The semester is in full swing and Durham College (DC) is pleased to be providing post-secondary education for 523 international students from 49 countries around the world.

As the latest numbers indicate, Canada and DC continue to be popular choices for students looking to study abroad, allowing for both personal and educational development. In addition to the value of experiencing another culture, the college system is well-established and has been designed to help students succeed. Canadian-earned qualifications are valued around the world and it’s also more cost-effective to study in Canada, with tuition rates considerably lower than many other countries.

International students at DC also have the opportunity to work both on- and off-campus, allowing them to earn while they learn. Upon graduation they can also apply for a post-graduate work permit to gain valuable work experience within the country.

“We’re so pleased an increasing number of students choose DC for their post-secondary studies,” said Larissa Strong, manager, International Student Support, International office. “We have a number of programs and services available to them to ensure they feel welcome and supported while also receiving a high-quality post-secondary education.”

Those services begin the moment international students arrive in Canada, including free airport pickup. A two-day, tailored student orientation is also hosted to ensure that the school year starts off strong. Other supports include access to Student Academic Learning Services (SALS), who offer peer mentoring, teach subject-specific learning skills and provide English-as-a-second-language support. Workshops, clinics and one-to-one consultations are also hosted.

The International Office provides advice for students regarding adapting to Canada and the college educational system, accessing healthcare, entering the Canadian labour force, and immigration issues related to students.

For more information about international students studying at DC please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/international.