Global Skills Opportunity

for Students

Make a world of difference with Global Skills Opportunity.

To succeed in a rapidly changing and increasingly international labour market, Canadians need to be globally fluent and connected, particularly in emerging economies. Between 2019 and 2025 Global Skills Opportunity helped Canadian post-secondary students—especially those that face barriers to participation—gain confidence and develop valuable intercultural skills by studying or working abroad.

Benefits of Participation

DEVELOP INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCIES AND GLOBAL SKILLS

Intercultural skills are essential for the future of work in a rapidly changing—and increasingly international—labour market.

EXPAND HORIZONS

Broaden your worldview, open new doors and unlock your potential.

MAKE INVALUABLE CONNECTIONS

Build a global network that will stay with you throughout your career.

EXPERIENCE NEW CULTURES

Learn with and from people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

WORK IN THE FIELD

Witness firsthand how industries and organizations around the world operate.

BOLSTER YOUR RESUME

Prepare for life after graduation and bring a fresh, global perspective to employment opportunities.

Headshot of student

My ability to see situations from multiple different sides has expanded greatly, and the potential for using that skill is endless. With minimal travel experience, this opportunity really opened my eyes and stimulated new questioning and thinking. I now make fewer assumptions about the “naturalness” of my own culture and other aspects of life in PEI. More Canadian students need access to international experiences because the rewards for both the individual and society are huge.

Natasha Younker

GSO Alumni, University of Prince Edward Island. Destination: Greece

This experience has enabled me to approach teaching through a lens of equity, diversity and inclusion, creating a classroom setting where my students feel comfortable in their own skin.

Michelle Rambharose

GSO Alumni, Queen’s University. Destination: South Africa

How It Worked

Step one

Consult your post-secondary institution’s Global Skills Opportunity project(s)

Step two

Apply directly through your college or university

Step three

Get ready to unlock your potential

Step four

Enjoy the benefits of international learning and work experiences

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.