Nicole Barrett

Whether she’s in Whitecourt or Peru, the term “distance learning” holds different meanings for Nicole Barrett, a student in NorQuest College’s Social Work diploma program.

At first, distance learning referred to how Barrett conveniently accessed the program from her home in Whitecourt, Alberta. Later, Barrett travelled 9,000 km to Arequipa, Peru for another kind of distance learning. While most students are placed locally in Alberta to complete their practicum, Barrett had the opportunity to stay in the Peruvian city for six weeks as part of her first year of studies in the Social Work diploma program.

“It was an eye-opening experience,” Barrett says. “I went to Peru not knowing what to expect, but it was captivating from the beginning. It was an amazing opportunity to see firsthand the hardships and resiliency of the people of Peru.”

Offering a global perspective on social work’s role in society is one goal of the Peru practicum. NorQuest College's Social Work diploma program emphasizes the value of human diversity in a supportive and empowering environment.

Now in her second year of studies, Barrett continues to support Peru through her role as a board member of Standing Up for Peruvian Children, an Alberta registered non-profit society .The society supports non-governmental organizations in Peru that host the student placements.

“I never thought of working outside of Canada before I visited Peru. Now, I’m interested in a career supporting international community development,” Barrett says.