This session profiles how Canadian members of University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) have utilized the UMAP network to meet strategic goals and to support and increase under-represented students’ participation in study abroad programs. UMAP, a student mobility consortium currently based at Vancouver Community College, offers programming to support networking, faculty/staff development, partnership development, and increased virtual and in-person mobility opportunities across the UMAP network of 200+ active member institutions throughout the Asia Pacific region. With funding from Global Affairs Canada through 2025, the UMAP Canada Scholarship program is also available to support mobility initiatives of UMAP Canada members institutions. This session will provide snapshots of how three Canadian UMAP members, North Island College, Okanagan College, and Vancouver Community College have leveraged UMAP programming and resources to meet their strategic priorities and increase the participation of under-represented students in study abroad.
- Participants will develop an understanding of the types of resources and support available through the UMAP Network
- Participants will learn about specific case studies where Canadian HEIs successfully utilized UMAP resources to meet strategic goals
- Participants will explore different models and programs for engaging under-represented students in education abroad opportunities




Jennifer Gossen - VCC
Sakura Hirata - Okanagan College
Romana Pasca - North Island College