This is the last of a series of two articles on international education events held this spring.
Niagara College’s global educational partners experienced the student and alumni journey in a unique way during the Canada Partnership Forum (CPF) tour at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Held on April 29, the campus tour was a post-event experience for over 120 partners from 26 countries who attended CPF, promoted by the International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC) in Toronto from April 26 to 28. The tour allowed partner agents to experience NC’s culinary, wine, hospitality, business, and environmental programs while gaining insights into the hands-on learning offered through the College’s on-campus teaching enterprises.
During the event, NC alumni shared their inspiring journeys from students to successful professionals and entrepreneurs in Niagara’s restaurant industry, enriching the experience for guests. While on campus, the partners stopped at five stations where the alumni demonstrated their culinary skills, offering guests a taste of their restaurants and providing a first-hand experience of their student journey and their career achievements so far.
“One of the main considerations about sending international students abroad is whether they will have the necessary tools to secure a qualified job or start their own business after graduation,” said Estefania Lopez, a representative from the agency Study Fuera, based in Mexico. “Interacting with NC alumni and seeing their success firsthand reassured us that this is absolutely achievable.”
From the classroom to culinary excellence
One of the stops was hosted by Pawan Lulla and Niti Ruparel, alumni from the Culinary Management program and owners of Bittersweet Symphony Cake Shop in Niagara Falls. Guests had the opportunity to sample desserts from the talented duo, such as chocolate fudge brownies, lemon tarts, and cheesecakes.
“Hosting international guests on campus provided an opportunity to demonstrate firsthand the high standards of education, facilities, and resources available at NC,” said Lulla. “I take pride in being a NC success story.”
The partners began their Canadian business in 2020 and have helped boost the local economy by employing several people, including other NC alumni.
“Throughout my time at Niagara College, I had the privilege of acquiring diverse skills and industry contacts,” said Ruparel. “All this knowledge was instrumental in shaping my career.”
A special cake was designed by the team at Bittersweet Symphony, a cake shop in Niagara Falls owned by NC alumni Pawan Lulla and Niti Ruparel.
Chicken wings and fried pickles were among the specialties offered to agents by Chartwells Catering, NC’s cafeteria provider. Chartwell’s chef manager, Sahil Nagle, and general manager, Adam Sheridan, are both NC Culinary Management graduates and shared their journey during the event.
“As an international graduate, sharing my experience was something I believe the agents appreciated and could relate to,” said Nagle. “We all serve as evidence of how NC welcomes and supports students through their chosen career paths.”
Both Nagle and Sheridan were excited to see how the guests were engaged and interested in their story and experience, which included working at the Benchmark Restaurant on campus.
“Being able to contribute to moments like these is precisely why I chose to pursue a career in the hospitality industry,” shared Sheridan. “Playing a part in creating cherished memories for others is truly the highlight of my daily work.”
Currently serving as the corporate chef of The Indian Aroma Kitchen, Pallav Srivastava, an alum from the Culinary Management program, also contributed to the event, preparing traditional dishes like Paneer Tikka and Aloo Tikki for guests.
“The opportunity to share my success story with others and let them know how I benefited from being a Niagara College student was my motivation to participate in this event,” said Srivastava, who provides consultation on expansion strategies to the restaurant, which resulted in the establishment of five new locations in the past four years.
Business Sales and Marketing alumnus Rufino Fuentes, owner of the Mexican restaurant Taco Embassy, served birria beef and veggie tacos during the event. After completing his program at NC, Fuentes fulfilled his dream of opening a business alongside his family. Taco Embassy has been operating in St. Catharines since 2019.
“I am so grateful to NC for all the valuable education that I had, which has helped me successfully run my business and apply all the marketing lessons,” said Rufino. “During the event, I had the opportunity to share my experience with agents from around the world, and I had the chance to make some videos in English and Spanish to motivate students to join the beautiful NC family.”
Series of events
CPF was part of a series of international education events held this spring, along with Niagara College Familiarization (FAM) Trip and International Consultants for Education and Fairs (ICEF) North America. During the events, the NC team engaged with approximately 700 global partners from over 70 countries. Through the interactions, the College was able to cultivate collaborative relationships and facilitate learning opportunities, ultimately supporting students and learners worldwide in achieving their academic goals.
“I was deeply impressed to learn about the amazing student support services offered, which encompass housing assistance, part-time employment opportunities, and post-study employment support, among others,” said Sushil Sukhwani, founder and director of Edwise International, based in India.
Niagara College eagerly anticipates continued collaboration with alumni and global partners, inspired by their enthusiasm and the shared commitment to fostering student success.
