Recently, staff and faculty from Niagara College travelled to India to conduct pre-departure sessions for students coming to study at NC this spring.
Pre-departure sessions offer international students the opportunity to connect with NC staff and faculty in advance of their arrival in Canada. These sessions allow students to ask questions about life in Canada, gather information about NC and the Niagara region and explore all of the supports available to them through the College. Niagara College’s pre-departure sessions were re-launched last fall after a hiatus during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is a life-changing experience to meet students in their home environment,” said Gary Torraville, Senior Director, International Students. “All of the students we met share common hopes, dreams and fears about transitioning to life in Canada and it was very rewarding to be able to help alleviate those fears and share in their excitement of becoming a NC Knight.”
NC’s pre-departure sessions were held in four different cities in India – Karnal, Ludhiana, Chandigarh and Kochi – which enabled NC staff to engage with nearly 200 incoming students.
Virtual sessions were also available for students who were unable to attend the pre-departure sessions in person. In total, Niagara College staff were able to connect and interact with more than 500 students.
“Moving to Canada, starting a college program, and learning about a new culture can be an overwhelming experience,” said Torraville. “Niagara College is invested in ensuring these students have a positive experience and we are committed to providing them with the information and tools they need to help them be successful in Canada.”
In addition to the pre-departure sessions, all international students have access to NC’s Discovery Pass – an online toolkit that offers a wide range of information including how to apply for immigration documents, how to open a bank account in Canada and how to travel around the Niagara region.
Pre-departure sessions are one example of NC’s global reach – one of the key areas of focus in the College’s Strategic Plan and the topic of this year’s Day of Reflection.
At NC’s Day of Reflection all employees were encouraged to see their work through a global lens, no matter what role they hold at the College. Everyone can contribute to the success of Canada’s leading global college – engaging, celebrating and bringing together diverse cultures to prepare world-ready graduates.
Moving forward, Niagara College staff and faculty are encouraged to participate in global reach initiatives, such as pre-departure sessions (both virtual and in-person) to help develop a stronger understanding of global culture.
