Angel Suarez moved to Canada from Mexico City for more opportunities and chose to study at Humber Polytechnic for its work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences.   

Suarez already earned a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering back home, so he enrolled in Humber's Sustainable Building and Technology advanced diploma program.  

"I decided to go to Humber because they offer many experiential learning opportunities," said Suarez. "I liked that there was a mix of theoretical and practical skills."  

As a newcomer to Canada, Suarez took the opportunity to meet other students by attending Humber's International Orientation. There, he met representatives from the Humber Arboretum. 

"I had an environmental background, but I knew there was always more to learn about nature," he said.  

Suarez joined the Humber Arboretum's Learning by Leading program, which provides students with experiential and service learning opportunities.  

"In Mexico, I prepared a few workshops for children and adults about nature," said Suarez. "In the Learning by Leading program [at Humber], I worked alongside early childhood educators to create similar nature-based programming for children."  

"I realized that this is really what I want to do; I want to teach and share my knowledge," he said.  

With support from peers and advisors, Suarez decided to take the leap and switch his career from engineering to teaching.  

“Humber helped me make connections. Everyone I met encouraged me to follow my passion.”   

Suarez transitioned to Humber's Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program, which prepares students to work with children and their families. Graduates of the ECE program register with the College of Early Childhood Educators and have access to many career options in areas such as before and after school programs, camps, child and family centres, full-day kindergarten and more.  

Students in the ECE program at Humber can participate in the  Forest Nature Program (FNP), a unique play and learning experience that builds children's self-esteem and confidence through hands-on learning experiences in natural outdoor settings.  

The FNP was developed in partnership with Humber's Child Development Centre and, in 2019, received the Edward Burtynsky Award for excellence in environmental inquiry.  

During his time in the ECE program, professors quickly recognized Suarez's passion for nature and encouraged him to apply to the 5-week international work placement at UCL University College in Denmark.  

The WIL experience at UCL includes field placement, class visits and a rustic camping experience. Students work with local Forest Schools, which encourage nature-based learning and personal development in children and have been a part of Denmark's education history since the 1950s. 

Initially, Suarez was hesitant to apply for the placement as he didn't know how working and learning abroad may impact his study permit in Canada. Thankfully, Humber International and ECE staff helped him navigate the necessary requirements to embark on this adventure.  

"There was always someone at Humber guiding me through the process, not just for my placement but the entire ECE program."  

Suarez was excited to experience the culture in Denmark, which has an appreciation and expectation that children should often play in nature.  

"I had the greatest time ever," said Suarez. "Every day we were outside – rain or shine."  

Suarez pulled from his experiences at Humber to lead a unique garden bed project at his work placement.  

"[My mentors] trusted me a lot. They showed me the school's garden beds and told me I could create a project for the students," said Suarez. "I wanted to incorporate what I learned at Humber. In one of the garden beds, we planted the Three Sisters – corn, beans and squash – which is an Indigenous teaching I learned from working with the Indigenous Education and Engagement department in the Humber Arboretum."  

Suarez was excited that a project he worked on would remain and thrive in Denmark after he left.  

"I left a little bit of Canada – and Humber – in that garden," he said.  

This international WIL experience has given Suarez a new perspective on teaching. His future goals include implementing concepts he learned from the Forest Schools in his teaching practice and opening a nature-based childcare centre one day.  

Throughout his education and WIL placement, Suarez has remained a loyal volunteer and employee at the Humber Arboretum.  

"We have such a great community at Humber," said Suarez. "I would encourage every student to reach out and meet new people at the college – making connections has helped me tremendously."  

Learn more about the Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness's global work-integrated learning opportunities. 

Learn more about early childhood education in Denmark.