This is the last of a series of three articles about NC’s IEW 2023 activities.
Niagara College’s International Education Week (IEW) 2023, held from November 20 to 24, showcased a range of exciting events designed for students, faculty, and staff to celebrate global education.
During this engaging period, a partnership between NC’s International Student Services and Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) presented a food and culture fest to students at both the Welland Campus and Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Additionally, NC’s Global Engagement team offered two webinar series specifically curated for global partners, staff, and faculty, providing valuable insights into the impact of international education.
The Global Learning Lounge Webinar Series consisted of four virtual workshops that provided faculty and staff with a meaningful understanding of international student experiences and presented opportunities for professional development.
The week kicked off on November 20 with the session Bringing the World to Niagara – The Student Experience, where Global Business Development Manager Karan Salgotra led a panel of four students who shared their transformative personal journeys to Canada.
“As I started studying and working at Niagara College as a student assistant, I met wonderful people who became my friends and helped me feel at home,” said Business Administration – Human Resources program student Nikhil Gupta, originally from India. “This helped me overcome the biggest challenge in my transition to Canada, which was being away from my family. I am always open to learning about new cultures, and it makes a significant impact.”
The other panelists were Computer Programming student Diana Maldonado, from Colombia; Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resources) student Chau Dao, from Vietnam; and Educational Assistance and Adult Supports student Prerna Kaushal, from India.
The session Becoming World Ready: How to Become a Be World Ready (BWR) International Field Studies (IFS) Trip Lead was led by Associate Director, Cultural and Global Engagement, Maxine Semple on November 22. It aimed to guide and inspire staff and faculty members interested in leading transformative journeys. Attending such sessions is the first step to become a trip leader.
- Eager to get involved? Stay tuned for upcoming BWR Global Learning Lounge sessions and explore the Lead FAQ.
On November 23, focus was directed toward the diverse experiences of faculty members engaged in global education projects, with a session titled Bringing Niagara to the World – Reflections on Global Education Projects.
Business and Management School Professor Dawit Eshetu, School of Hospitality & Tourism Professor Jennifer Hall, and School of Liberal Studies Professor Krasna Baotic shared their experiences, and the audience had the opportunity to learn about their challenges and rewards of engaging in global initiatives. The session was led by NC’s Global Education Projects Manager Quinn de Vries.
- Ready to embark on your own global journey? Please feel free to contact us at [email protected]
The IEW 2023 concluded on November 24, featuring the Community Partners – The World in Niagara session, led by International Housing & Settlement Advisor Ali Noor. This discussion emphasized the crucial role played by the local community in supporting international students in Niagara.
The panelists included Zac Wang, representative of the Niagara Folks Arts Multicultural Centre, and Janet Madume, from the Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre. These institutions support newcomers to the Niagara Region by providing essential settlement services, cultural integration programs, and resources to facilitate their successful transition to Canada. Mandi Corb-Knight and James Bell, members of homestay families, also participated. They play a crucial role in offering secure homes to global learners, facilitating their immersion in Canadian culture while studying at NC.
- Interested in hosting international students? Please contact [email protected]
About IEW:
International Education Week, celebrated since 2000 and recognized in 80+ countries, symbolizes the spirit of collaboration and cooperation that unites individuals, educational institutions, associations, businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations across Canada to highlight the significant importance of international education.
