Articles tagged "International Education"
A message to our community on International education
November 29, 2024
From OC Provost Sam Lenci and VP of Enrolment Jenn Goodwin:Dear students, alumni, colleagues, partners, donors and friends,Over the past several weeks, you have likely become more aware of enrolment challenges facing many post-secondary institutions in Canada, including here at Okanagan College, following recent policy changes by the federal government.While the current situation is concerning, it is important our whole OC community understands and feels confident in our college and our future together. Okanagan College is today and...
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Update on International Education at Okanagan College
November 14, 2024
Good afternoon colleagues,This afternoon, I am writing in follow up to President Fassina’s message on Oct. 16, which provided an update on enrolment this fall at Okanagan College, and detailed new federal policies impacting international students who come to Canada to study.As you are aware, earlier this fall, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced changes which reduce the number of college programs eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). This decision came into effect on Nov. 1 and means internationa...
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Celebrating Gordon Shuster’s Legacy and Welcoming New Leadership in International Education
August 13, 2024
After 35 years of dedicated service, Gordon Shuster is retiring from Okanagan College. Gordon’s career has been marked by significant milestones, including witnessing the institution's transformation from Okanagan College to Okanagan University College and back again, all while seeing the college grow and evolve. Over the past 25 years, Gordon has been a cornerstone of the International Education department, playing a crucial role in its expansion from 300 to over 2,000 international students. His impact extends beyond the campus, i...
Read more...Okanagan College Delegation Engages Global Education Issues at BC International Education Week 2024
August 13, 2024
In the spirit of collaboration and learning Okanagan College’s International department was well-represented at a recent conference examining global education issues. Okanagan College team members spoke at the BC International Education Week 2024 Conference in Vancouver, a gathering of educators and administrators from various institutions.The conference discussed insights on international education, and OC's delegation made a notable impact.Three employees from OC led insightful sessions al...
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Rachel’s Adventure: A Métis Student's Journey Through Study Abroad
June 21, 2024
The following story was submitted by OC’s International Education team:An Okanagan College student has returned from the trip of a lifetime.Rachel, a Métis student at Okanagan College (OC), recently participated in a Discovery Camp in Surabaya, Indonesia. This program, which included 11 OC students (three of whom were Indigenous), focused on sustainable development goals and local government initiatives.Rachel's journey was made possible because OC is part of the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP), which helps studen...
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Students discuss cultural diversity and community involvement
May 8, 2024
The Asian Heritage Month 2024 opening event hosted by the OCCA Communities Association showcased diverse discussions and captivating performances. Okanagan College was a proud supporter of the event alongside UBC Okanagan. The event celebrated cultural diversity and emphasized community involvement.The panel discussion was led by Dr. Shirley Chau, Associate Professor at the School of Social Work at UBC Okanagan. Students of Asian heritage from Okanagan College, UBC Okanagan, and OKM Secondary joined the discussion, sharing their sto...
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OC students arrive in Indonesia for one-week exchange
February 20, 2024
As part of OC's Study Abroad Exchange program, ten Okanagan College students recently arrived in Indonesia for a one-week exchange. Students are from all campuses, except Revelstoke, and represent various programs. They will learn about SDGs and local initiatives at the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology. All Canadian students received either an Okanagan College mobility grant or scholarships from the Government of Canada.Students interested in participating...
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OC to celebrate Spring Festival with Dragon Dance
February 12, 2024
As the Year of the Dragon approaches, Okanagan College is gearing up for a vibrant celebration to ring in the Lunar New Year on Feb. 13 at the Kelowna campus. Ren Tianjiao, an international student from China, shared their excitement for the upcoming event, explaining that the Spring Festival at OC means an opportunity to share one of their cultural traditions with their friends and community. "The Spring Festival means the beginning of a new year, the best wishes for this coming year, and family reunion to me,” said...
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OC welcomes more than 550 international students at fall orientation
September 13, 2023
Last week, Okanagan College welcomed more than 550 students from 70 countries at fall orientation events held at its four campuses. OC is excited to welcome the largest numbers of international students to the College this semester, with many students from India, the Philippines, Japan, Mexico, Jamaica, Brazil, China, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. This year, International Education saw its biggest volunteer groups, including 42 volunteers from 19 different countries. "International students bring with them rich experiences and perspe...
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OC professor makes connections in France with Derek Cook Memorial Award
March 28, 2023
Okanagan College professor Roberta Sawatzky’s recent trip to France wasn’t just to experience the culture. No, Roberta was on an international mission to establish connections with partner schools in France and provide further opportunities for Okanagan College (OC) students and faculty to study or work abroad. Roberta is the 2023 recipient of the Okanagan College Derek Cook Memorial Award for International Opportunities, which was established by the College to honor the memory of Derek Cook, an OC professor who passed away...
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OC remembers Steve Robinson
January 25, 2022
Flags have been lowered and this notice is shared in memory of former Okanagan College Director of International Education Steven (Steve) G. Robinson who passed away on Jan. 22, 2022. Robinson served as Director of OC’s International Education department from June 2009 until his retirement in June 2012. He oversaw the launch of international student recruitment in India and the Middle East, helping to raise awareness of the College’s reputation internationally. When h...
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International Education Week highlights diversity at Okanagan College
November 19, 2021
Okanagan College translated its diverse student population into a learning opportunity during International Education Week (IEW) as students and staff celebrated cultures and encouraged each other to experience what other countries had to offer. On Tuesday, Nov. 16, the Kelowna campus held language lessons at the Centre for Learning atrium, where student volunteers set up booths that others can visit to learn a bit more about various languages and cultures. Languages represented included Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi, Japanese, Chi...
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Meet Dooshima Jessica Iyorchir, Marketing and Data Analytics student
November 1, 2021
Q: What’s your hometown? A: I was born in the big city of Lagos in Nigeria. Q: How did you end up at Okanagan College? A: I ended up at Okanagan College because they offer a unique data analytics program when compared to other colleges and universities. The contents of this program drew my attention to the college, I just had to apply to be here. Q: How did you choose the Marketing and Data Analytics program? A: I chose this program because it has always be...
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Meet André Bertram, Computer Information Systems student
November 1, 2021
Q: What’s your hometown? A: Kingston, Jamaica. Q: How did you end up at Okanagan College? A: My immediate family settled in the Okanagan Valley for some time now, and I wanted to join them. After some thinking, I thought going to school and contributing to the Canada would be a good approach. I just had to figure out which school. With research, and with some assistance from my older sister and mom, I found that Okanagan College was an excellent ...
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OC student wins completion grant as part of inaugural Tourism Management Diploma program
October 14, 2021
For one Okanagan College student, embracing Tourism Management Diploma (TMD) studies at the Revelstoke Centre has truly paid off. Stephanie Sonsona has been named the recipient of the Revelstoke Accommodation Association’s completion grant for 2021, receiving $1,000 to support her education. She first began exploring post-secondary study options while in her home country of the Philippines, and was introduced to the TMD program through Okanagan College’s International Education department. She was drawn to the new tourism-focused...
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Meet Janet McLeish, Criminal and Social Justice student
March 15, 2021
Q: What’s your hometown? A: Portmore, Jamaica W.I. Q: How did you end up at Okanagan College? A: I wanted to explore the possibility for a career change or merging of my previous career experiences with a new career path. I went to an OC recruitment activity in Kingston, Jamaica, then applied for the program and was successful. Q: How did you choose the Criminal and Social Justice program? A: I worked in the human services prior to coming to Canada and beli...
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