Thompson Rivers University (TRU) created a wraparound support program that provided domestic students the skills and confidence they require to feel comfortable going abroad to non-traditional destinations. The program prepares students for an outbound exchange opportunity and provides the framework for self-reflection upon their return.
The program combined Spanish language training focusing on realistic scenarios and dialogues, with intercultural competency skills. This semester-long program consists of a 2-hour training session once a week and was offered to disadvantaged students free of charge prior to their planned departure.