Students passionate about Indigenous-led education and community engagement now have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad through the Barry and Laurie Green Bilateral Exchange Scholarship Program, a new partnership between Trent University and Auckland University of Technology (AUT) made possible by the Barry and Laurie Green Family Foundation.
"At Trent, our work on reconciliation is reflected in the relationships we build and in opportunities that bring students into meaningful dialogue across cultures," said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. "This international exchange program expands what Trent University has been doing for decades, creating new opportunities for students to connect with Indigenous perspectives and community-based learning across the globe."
Developed in consultation with Indigenous faculty from both institutions, the Bilateral Exchange program is the first student exchange between Trent and AUT, made possible by a $375,000 gift from the Green family to Trent's Momentous Campaign.
The Barry and Laurie Green Bilateral Exchange Scholarship Program will support semester-long international exchanges for three students from each institution, with the AUT cohort visiting Trent in fall 2027 and the Trent cohort travelling to AUT in winter 2028. Scholarship funding will cover flights, accommodation, comprehensive travel and health insurance and a stipend to support living costs.
"Universities can create opportunities for students to encounter and embrace knowledge, cultures and communities beyond their own experience," said Professor Damon Salesa, vice-chancellor of AUT. "This exchange brings together two institutions with a deep commitment to Indigenous education and creates an incredibly valuable opportunity for learning and engagement between Aotearoa New Zealand and Canada. We hope these experiences will open the door for students from both countries to broaden their understanding, build connections beyond the classroom and be inspired to carry that learning back into their communities and organizations."
This initiative brings together Indigenous and international education, offering students new global pathways to share and learn about Indigenous Knowledge, build networks, and participate in distinct learning environments.
"Reconciliation depends on learning, broadening our perspectives, and building meaningful relationships in community. This exchange program allows students to do exactly that," said Barry and Laurie Green, whose vision and generosity led to the creation of the new exchange scholarship program. "We are excited about the deeper Indigenous-led learning and community partnerships it will support, and especially about the cultural insight and life skills students will carry forward from these experiences."
Applications are now open for the first cohort of students from AUT, and close on Sunday, October 25.
