Expanding Global Horizons: How KPU’s Global SDGs Fund is Making an Impact
At KPU, faculty members are encouraged to explore global opportunities that enhance their teaching, research, and professional growth. The KPU Global SDGs Fund supports this initiative by enabling instructors to engage in international exchanges, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and strengthening KPU’s global presence. One faculty member who recently benefited from this opportunity is Paola Gavilanez, an interior design instructor at KPU’s Wilson School of Design.
In early 2024, Paola received funding from the Global SDGs Fund to join KPU’s delegation to the Canadian University of Dubai (CUD) and had a chance to make a lasting impact on the future of interior design education. Paola’s main mission was to assist the KPU International team in finalizing an articulation agreement between KPU and CUD, which would allow students in Dubai’s interior design program to complete their studies at KPU. “It was a surreal experience to work on such an important agreement and see it come to fruition,” Paola said. “It’s a great step forward for both institutions and students seeking an international academic experience.”
Paola also immersed herself in the academic environment at CUD, attending design classes, participating in student evaluations, and joining students on field trips. This gave her valuable insights into how design education differs between Canada and the UAE, enhancing her ability to support international students transitioning to KPU. “Observing the classroom dynamics and interacting with students outside of class was incredibly insightful,” Paola said. These experiences also helped her understand the cultural influences that shape students' learning experiences, which will benefit both incoming international students and KPU students considering studying abroad.
In addition to her academic involvement, Paola built connections with CUD faculty, discussing teaching methodologies, curriculum structures, and potential future collaborations. She emphasized the importance of face-to-face interactions in building lasting partnerships. “While course outlines and program descriptions provide useful information, nothing compares to meeting people and experiencing a university’s culture firsthand,” she shared. One of Paola’s key takeaways from the trip was the realization that formal agreements often differ from the reality on the ground. “Understanding a university’s culture and faculty requires personal engagement,” she noted. This experience reaffirmed the value of these types of exchanges in developing stronger international partnerships.
Paola views this trip as a stepping stone for future collaborations between KPU and institutions worldwide. “This experience has given me the confidence and knowledge to help develop more international agreements,” she said. She also believes her journey aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly in promoting quality education and global partnerships.
For faculty considering similar opportunities, Paola encourages them to apply for KPU's Global SDGs Fund. “The intercultural exchange and development of empathy skills make these programs incredibly valuable,” she emphasized. “I’m grateful for this experience, and it will have a lasting impact on my professional growth and on KPU as a whole.”
Through initiatives like the KPU Global SDGs Fund, KPU continues to foster global engagement, offering opportunities for faculty to enhance their expertise while building international academic relationships.
To learn more about the KPU's Global SDGs Fund and how it can support faculty, visit the website or contact the Global Partnerships Team at global.partnerships@kpu.ca.