Laurentian University celebrated International Education Week (IEW), an opportunity to showcase international engagement efforts as well as our diverse campus culture. IEW is celebrated annually during the third week of November in over 100 countries around the world. We hosted a series of virtual events and workshops to highlight international talent, employment and study abroad opportunities.
Bello Abdul-Kareem, a recent graduate and international student. “At first I was a shy person, an introvert,” said Abdul-Kareem in a recent interview. “Getting into LUACSA [Laurentian University African and Caribbean Students' Association], I got the chance to meet more people and to make good friends which I’m sure I’ll have for life.” This week LUACSA hosted an International Cooking and Cultural Show for the community to learn and participate in.
Laurentian’s Language Institute hosted interactive international trivia games for community members to show off their trivia skills and have fun while learning. Community members had the opportunity to learn about intercultural communication, participate in Chinese Culture, and explore student exchange programs.
Sudbury’s diverse community and outstanding natural environment has made the city an ideal location for international settlement, so much so that it is a Federal Northern Immigration Pilot City. Abdul-Kareem offered some recommendations he considers critical based on his experiences as an international student. “Research the community, the culture, and the people in the area,” emphasized Abdul-Kareem. “Make good friends, explore, and get out of your shell!” To aid in this, Northern Policy hosted the International and Community Matchmaker Project to help students meet their employment match in Northern Ontario.
The University has done everything possible to keep doors open for international students amid the covid-19 pandemic. On November 17th, 2020, the government of Canada approved Laurentian University as a Designated Learning Institution allowing international students who have a study permit to enter the country.