Polytechnic education provides a comprehensive range of postsecondary credentials, and unlocks global opportunities for learners. This is why Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, a publicly-funded institution in Toronto, emphasises international education in its inclusive teaching model. The college also reflects the cultural diversity that has helped shape Toronto into one of the fastest-growing economic regions in North America. "In the modern economy, people are more and more likely to change careers multiple times," says Chris Whitaker, president and CEO of Humber. "We prepare our students to be lifelong learners in an international context so they can be successful in their local communities and in the global economy." Some 25,000 students are enrolled full-time at Humber, which is the largest college in Canada. It has eight academic schools offering 170 full-time programmes that lead to globally-recognised credentials ranging from diplomas to degrees and postgraduate certificates. Humber is bringing its distinctive teaching model to Asia through focused partnerships in the region. Building on its long-standing partnership with Ningbo University in Zhejiang province, the institute has connected Xiamen's Jimei University, Taiwan's National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to its international network. This has drawn an increasing number of Chinese students to Humber, where they have the opportunity to earn in-demand credentials such as a diploma in business administration or hospitality and tourism management within three years. Staff and students in Toronto are similarly immersed in Asian culture and business practices through continuing exchange programmes. "It's a meaningful experience for our faculty to live and work in China," says Diane Simpson, dean of international affairs. "They develop a better understanding of the challenges that international students face in a Canadian classroom and share their insights with other faculty." The experience is just as enriching to the students. Xia Wei, a postgraduate student of global business management who interned with a skylight manufacturer in Toronto and joined a study tour to Finland during the summer, appreciates the practical knowledge he has gained. Mai Yudong, a third-year student in the human resources management degree programme, values the camaraderie prevalent at Humber. Both students are from China and among Humber's 3,000 international students from more than 106 countries who have access to vibrant communities within campus residential facilities. "Although we're preparing students for careers in specific industries, we also cultivate the softer skills they need to be successful in the workforce, such as teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, communication and interpersonal skills," Whitaker says. "Being aware of the sensitivities of working in different cultures expands their thinking, and appreciating those differences prepares them to be global citizens." Through the five-year Sulawesi Economic Development Strategy (SEDS) project, Humber is implementing a capacity-building programme in partnership with seven universities in Indonesia. Funded by the Canadian International Development Agency and Humber, SEDS aims to develop support networks for small- and medium-sized enterprises in Sulawesi, where steady employment opportunities are lacking. With its partners, Humber is designing and delivering applied entrepreneurship education so that more local graduates can start their own businesses. "Like Ningbo University in China and many of our other partners, we look at this as a long-term partnership based on mutual trust and understanding, and a focus on students' success," Simpson says. Humber also aims to intensify its industry collaboration with international businesses based in China and Southeast Asia. The institute's expanded degree programmes, which have strong internship components, open more pathways to employment. "We have to be innovative as an institution in order to effectively meet students' needs and be able to respond to the ways students learn, because that's changing all the time," Whitaker says. Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning www.humber.ca
