Laurier Brantford student Grace Sibbick turns local commute into global opportunity

Feb. 4, 2026

Choosing a university just 20 minutes from home hasn’t limited Wilfrid Laurier University student Grace Sibbick’s horizons. In fact, it’s taken her across an ocean.

In fall 2025, entering her final year in Laurier Brantford’s Youth and Children’s Studies program, the native of Burford, Ontario, embarked on a term abroad in Ireland, organized through Laurier's Global Engagement exchange program. Over the next four months, she would earn credits toward her degree studying at the University of Limerick, while exploring the charms of the Emerald Isle — and beyond.

“I packed my life into a 23-kilogram suitcase, hoping for the best — and it opened me up to the world,” says Sibbick.

Looking back, Sibbick says her choice to attend Laurier Brantford was the catalyst for her once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Ireland. By commuting from Burford and living with her family, the graduate of Brantford’s Assumption College School was able to keep the cost of her postsecondary education down — an important factor that ultimately made an international experience not just a dream, but a reality.

“I did a ton of research before choosing Laurier,” says Sibbick. “Besides the convenient location, I needed to make sure I was going to be supported, especially because of my learning disability. I found that the supports at Laurier and the ability to really connect with people doesn’t compare to any other university. I preach about the positive aspects Laurier Brantford to anyone who will listen.”

That strong sense of support extended well beyond Brantford once Sibbick began planning her term abroad with Anne-marie Joy Henry, Laurier’s coordinator of Global Engagement Programming.

“Students continue to pay their Laurier tuition while they’re abroad, which means financial aid like OSAP can continue as well,” says Henry. “The additional costs are things like airfare, insurance and some local fees, but it’s often far more affordable than people expect.”

Through the Global Engagement Office, Laurier partners with more than 60 institutions in over 20 countries, offering exchange opportunities across a wide range of programs. As a reciprocal exchange, each outbound Laurier student “swaps seats” with a student from the partner institution. 

While 221 Laurier students studied abroad this academic year, Henry says there’s capacity for more.

“I’d love to see every Laurier student take this opportunity to add an international component to their degree,” she says. “Grace’s experience is a great example of what’s possible. Almost all students, in nearly every program, can find an exchange opportunity that fits their academic path.”

Although Sibbick had briefly considered an exchange in Norway or France, she ultimately landed on Ireland due to the University of Limerick’s willingness to make academic accommodations for her learning disability.

Her experience there was transformative — academically, culturally and personally.

Sibbick noticed immediate differences in the classroom, including a grading structure that emphasized final assessments, which she didn’t particularly enjoy, and smaller tutorials attached to lectures, which she did.

“It was a welcome change,” says Sibbick. “You had space to really talk through the material with your peers after the lecture.”

Of particular interest in her studies was Irish law. Sibbick had been inspired to explore exchange opportunities after completing a comparative analysis of international education for a Youth and Children’s Studies course, and she found herself fascinated by the contrasts between Irish and Canadian laws pertaining to children.

“I’m really excited to take what I learned and apply it to the last couple of courses I’m taking at Laurier Brantford,” she says.

Outside of the classroom, Sibbick immersed herself in student life and travel. Strong friendships were forged, not just with locals, but with fellow exchange students from around the world who were her neighbours in the university’s residence. Organized excursions helped her get oriented, while affordable flights within Europe opened doors she never expected.

“I saw all of Ireland, which was incredible, but I also went to places I never would have planned on, like Madeira, Portugal,” she says. “When you can get a flight for $80, you go.”

More than the destinations, it was the personal growth that stood out most for Sibbick.

“You learn to trust yourself,” she says. “Whether it’s handing in a final exam worth 90 per cent or standing alone in a train station where you can’t read the signs, you realize you’re capable. I came home more confident, even though it was only four months.”

That confidence is something she now brings back to campus — and to the Brantford community, where she continues to coach Special Olympics swimming and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Education, ideally at Laurier Brantford.

“I’ve honestly loved my experience here,” says Sibbick. “If I can stay in Brantford for teacher’s college, I’d be more than happy.”

For Henry, that full-circle story — local student, global experience, local impact — is exactly the point.

“The learning and intercultural competencies gained by stepping outside your comfort zone and becoming truly independent are really transferable — and invaluable.” says Henry.

Ready to explore a term abroad?

Current Laurier students interested in international exchange opportunities are encouraged to review eligibility requirements online and attend virtual information sessions hosted by Laurier’s Global Engagement Unit. The second round of winter 2027 international exchange applications will open in March 2026. For further information, email exchange@wlu.ca.