Hasan Alezzi enrolled in the two-year Diploma in Law Enforcement Studies program at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) straight out of high school.
A year into his studies, he decided he wanted to gain more life experience before graduating. With the help of JIBC’s Office of International Affairs, he applied to travel to Indonesia through the Airlangga Adventure (AirVenture) Discovery Camp program.
The program was facilitated by University Mobility in Asia and Pacific Discovery Camps (UMAP) and offered through Indonesia’s Universitas Airlangga, one of UMAP’s member institutions. AirVenture is an international program which introduces students to that country’s culture and natural resources, including their preservation and restoration.
This program has taught me skills I will use for the rest of my life.
Hasan is thankful to JIBC not only for the education he is receiving through his program, but for the opportunities provided through its Office of International Affairs to travel and experience life outside his comfort zone.
“Having to travel to three different countries to get to Indonesia was amazing. Sleeping in the airport and missing some flights was a learning experience,” he said. This was all before he even landed in Indonesia.
Hasan’s interest in wildlife and environmental conservation attracted him to the program and he was thrilled at the chance to see local wildlife, like baby turtles and chimpanzees, in person.
But perhaps his most valuable experiences were from his interactions with locals, who spoke a different language and came from an unfamiliar culture.
“This program has taught me skills I will use for the rest of my life. Not speaking the language of a particular country gets you to truly engage in explaining what you want, helping me further develop my communication skills.”
Communication skills, building trust, and understanding different cultures are all valuable skills that will prove to be indispensable for a career in law enforcement – especially in culturally diverse British Columbia.
“Overall, I believe the trip was a precious experience I will cherish.”
For more information on study abroad opportunities for JIBC students through its Office of International Affairs visit Study Abroad Opportunities.