Niagara College welcomed more than 50 global recruitment partners from over 35 countries to its campuses from May 26 to 29 as part of the 2026 Study in Niagara Familiarization (FAM) Tour.
The annual tour offers NC’s international recruitment partners an immersive introduction to the College’s academic programs, student services and campus culture. By experiencing NC firsthand, partners gain deeper insight into the student experience, equipping them to provide informed, personalized guidance to prospective international students considering studying in Canada.
“This year’s FAM Tour further enriched the partner experience through the introduction of the Alumni Showcase Dinner, where recruitment partners heard directly from graduates about the long-term academic, personal, and professional impact of their Niagara College journey,” said Orel Ruiz, Director, Global Business Development & Global Campus Operations. “Across the full student lifecycle, from pre-arrival through to graduation, partners experienced firsthand how NC, as one of Canada’s leading global colleges, prepares world- and work-ready graduates through applied learning and comprehensive student support. The 2026 FAM Tour reflected the strength of global collaboration and Niagara College’s continued commitment to inclusive, high-quality education.”
Recruitment partners highlighted how the experience reinforced their understanding of NC’s student experience and outcomes.
“I was particularly impressed by how the college connects education with industry and how students are not only learning but actively being prepared for the workforce through hands-on experiences, co-ops, and real-world exposure,” said Krishna Niyogi, Chief Advisor at The Chopras, an agency that works with students from South Asia. “NC has created an ecosystem where students feel guided, supported, and set up for success. I am confident that the students we support will not just study here–they will grow, thrive, and build their future.”
NC Alumni Showcase Dinner
During the Alumni Showcase Dinner, graduates shared insights about the long-term academic, personal, and professional impact of their Niagara College journey.
Following an immersive tour of Niagara Falls, the Alumni Showcase Dinner was held at Queen Victoria Place Restaurant.
Panelists included Alejandra Palma Merino (Colombia), Business – Sales and Marketing (2021); Alka Singh (India), Registered Nurse – Critical Care Nursing (2015) and Gerontology (2016); Chevell Clarke (Jamaica), Culinary Innovation and Food Technology (2025); Javier Carranza Salmeron (Honduras), Business (2023); and Mofopefoluwa A. Akomolafe (Nigeria), Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Hospitality (2022).
“We were proud to welcome Niagara College alumni, who first came to Canada as international students, each with a unique story shaped by their time at NC,” said Jana Boniferro, Director, Development and Alumni Relations. “Hearing them reflect on their journeys and the lives they have built in Canada, the country they now proudly call home, was incredibly powerful. These alumni are making real impacts in their industries, and it all started with the decision to come to Niagara College.”
Top destination for learners
The FAM Tour highlighted what makes NC and the Niagara Region a top destination for learners from around the world. As part of their experience, recruitment partners had the opportunity to engage directly with Niagara College President Sean Kennedy, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, and Chief Executive Officer of Niagara Parks Commission and member of NC’s Board of Governors, David Adames.
“Meeting local leaders was especially meaningful, as they shared the region’s many strengths and opportunities — this confirmed the great potential in promoting the Niagara Region alongside the College,” said Ángela Gutiérrez Espinosa, Recruitment Manager for Latin American students at Lifeducation. “My experience at NC also showed me the strength and warmth of a team working toward a shared goal. Beyond their high level of commitment, I truly value the College’s hands-on learning approach.”
Campus visits and services fair
As in previous years, the FAM Tour included visits to NC’s state-of-the-art facilities and innovative learning environments. The multi-day visit also featured presentations from academic schools and key departments, providing a comprehensive overview of programs and supports available to international students.
At the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the Lake, recruitment partners experienced NC’s culinary, wine, hospitality, environmental, and business programs, gaining insights into the College’s experiential learning model through its on-campus enterprises. At the Welland Campus, the group explored NC’s facilities for programs in trades, technology, health, media, and more.
The visit also included a vibrant Student Services Fair, highlighting NC’s comprehensive support ecosystem and its role in empowering students throughout their journey.
Participating services included Athletics and Student Engagement; Campus Safety; Career and Co-Op Services; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Global Pathways; Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services; the Institute for Global Education and Training; International Student Advising; International Student Housing and Settlement; Libraries and Learning Centres; Research and Innovation; the School of English Language Studies; and Student Rights and Responsibilities.
The FAM Tour reinforced NC’s position among Canada’s leading global colleges while strengthening long-term collaboration with trusted global recruitment partners who play a key role in inspiring the next generation of learners.
