Story submitted by Richard Webster, International Education Manager, Community Development
As part of SLC’s Global Engagement Community Development Program, SLC recently piloted its first Community Welcome Event for new (and returning) international students on our Brockville campus.
The event’s goal was to warmly welcome international students to SLC and the Brockville community. To further ease their transition, students met with helpful staff and community members while exploring the city, all it has to offer, and local employment opportunities.
SLC partnered with one of our supportive community partners, the Employment + Education Centre (EEC), to make the day a great success. The afternoon kicked off with a welcome lunch, remarks from our new Brockville Campus Dean, Les Casson, introductions to helpful staff, and the EEC generously provided students and staff with a free bus tour, led by EEC’s Executive Director Sue Watts. Tour stops included the EEC to learn about their services students could access in addition to SLC’s Career Services, the YMCA for a tour of the facilities, City Hall for a welcome from City Councillor Nathalie Lavergne, and Blockhouse Island. Along the way, students learned where to find everything from grocery stores, shopping, banks, theatres, restaurants, and so much more.
The day became an even greater success for one student who was even offered a job before the tour ended – a perfect example of student-focused community partnership in action. As the program continues to develop, watch out for more community-based events and programming for international students and grads tri-campus!
For those interested in learning more, have questions or interested in partnering on future related events, please contact Richard Webster at rwebster@sl.on.ca