Lynne Mitchell, the director of U of G’s Centre for International Programs, spoke to the Toronto Star about why more university students should take advantage of overseas study and work experiences.

She said while many students consider study abroad experiences in countries that are similar to Canada, she encourages students to push themselves and step outside their comfort zone to learn more about countries and cultures that are new to them.

“I often say, ‘This is your opportunity to go somewhere you wouldn’t otherwise,’” she said.

Mitchell has been working in international education for over 20 years, after spending two years as an agricultural extension worker for the Government of Thailand. She well known across Canada as an expert in international learning and is the author or co-author of several books and student handbooks on the topic.