Mitacs Globalink brings diversity to a team of robotics scientists
Having hosted Globalink students from India and Brazil at the CARIS Lab in 2010, 2011 and 2012, Dr. Croft was impressed by the strong work ethic and quick learning ability of the undergraduate visitors with whom she worked.
“Hosting a Globalink student helps my Masters and PhD students to learn and grow by giving them teaching and supervisory experience. But mostly, they gain from the diversity of experience and the different kinds of questions that our Globalink student brings every year.”
In exchange for the chance to learn in Canada, the students she hosts contribute their knowledge to projects ranging from automotive assembly line robots to rehabilitative therapy robots designed to help stroke patients increase mobility and independence. The interns, she says, have always come well-prepared, enthusiastic and ready to learn.
After submitting a research project, professors are matched to international students from India, China, Brazil or Mexico whose research interests and experience most closely align to their project. From there, the rest is taken care of by Mitacs.
“Mitacs Globalink is a credible program, and the risks are low since Mitacs saves me the logistical work of hosting an international student by sponsoring housing, expenses and even picking them up at the airport. Since we know who our student is by January, we’re also given the chance to determine how they’ll fit into the team.”
Dr. Croft always encourages that researchers host a Globalink student and has already convinced a number of her colleagues at UBC to take part. “Mitacs Globalink is an excellent program; it really brings a benefit to the supervisor and to the other students who work with the international students. I encourage any researcher to go ahead and apply!”
Mitacs thanks the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia for their support of the Globalink research internship in this story. Across Canada, the Globalink program also receives support from Alberta Innovates, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan and Research Manitoba.
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