Mikayla MacIntyre, a master’s student in Global Governance at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, travelled to Konstanz, Germany to work on her major research paper, which explores the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) in Canada. This international academic exchange provided her with a unique opportunity to deepen her research in a global context while gaining new perspectives on issues of gender-based violence and Indigenous rights.
Building on previous international experience in Ghana where she developed strong intercultural communication skills and a deeper appreciation for cultural exchange, Mikayla approached her time in Germany with curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to collaborative learning. She hoped the experience would not only enhance her academic work but also serve as a stepping stone toward future international employment. Eager to immerse herself fully, she also embraced the chance to learn the German language and engage with a new academic and cultural environment. Passionate about women’s rights and global governance, Mikayla used this experience to further explore how these intersecting forces shape social, political, and economic systems across borders.
Graduate Student International Experience award funds are available to University of Waterloo graduate students who participate in:
- An academic exchange
- A study term abroad related to research or an academic requirement
- Work or volunteer experience in another country