbia Numerous community- university partnerships New emerging context of how we promote international opportunities and learning

3. Centre for International Social Work and Research The mission of the Centre for International Social Work and Research is to facilitate interdisciplinary research and knowledge translation through innovative local, national and international research that aims to better understand international social work and social development issues. The center will facilitate research that is interdisciplinary, innovative, participatory, and community-based bringing together researchers from across Canada and internationally.

4. Objectives of the Centre To develop synergies for exploring and understanding complex issues relevant to the practice of international social work; To support the creation of new emerging research teams; To develop and teach culturally-relevant research skills to community members, faculty and students in Canada and internationally;

5. To host events that would bring together researchers at TRU, and from institutions in Canada and around the world, who are working in the field of international social development and international social work; To generate funding for research opportunities relevant to international social development, social work, sustainable development and other disciplines by leveraging existing research, expertise and capacity that exists at TRU (and elsewhere); To support the collaboration and exchange of TRU faculty and international faculty for research purposes; and To support research on international social work and social development issues that promote social justice, human rights and critical anti-oppressive practice.

6. New Partnerships The Centre will further “facilitate the development of partnerships with communities, scholars, industries, institutions, government ministries and agencies for pursuing mutual objectives.” Engagement with BCCIC in the Interior of BC.

7. Global Learning Symposium BCCIC, Kamloops Women’s Resource Group Society and Thompson Rivers University coordinated a Global Learning Symposium on “Gender and the Millennium Development Goals.” Currently, a workshop on ‘Deliberative Dialogues’ is being planned.

8. The New Global Competency Distinction Designed to formally recognize international skills and experience that students acquire during their time at the university. Eligible qualifying categories include foreign language study or other course work with a distinct cross-cultural or international focus, as well as participation in student exchange programs, field schools, and international volunteer opportunities. Global competency is best understood as a body of knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes that reflect a capability for global citizenship—that is, a capacity to engage effectively in an international environment. In today’s globalized world, where economies and societies interact with one another on a multitude of levels, this capacity is ever more in demand.

9. Opportunities for Collaboration Applied research in international development Qualitative and quantitative research methods Monitoring and Evaluation Survey design and analysis Project planning and development with a research component Field placement (practicum) opportunities and exchanges

10. Current Research Projects Rebuilding lives post-tsunami: The long-term social, economic and gender impacts of reconstruction in Tamil Nadu, South India (SSHRC); RLPT and health impacts (CIHR) Climate change, disasters and sustainable development: Adaptations in BC’s small cities and rural communities (SSHRC) Indigenous field education in BC and India (SSHRC) Immigrant settlement experiences in a small city (Metropolis BC) Climate change and disasters (CFI and BCKDF)

11. For More Information Dr. Julie Drolet Email: jdrolet@tru.cajdrolet@tru.ca Tel. (250) 828-5258