Okanagan College student heads to France with Premier’s Scholarship

Okanagan College Media Release

A student from Okanagan College’s School of Business is preparing to pack her bags for an educational experience in France, after receiving one of a handful of Premier’s Scholarships granted to public post-secondary students.

Jennifer Andrews, of Kelowna, was one of 22 students across the province to receive the award, which was announced by the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society.

Andrews, who is studying Business Administration, received $6,000 and will be spending four months this fall continuing her studies in the International Business and Management Program at EDHEC Business School, one of the top 30 business schools in the world, according to a recent report from the Financial Times.

“I’m looking forward to taking international finance and accounting, a course on business culture, and then French language,” said Andrews, who has a 90 per cent grade point average and is currently on an internship with BMO in Toronto.

Andrews selected EDHEC from a collection of post-secondary institutions with existing relationships with Okanagan College. The exchange program means she will pay her regular Okanagan College tuition fee, all while gaining a breadth of experience and perspective on international business practices.

“She is an amazing student and young lady and I could not be happier for her,” said Okanagan School of Business Professor Dr. Kyleen Myrah, who taught Andrews and mentored her as part of the College’s Students in Free Enterprise program. “She is a valued member of any group for her dedication, hard work ethic and high quality outcomes. I know she will truly embrace this experience.”

Andrews said Myrah, Professor Leslie Corbett and career counsellor Christine Hawkins all played key roles in supporting her with reference letters, guidance and encouragement.

“Okanagan College is an incredible school and I’m definitely glad I made the choice to come here,” she said. “The professors really care about us students and want us to succeed.”

The Premier’s Scholarships are funded from the returns on a $13-million endowment fund established by the province for international education and are part of the One World International Scholarship program managed by the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society.

The scholarships are adjudicated and awarded once each year based on merit. To be considered for the award, students must study outside of North America and be returning to their home institution to complete their studies.

At the announcement, Advanced Education Minister Naomi Yamamoto announced an additional $2 million for the program.

“Everyone benefits from the perspectives and connections gained by B.C. students studying in other countries,” said Yamamoto. “Our International Education Strategy will ensure more students have the opportunity to study abroad.”

Hugh Gordon, chair of the Irving K. Barber B. C. Scholarship Society, noted this year marked a record number of applications and scholarships granted in the Premier’s Scholarship program. The program was established in 2008.