In its most basic and traditional sense, “diaspora” can be understood as the movement, migration, or scattering of a people away from an established or ancestral homeland. Diaspora studies examines the experience of migrants and their descendants in their new home; their changing relationship with their countries and cultures of origin; the ways in which community identity is maintained, but also transformed, in a new location; and how diasporic communities have influenced their ‘host’ cultures.
Our diaspora studies program examines all aspects of the diaspora experience – cultural, social, economic, linguistic etc. The project is open to students from the humanities and social sciences as well as business and criminal justice.
Twenty-two students from the EU will receive a scholarship to study for one term in Canada and twenty-two students from Canada will receive a scholarship to study for one term in the EU. The first study abroad term will commence in January/April of 2011. Study abroad subsidies are allocated at $5,000 for students from Canada and 4,600 € for students from Europe. Students will pay tuition fees to their home universities and not be subject to international fees.
Prior to their departure, students will participate in an orientation program at their home university. During their term abroad, students will attend the following courses:
A common comparative course which provides an interdisciplinary survey of central topics in diaspora studies. This includes historical, geographical, socioeconomic, political and cultural aspects. The course has been jointly developed by, and is taught in, all participating universities.
An on-line directed studies course supervised by their home universities.
Two elective courses in their chosen field of study.
In addition, students complete a service learning placement during their term abroad. This gives them practical experience in working with diaspora communities. Placements can, for instance, be completed in diasporic cultural and religious organizations, immigrant associations, migrant services organizations, and schools.
This diaspora studies program will help students to develop knowledge, skills and international experience which will prepare them for future studies and careers in this field. It will also help them to develop the transcultural competence required of citizens in an increasingly complex and globalised world.
Placements comprise between 90 and 150 working hours. In particular, students will acquire core knowledge in the following subject areas:
cultures outside their own community
Canadian, UK and German perspectives on immigrants and particular diaspora groups in the EU and North America
diasporas as major phenomenon within the global context of political, economic and international events
conceptualization, definitions, histories, as well as demographic, linguistic, and cultural dimensions of diaspora communities
trajectories, processes, conflicts and modes of resolution regarding migration and settlement in and among diaspora communities
agencies and processes of immigrant settlement in multiple local diaspora contexts
social/community development assistance programs within the context of changing governance structures
strategic planning processes within cross-cultural and community development contexts
the role of world organizations and international corporations in economic and social development as it impacts local communities
complex and changing relationships between diaspora cultures, ‘home’ and ‘host’ societies
the role of the arts, literature, popular culture and everyday life in sustaining diaspora cultures
multilingualism and identity
cross-generational differences within diasporic communities
how the global transfer of technology influences diaspora communities vis-a-vis origin and host cultures
new transcultural developments within ‘host communities’
Students will also develop the following core competencies:
academic and community-based research skills within diverse cultural settings
familiarity with processes for conflict resolution
intercultural competence – cross-cultural communication, negotiation and research skills
coping and resiliency skills in new and diverse cultural environments
awareness and recognition of one’s ethnocentricities
ability to accept, learn from and work with ambiguity
capacity to understand and eventually make critical judgments with regard to political, economic, social issues
ability to articulate and communicate with others about global, political, economic, and cultural issues
management, budgeting, marketing, promotional and donor development skills in development and not-for-profit settings
Places to study: partner universities and their locations
University of the Fraser Valley (Abbotsford, BC, Canada)
Nestled in the beautiful Fraser Valley just east of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university that enrolls more than 14,000 students per year. UFV has campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Mission, with regional centres in Hope and Agassiz, and a growing presence in Chandigarh, India.
A teaching university with a focus on excellence, UFV offers 15 bachelor’s degrees and more than 80 certificate and diploma programs in applied and academic areas. In recent years, UFV has been awarded A grades in the Globe and Mail Canadian University Report for teaching, quality of education, and most satisfied students, topping all public universities in the province.
The university sits on the traditional territory of the indigenous Sto:lo people, and has strong links to this and other local communities, including Indo-Canadians and Mennonites. Diaspora Studies exchange students may encounter these and other Fraser Valley diaspora communities while on placement and also in a selection of courses in a number of disciplines, including Anthropology, English, and History. They will also have the unique opportunity to complete UFV's Certificate in Diaspora Studies while on exchange.
Münster's University, the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität (WWU), was founded in the 18th century. Today, it is one of the largest universities in Germany with over 36,000 students, over 3,200 academic staff, and 250 degree programmes in 110 different subjects. 8% of our students are international students. Exchange students in Diaspora Studies will be offered a selection of courses which are taught through the medium of English. German language skills are not compulsory.
The city of Münster is a historical university town in the north-west of Germany, relatively close to the Dutch border. Looking back upon 1,200 years of history, it is best known as the place where the "Peace of Westphalia" was signed. Today, Münster is a modern city with approx. 280,000 inhabitants, and its large student population (approx. 50,000 students at different academic institutions) gives it a lively and youthful atmosphere. It is also a very 'green' city, at the European forefront of environmentally friendly and sustainable urban development – for instance, it is an ideal place for cyclists. Owing to the medieval atmosphere of the "Prinzipalmarkt", the numerous green spaces, the wide range of cultural activities and the great variety of pubs, people soon feel at home here. In 2004, Münster was awarded the title of the "most liveable city in the world", winning the United Nations Environmental Programme's "LivCom Award" for cities of 200,000–750,000 inhabitants.
The University of Northampton, which was originally founded in the thirteenth century, gained its current status in 2005, evolving out of University College Northampton. With about 3100 new students every year, there are currently 12,500 students enrolled at the university – including more than 1000 international students from more than 100 countries.
Students can chose from over 100 different courses, including BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PG diploma and certificates and PhDs. The university has two campuses: Park Campus in the north of the town (Social Sciences, Sports, Business and other subjects are taught here) and Avenue Campus, which is closer to the town centre (this campus hosts Arts and Science and Technology based courses). Both campuses offer students a wide range of facilities like shops, student union bars, restaurants, halls of residence and bookshops and there is public transport into town and between the campuses.
Surrounded by a beautiful scenery, the town of Northampton is located in the heart of England, 70 miles from London and 50 miles from Birmingham. With ca. 210,000 inhabitants, Northampton is home to the Royal and Derngate theatres, lots of parks and green areas and the Premiership Rugby union club, Northampton Saints. The town is home to large Polish, Irish and Asian diasporas.
Student eligibility is assessed through student interviews, student-written submissions, and letters of reference from faculty as well as community members associated with diaspora cross/cultural or related organizations.
University-specific procedures:
Münster: electronic application including
curriculum vitae
letter of motivation in English
current transcript of records (QISPOS)
if available, proof of relevant volunteer / work experience, etc.
Münster students for the first mobility term have already been selected. The deadline for the second term will be published in autumn of 2010.
