Time Of My Life

University is about creating your own unique experience and having the time of your life. Many of you will take the time to learn about opportunities to get involved directly on campus through student clubs, recreation and fitness, athletics and volunteering. At Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, BC we have all of those on-campus programs but we also offer a few more unique opportunities that are a bit further off campus!

Co-operative Education and Study Abroad are two programs at TRU which are becoming increasingly popular with students. Co-op Education allows students to combine academic study with paid work experience and Study Abroad allows for students to complete an international exchange as part of their degree.

“There are not many times in life when the experiences and opportunities that are offered through study abroad and co-op are so encouraged and readily available,” exclaims Mairin Lougheed, Third Year Bachelor of Tourism Management Student. Mairin recently completed an 8 month co-op work term with the Welcome Centre – Student Recruitment at TRU; she was paid to promote TRU at career fairs, post- secondary days and events across BC. When asked why she wanted to sign up for co-op she states “why not! It was the easiest and best decision I could have made, I signed up for co-op my second day of university. I was paid, had an amazing experience, was able to network and improve my presentation and marketing skills.”

Mairin also has a strong passion to travel and be immersed in other cultures. As part of the TRU Study Abroad program, Mairin is now on her way to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to study International Marketing for 6 months. “I chose Vietnam because I wanted a severe culture shock; I’m looking forward to classes but can’t wait to immerse myself in the Vietnamese way of life.”

Mairin is just one of hundreds of students taking advantage of co-op and study abroad each year; make sure to attend an information session when you become a TRU student. TRU is now accepting applications for September 2013. Application information can be found on our home page, www.tru.ca. Feel freel to contact the Welcome Centre at recruitment@tru.ca or 250.828.5006 for more information about campus visits, program information and help with applications.