By Irma Susset — Contributor

BU history and political studies students recently ventured on an experiential learning opportunity in Canada’s capital from Feb. 10-11.  The overnight trip to Ottawa offered a range of activities for both politics and history students that aligned with their interests. This trip, organised by Professor Jean Manore and Professor Jacob Robbins-Kanter, created an unforgettable learning experience for a few dozen students. The biannual trip came back in full force this year after being put on pause due to the pandemic.  

Politics students met and talked with the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture in the Cabinet of Canada. She explained her role as part of the Cabinet, the path that led her to her current position, and answered questions the group had for her. The students were also given the opportunity to meet with Patrick Naud, a Bishop’s alumni who works for the Canadian government as Senior Policy Officer at the Privy Council Office. Students discovered and discussed his journey towards working in an institution directly supporting the Prime Minister and Cabinet that brought him to work with multiple high-level politicians.  

History and global studies students had an itinerary packed with activities and events that were in line with their fields of study. Museum curators offered a guided tour of artefact collections and of the Museum of Science and Technology. Different guided museum tours filled the day, including visits to the Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National War Museum, as well as the Museum of History. 

After a captivating in-depth tour of Parliament, all participants of the trip headed to a sushi lunch with Bishop’s alumni who recently graduated in the field of politics. At this lunch offered by the university, graduates shared advice and explained their journey after completing their undergraduate degree, as well as their experience at Bishop’s and fond memories they have of their time on campus.  

This trip was a great way to explore some of the historical and political establishments Ottawa has to offer. It was also an incredible opportunity to meet people who have experience working in history, politics and global policy. It was an amazing occasion to network as well as bond with classmates and professors.  

This initiative has been running for over a decade, but the latest editions have been in part funded by the Andrea and Charles Bronfman endowment fund. The generosity of the fund made it possible to rent a bus for the ride to Ottawa, and to lower the cost of the trip for students, making it more accessible.