Canadore College continues its path to welcome more international students
Oct 10, 2023 | Cindy Males, Public Relations and Communications Specialist
Canadore College began hosting international learners in 2014 and has been building its reputation as a college of choice for students from around the world ever since.
“I am conscious the College promotes an intercultural education model,” said
Alondra Joseline Vargas López, a Business Administration and Management student from the Universidad Politécnica de Ramos Arizpe, one of Canadore’s partner institutions in Mexico. “This is an attractive feature for me because it will allow me to expand my cultural knowledge, networking, and leadership-focused social skills.”
Vargas López is one of four students being welcomed to Canadore from Mexico through the Emerging Leaders in Canada Program. The program was announced by the Government of Canada in 2009 under the Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships Program. It is a short-term exchange program that supports the development of future leaders in Canada while strengthening links between Canadian and international post-secondary institutions.
“The Aviation-Aircraft Maintenance Technician program at Canadore College will provide me with the tools and knowledge for my personal and professional development,” said Arturo Santibañez Ramirez, an Aircraft Maintenance student from the Universidad Aeronáutica en Querétaro.
“The fit is clear, both from an academic progression point of view as well as an institution-to-institution collaboration point of view,” said Dr. Aamir Taiyeb, Canadore’s Director of International.
"Students that are part of an international program are deeply touched by this life changing experience, as they widen their vision and opportunities to benefit their career goals," said Lourdes Torralba Cadena, Deputy Director of Engineering and BIS Department Programs, Universidad Politécnica de Ramos Arizpe.
Canadore College’s Internationalization Strategy 2021-23 represents a commitment to the enhancement, improvement, and advancement of the College’s internationalization agenda, which includes the furtherance of international partnerships and student services.
The College is also welcoming Sabina Wakilongo, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo who escaped to Malawi. Wakilongo is the College’s second World University Service of Canada (WUSC) refugee student sponsored through the Student Refugee Program (SRP). The program allows refugee youth to restart their lives through education, providing them with a durable solution to displacement. WUSC, a non-profit organization working to create a better world for all young people, covers the refugee student’s expenses including tuition for a year.
“I have always dreamed of pursuing higher education at the college or university level,” said Wakilongo. “However, after I migrated to Malawi, it was difficult to find good education opportunities. As a foreigner in Malawi, attending a degree or diploma program was not easy for me.”
“I was lucky to be selected as one of 16 students out of 200 or more applicants,” she said. “I am delighted to be here at Canadore College to pursue my education. After I graduate, I am eager to give back to the community and college in appreciation for what I have received here so far.”
“Canadore is pleased these students chose to come here,” said George Burton, President and CEO. “Our international students bring such diversity to our campus and enrich the learning environment for everyone.”