Each student gets something different out of the program, as they engage in ideating solutions to problems within the scope of the SDGs.
It may go without saying but as an institution of learning, Renison is constantly looking for new ways to help students reach their goals through the development of new programs. Increasingly, visiting international students are interested in programs that extend beyond English language learning, including opportunities to develop specific skills and explore disciplinary and professional interests. As the learning goals of students are changing, programming in the English Language Institute (ELI) is also evolving to focus on learning through language rather than simply learning English.
The Go Abroad Learning for Sustainability (GOALS) program exemplifies the ELI’s commitment to educational innovation and responsiveness to student needs. By integrating 21st century learning skills with sustainability education and engagement with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the program prepares students to effectively engage in academic and professional contexts across cultures and contribute meaningfully to discussions of some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Launched in the fall of 2024, one aspect of the program that sets GOALS apart from a typical term of studying English is the emphasis on student-led learning. Students are co-creators of course content through collaborative, inquiry-based learning stemming from individual curiosity and personal passions. Each student gets something different out of the program, as they engage in ideating solutions to problems within the scope of the SDGs.
Students in the GOALS program have opportunities to develop specific skills and explore disciplinary and professional interests.
Students in the GOALS program learn through engagement with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
GOALS prepares students to contribute meaningfully to discussions of some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Students are co-creators of course content through collaborative, inquiry-based learning.
While English language learning is not a focus of GOALS, anecdotally, many students commented upon their enhanced communication skills at the end of the term.
Though GOALS centres around the SDGs, students can apply the transferable skills learned in the program to any academic or professional context. “The top skills sought by employers are critical thinking, problem solving, and working in teams,” explains GOALS co-creator, Jane Karanassiou. “We built those into the program to benefit students in their future.” Within the program, students also build awareness of different cultural perspectives and empathy for people of diverse backgrounds, and while English language learning is not a focus of GOALS, anecdotally, many students commented upon their enhanced communication skills at the end of the term.
The response from students has been very positive so far, and the first cohort of 18 students, representing six different nationalities, have stayed in touch with each other and with Renison.
Hikaru, a past GOALS student, says that she developed her leadership skills and global perspective during the program. Her advice to incoming students? Be curious about everything. "Don't be afraid!" she emphasized. "Renison offers many activities, events and volunteer activities - give them a try. Don't miss any chance to grow yourself."
GOALS has been a learning experience, not only for students but also for instructors in the ELI. Teaching in GOALS has “pushed us to go outside of our comfort zones to try doing things in a different way,” says one instructor. “For me, this is very inspiring,” comments GOALS co-creator, Nela Maluckov. “Working on projects like this with students who are passionate – it’s energizing!”
Though GOALS is relatively new, the ELI team is already thinking of ways to enhance the program for future cohorts by leveraging connections with existing University of Waterloo partners and including more opportunities for site visits and guest speakers. There also seems to be an appetite from students for this type of program in a more condensed format, so the first offering of a one-month GOALS is scheduled for January 2026.
The Go Abroad Learning for Sustainability program represents the ELI’s forward-thinking response to the changing landscape of international education. By continuing to offer programming with specialized content focused on skill and language development, the ELI as a unit is charting its own course toward a sustainable future.
For more information about GOALS, visit the Renison International Office website.
2025 Renison Reports
This is part of the 2025 Renison Reports publication. Return to the Renison Reports page for other articles.