Visnyk Winter 2010
Canada-Ukraine Science Internship Program celebrates a decade of success

The University of Regina is committed to forging strong ties and engaging with the communities it serves. The Canada-Ukraine Science Internship Program (CUSIP) is an example of the University’s community outreach. Each year, the program brings five students to Saskatchewan from western Ukraine through an agreement between the University of Regina and the Ivano-Frankivsk National University of Oil and Gas. In addition, four students from Regina participate in a student exchange to Ukraine.

CUSIP students arrive at Regina on September 5, 2010

The program is heavily supported by the Ukrainian community in the province. Indeed, without the effort and cooperation of the community with the University, the program would not exist. In addition, the provincial government and the local business community support the program, providing both funding and work placements for the students.

Student trip to Lake Louise, Alberta, October 2010

2010 marks the 10th anniversary of CUSIP. This year’s students from the Ukraine participated in work placements in a variety of institutes and businesses. Mykhaylo Skrobach and Arseniy Stefanov are both petroleum engineering students and spent their time with the Petroleum Technology Research Centre/University of Regina and MERA Group (respectively) learning about research and business in the oil and gas sector. Natalia Petryshyn, an electrical engineering student, and Oleksandra Kravets, a business student, spent their time with SaskPower. Julia Mykhaylova, an environmental engineer, worked with the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative at the University. The goal was to allow the students to immerse themselves in the business and research culture of Saskatchewan and to learn more about business practices in Canada.

Student trip to Weyburn oil field, November 2010

In addition, the students attended lectures at the University and participated in the activities of both the University and the Canadian Ukrainian community. They also went on a number of field trips to see other parts of western Canada and Saskatchewan.

Student trip to University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, November 2010

The home-stay program supported by the local Canadian Ukrainian community increased their exposure to Canadian lifestyle. In the past, the Canadian families and their Ukrainian “children” have become fast friends maintaining contact after the students return to Ukraine. The University, too, has benefited greatly from this program with a number of excellent students returning for masters programs and making Canada their home.

Started in 2007, the return visit program has also been a success. Each year, four students from the University of Regina spend three to four weeks in Ivano-Frankivsk, receiving training, cultural exposure and becoming firm friends with students in Ukraine. These students have become excellent ambassadors for Ukraine in Regina.

Farewell party for CUSIP students, November 29, 2010

The strength of CUSIP’s success lies in the strong collaboration between the Ukrainian community in Saskatchewan and the University of Regina. Thank you for your continued support of this important program, as well as your involvement with the students who are building bridges between our two countries. For more information on CUSIP, please visit www.uregina.ca/oee/