Four McMaster students have been selected as McCall MacBain International Fellows, getting the opportunity to spend a fully funded year abroad studying, living and working in a new country.

Dev Nayak, Misty Macdonald, Teagan Caulfield and Zachary Maretzki are among the 12 undergraduate students that make up the fourth cohort of the McCall MacBain International Fellows. 

Valued at up to $30,000, the Fellowship is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn a language, participate in a new community, build lasting international ties and deepen their ability to work in a different cultural context. 

Fellows will depart this summer, and during their year abroad will spend one term learning a new language, one term completing academic studies and one term at a work or internship experience.  

“It is my pleasure to announce the fourth cohort of McCall MacBain International Fellows,” said Franca Gucciardi, CEO of the McCall MacBain Foundation.

“It is our hope that this experience will provide McCall MacBain Fellows with strong intercultural competencies and allow them to stretch outside their comfort zones to deepen their learning and skills. Particularly after so many years of lockdowns and closures, we are excited to send young Canadians out into the world again.” 

The selection process looks beyond academic achievements, examining students’ activities and pursuits in the service of their communities, their leadership experience, and their character, including a commitment to integrity and honesty. 

Meet the McMaster students selected: 

Dev Nayak

Nayak will spend his time as a McCall MacBain Fellow learning Japanese in Japan. 

The economics student serves as the vice president of administration at McMaster Culture Connect and is the executive of events at the McMaster International & Exchange Club. He also helps run social media for the McMaster Economics Society and helps incoming international exchange students integrate through the Mac Buddy Program with the Student Success Centre. Nayak worked to help orient incoming residents at McMaster Housing and volunteered his time as a tutor with Pathways to Education at the Community Volunteer Circle. 

Misty Macdonald

Macdonald will spend her time as a McCall MacBain Fellow learning Spanish in Spain.

The Health Sciences student, who was the recipient of a President’s Distinguished Entrance Award, has been involved with McMaster Outdoor Recreation and was trip coordinator for the McMaster Outdoor Club. Macdonald has organized youth camps and led fundraiser events with Girl Guides. She also previously worked at a long-term care home preparing meal services catered to specific dietary needs.

This newest adventure comes after she went on a backpacking trip in South America last summer.

Teagan Caulfield

Caulfield will spend her time as a McCall MacBain Fellow learning Spanish in Chile.

An integrated science student, Caulfield volunteers as the club treasurer of the McMaster gymnastics team and as an educational leader for McMaster’s Sustainable Development Hub.  

She was also a team leader in the WACE Practera Global Challenge, working with individuals across four continents to author a report to better align business with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 

Caulfield has been a delegate for Model United Nations and has helped translate and deliver online driving courses to French-speaking newcomers at the Immigrants Working Centre. Her last two summers have been spent working at Ontario Parks. She grew up training as a national-level gymnast and worked as a competitive gymnastics coach. 

Zachary Maretzki

Maretzki will spend his time as a McCall MacBain Fellow learning Spanish in Argentina.

Maretzki worked to support struggling families by connecting them to relevant supports with the Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton and worked at a men’s shelter with Mission Services.

He volunteered with the YMCA at after-school programs and was an instructor of swimming and first aid courses.

A musician and songwriter, Maretzki hosts a radio show here at McMaster. He was also captain of his intramural ultimate frisbee team.

Learn more about the McCall MacBain International Fellowships here. Applications for the next cohort will open in October 2023 for departure in 2024.