New English Language Program Emergency Bursary Established Thanks to guard.me International Insurance

Fri. Apr. 12, 2024

The University of Winnipeg’s English Language Program (ELP) is dedicated to providing international students and professionals with the educational tools needed to advance their language skills. From Academic and General Purpose English to workplace communication enhancement training, ELP is well-equipped to help those looking to improve their skills for future study and for professional purposes. The relationships ELP has built with international institutional partners has allowed the program to grow significantly over the years, broadening the diverse pool of students seeking to learn English at UWinnipeg and strengthening our university’s ties to the wider world of post-secondary education.

For a program responsible for hosting so many students from international backgrounds, ensuring that students are well looked after is a constant priority. Those coming abroad to study in Manitoba begin their educational journey with just as many challenges as opportunities. ELP has a student life component team dedicated to supporting students beyond the classroom. Each student has health insurance through guard.me International Insurance which provides comprehensive physical and mental wellness coverage. However, even with these support channels in place, students sometimes run into unexpected emergencies that require extra funds to continue their studies.

Realizing the greater need for student support, ELP and guard.me International Insurance worked together to establish the guard.me International Insurance ELP Emergency Bursary. The fund is designed to assist ELP students facing short-term, unforeseen financial difficulties beyond their control that would prevent them from attaining their educational goals.

“We want this emergency bursary to make a difference in the lives of our hardworking students who in previous years may have been forced to leave the program.” says Sarah Leibl, acting Director for the department. “ELP has helped so many students and professionals improve their English skills, and we want those enrolled to continue their studies without being hindered by financial instability or emergencies back home.”

Thanks to the generosity of guard.me International Insurance and their annual commitment to the emergency bursary, those enrolled in the ELP will have access to funds that will help them succeed at UWinnipeg no matter what obstacles lie in their path on their way to graduation.