On September 1 and 2, Durham College (DC) excitedly welcomed more than 200 new international students to the college’s International Student Orientation.

Held at the Oshawa campus, the event saw DC President Don Lovisa and Dr. Elaine Popp, vice-president, Academic, spend time with this diverse group of new students as they learned about the many services and supports available to them as they begin their post-secondary journey in Canada.

Students received tips and tricks on how to settle in at DC, went on a campus tour, attended workshops on acculturation and academic integrity, learned about how to find local housing and gained information about working in Canada. Activities focused on making students feel welcome and confident in choosing DC as their post-secondary destination of choice. Students have the opportunity to get to know each other better and thereby create the first level of their social network, as well as get to know the staff from the International office.

“International students who choose Durham College for their post-secondary studies are making a significant personal and financial investment in their future,” said Larissa Strong, manager of International Student Support. “DC offers a complete support system that will help students find their success academically, professionally, and personally. The International office supports students with practical issues like health insurance to more personal issues like adapting to a new culture.”

With additional students from abroad expected to arrive as the 2016-2017 academic year gets underway, DC prides itself on offering international students the highest-quality Canadian education, preparing them to find rewarding employment in Canada or in their home countries; a safe and vibrant campus environment; and a fun and rewarding student life, with everything from clubs, to cultural activities, to sports, to balance studies with challenges and fun outside the classroom.

For more information, please visit the college’s International website.