Brock University (CA)

I knew I would do it again – and I did it. In the aftermath of France, USA and Finland I embarked on another collegiate international experience and spent five weeks in Canada, Ontario. But, let me start from scratch: Within the framework of my doctoral studies I am researching about women in leadership (in social organizations/ social work). In order to establish an appropriate international context, I was very interested in joining an international research and scholarship environment for a certain period, thus collaborating with university faculty and students, as well as staff members of social organizations.

The Visiting International Scholar (VIS) Program of Brock University in St. Catharines (Ontario) seemed to be a perfect first way to come in contact with its Centre for Women’s & Gender Studies. It offers a lot of highly interesting courses – and my "only" task was to seek out and identify a likely co-researcher teaching a course in summer term... Simultaneous to my application at Brock University, I applied for research funding at the research center of University of Applied Sciences Koblenz. It was terrific news when I got the green light from both.

I spent the period from August 1 to 21, 2012 at Brock University as an active participant in the Brock VIS program. I worked with faculty member Dr. Kubik, Associate Professor in the Centre for Women’s & Gender Studies, and provided a guest lecture on my research focus area that relates to barriers to women in management for her class “Women in the Economy”. I participated in meetings and was also able to meet with faculty and staff members within the Faculty of Social Sciences, exchanging insight and experience on topics like social services, health care systems and service-learning initiatives. In addition, it was a pleasure for me to take part in the new Brock Visiting Scholars Speaker’s Bureau. It provided me with the opportunity to participate and network in other areas of the University and the Brock Community, sharing my own cultural perspectives and expertise on topics that interest me.

After these three weeks atop the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario’s Niagara peninsula (home of natural beauty and world-famous attractions, framed by Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and the Niagara River, heart of Ontario’s vineyard country, cradle of Canadian history etc.) I continued my journey to Toronto which is an hour’s drive away; I got acquainted with St. Michael’s Hospital (Centre for Inner City Health) and the University of Toronto (Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation). A further destination was Ottawa where I visited Bruyère Continuing Care, a Catholic academic continuing care organization.

Thanks a lot to everybody who supported me before, during and after this magnificent trip. Once again, I had a very enriching experience and I am sure – I will do it again!

Edeltraud Botzum