Global Skills Opportunity 101

What was the Global Skills Opportunity program?

Global Skills Opportunity was an integral component of the Government of Canada’s 2019-2024 International Education Strategy.

The program aimed to empower post-secondary institutions to increase the participation of young Canadians—especially underrepresented students—in international learning opportunities both at home and abroad.

Global Skills Opportunity was funded by Employment and Social Development Canada, administered jointly by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada. Projects were implemented by participating colleges and universities across the country.

Student operating machine

Having the opportunity to travel to Brazil changed my life.  I would not have had the opportunity to participate in such a beautiful, hands-on field experience had it not been for the GSO scholarship.”

Some skills I gained:

  • Self-confidence ​
  • How to maintain eye contact (cultural differences)​
  • How to apply the skills and knowledge I have learned over the past four years of university​

I learned that there are no limits to what a person can do; we tend to set limits on ourselves.

I have a stronger belief in my work, and in my traditional belief system which includes the idea that diversity is powerful and a benefit to us all. This felt like this opportunity was an act of true reconciliation, I feel like a partner working to make our home a more inclusive and safer space for everyone. So that we can live freely and recognize that our differences are not something to be feared, but to be acknowledged and celebrated.

Jade Penner

GSO Alumni, First Nation University of Canada. Destination: Brazil
Student is standing in nature

I never would have been able to travel internationally or learn from such impactful teachers without the support of the GSO, not only financially but emotionally and spiritually – the support was there every step of the way and from everyone involved in the process from beginning to

This experience increased my self-esteem and confidence, as I struggle with an anxiety disorder and never imagined I could travel internationally like this. I was also diagnosed with PTSD as a result of my career and personal experiences. Although difficult to explain, I can say it was an incredibly healing experience, to be in a country that I had (based on stereotypes) imagined was in a sense responsible for some of the drug problems happening here on Turtle Island and seeing the beauty and the pain that we have been a part of in Colombia.

Caroline Martel

GSO Alumni, Algoma University. Destination: Colombia

“We want to inspire all of our students to see the value of student intercultural exchange and learning.”

Ashley Dunlop

Director of admissions, recruitment and international, immigrant and refugee student services at UWinnipeg.

Program Benefits and Advantages

Global
Links

Students with international study and work experience bring global-mindedness and a fresh perspective to their classrooms, campuses and communities

Enhanced
Innovation

Participating post-secondary institutions can explore innovative approaches with more diverse engagement in international learning opportunities

Institutional
Equity

All eligible Canadian institutions—no matter their size, academic focus or location—have the chance to apply to boost the international learning opportunities they can offer their students

Reduced
Barriers

Students who face barriers to participation—especially Indigenous students, students from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities—are supported to participate in study and work abroad programming

Skill
Development

International study and work experiences help students build the intercultural competencies needed for the future of work

Expanded Horizons

Post-secondary institutions (PSIs) offered academic and/or work-integrated learning opportunities to their students in all four corners of the globe, with a strong focus on non-traditional countries (countries other than France, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States).

Our Funded Opportunities

INNOVATION FUNDS

Innovation Funded projects supported institutions and their researchers as they built on and enhanced strategic priority areas, accelerated research and technology development, and took already-established capabilities to a globally competitive level.

STUDENT MOBILITY PROJECTS

Student Mobility Projects empowered Canadian students, especially underrepresented students, to take advantage of international learning experiences and to develop skills such as problem solving, adaptability, resilience, and intercultural competency.

Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) was Canada’s national outbound student mobility pilot program and was an integral component of the Government of Canada’s International Education Strategy.  It officially ceased operations March 31, 2025. This five-year pilot program helped 15,000 Canadian post-secondary students gain invaluable international study and work experiences, strengthening their global skills and competencies. GSO was funded by Employment and Social Development Canada, and jointly administered by Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada.

Program details

GSO was designed to break down barriers for Canadian post-secondary students – especially low-income students, students with disabilities and Indigenous students – so they could participate in study and work abroad experiences. Focused on facilitating experiences in non-traditional destinations (countries other than Australia, France, the United Kingdom and the United States) GSO was also an important step towards achieving Canada’s trade diversification goals and strengthening international networks.