An email received before boarding a flight for a family vacation had a huge impact on one Humber grad's life.

Jesse Major, who is a graduate of the Fitness and Health Promotion and Wellness Coaching programs, had an opportunity to attend JAMK University of Applied Sciences in Finland as part of a three-week summer school program in the summer of 2022.

Major joked that he almost didn’t go on the trip. In fact, he only found out about Humber’s study abroad options through an email while he was heading on vacation with his family. He was at the airport but was so intrigued by the opportunity, he and his mother filled out an application right then and there.

“I’m so glad that I decided to apply, and I didn’t leave Humber wondering what might have been if I hadn’t gone,” he said.

Major was recently named an ambassador for the Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) program, which is the Government of Canada’s national outbound student mobility program. It empowers post-secondary institutions to increase the participation of Canadians in international learning opportunities — especially students with disabilities, Indigenous students and those who have traditionally faced socio-economic barriers to participation.   

The 15 ambassadors, of which Major is one, will represent the GSO program and the more than 12,000 post-secondary students who have gained global skills through GSO-funded international experiences. As ambassadors, they will be sharing their stories, testimonials as well as the benefits of global learning on social media while participating in events and supporting the GSO program.

Major, who has a learning disability, said being selected was a boost to his confidence. He’s looking forward to sharing with others the benefits of international learning.

“It’s an honour to help spread awareness about this important program and being selected as an ambassador really made me feel good about myself,” said Major.

He hopes that any students considering heading overseas to study abroad through Humber explore the opportunity because it was incredibly impactful for him.

“It opens up your eyes to what you’re capable of and you learn you’re stronger than you think,” he said.

Major said he thoroughly enjoyed the experience of studying abroad and embraced living on his own for almost a month in a different country.

“Living in an apartment with three other students was completely different and unique for me,” said Major. “I really enjoyed it, and I think it was quite valuable to experience being independent in a safe environment.”

He met people from other countries including the United Kingdom and Argentina and got to explore Finland during his time there.

“I would really recommend studying abroad to other students,” said Major. “You get to see new places, explore a different culture and do things that maybe you thought you would never get a chance to do while meeting new friends.”

For more information on Humber’s study abroad options visit the Global Opportunities website.