Exploring Other Cultures At St. Mary’s University

St. Mary’s and UCU building a relationship based on mutual respect and a commitment to excellence!

This past year, St. Mary’s University in Calgary warmly welcomed two exchange students as part of an academic exchange with the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) in Lviv, Ukraine.

Ivanna Tsiunyk and Olena Maksymiv studied for four months at St. Mary’s, taking classes in political science, psychology and theology. They also participated in campus life and made new friends. They are the second set of students to venture from Lviv to Calgary as part of the formal academic, research and cultural exchange between the two Catholic universities, which was established in 2010. This is the first time that Ivanna and Olena have been this far away from home and they appreciate all the support they have received. “We are very thankful for all the people who are welcoming us,” says Ivanna, “it is such a surprise that everyone is so open and they are treating us very well.”

St. Mary’s and UCU place a strong emphasis on community service and while in Calgary the two students volunteered at a senior’s residence and a school. “We are delighted that Olena and Ivanna have quickly embraced so many opportunities to engage with St. Mary’s University’s program and activities,” said Dr. Linda Dudar, Dean of Education and a leader in the StMU-UCU exchange program.

“This initiative is significant, not just because it brings together two important universities with a common purpose, but also because it is focused on student and faculty exchanges,” said Dr. Gerry Turcotte, President of St. Mary’s University. “The agreement will allow us to develop pedagogical, research and cultural partnerships that will be models for future collaborations.”

Ivanna and Olena experienced Calgary as many locals do, commuting to and from school on public transit, visited Banff and Edmonton and had coffee at Tim Hortons and Starbucks. Their vote? Tim Hortons. True Canadians at heart!