REF NO.: 297

SUBJECT: Memorial University graduates find work in exotic locations

DATE: April 18, 2005

How does a 23 year old from Loon Bay, Newfoundland, end up working towards bison reintroduction in Germany?

Thanks to a program delivered by the Faculty of Arts at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Foreign Affairs Canada, young university graduates have the option of working internationally in professional positions, while experiencing a new culture. The program, Young Professionals International, is designed to provide young Canadian post-secondary graduates with opportunities to gain international experience while furthering the objectives of Canada's foreign policy.

Currently Memorial has young professionals working in Thailand, Greece, Switzerland, Germany, United Statesand Cambodia. All are doing interesting international work, having unique learning experiences, and are eager to share their stories with people in Newfoundland.

Stephen Hewitt from St. Shotts, Newfoundland, is working in Cambodia helping with the finances of the Centre for Social Development. “It’s been an incredible first month — both extremely difficult and extremely rewarding,” he said of his time away. “Already I have so many rich experiences from my first few weeks — memories and learnings that will last me a lifetime. I feel very lucky to be here.”

Memorial University’s Faculty of Arts 2004-05 YPI participants are:

Stephen Decker in Germany(from LoonBay)

Karen Patzold in Italy(from St. John’s)

Kristy Clarke in Ireland(from St. John’s)

Stephen Guy in Hungary(from Clarke’s Beach)

Tammy Baldwin in Switzerland(from Random Island)

Vikas Manocha in Ireland(from St. John’s)

Anna Stassis in Greece(from St. John’s)

Lynn Hartery in Thailand(from PortugalCove South)

Antoinette Fekete in Slovakia(from St. John’s)