Tricia, international student at the International Orientation Day 2019

Humber International Welcomes more than 1500 Students

September 6, 2019

On August 30, 2019, more than 1500 students attended the International Orientation Day at Humber North and Lakeshore Campus. The International Orientation Day is an opportunity for us to bridge the gaps between students’ understanding of the resources available to them and what role Humber International plays in preparing them for their new life in Canada, both at Humber and globally.

“Humber has so many resources to offer such as work permit, study permit, and how to get jobs on-campus and off-campus. I never had those experiences before,” said Tricia, international student.

Internationalization during Humber’s International Orientation Week:

During the International Orientation Week Humber International runs a number of workshops. These workshops encompass a wide range of topics – SIN Clinic (Social Insurance Number), Co-op Work Permit, Housing, Finding Your First Job in Canada and matters relating to tax. They are offered in conjunction with our various partners – North York Community House, Service Canada and Humber’s Career Centre.

iCent app – Acclimatizing Students with Academic and Social Life:

iCent app is geared to assist and guide the students through every step of the way. From airport arrival assistance and providing pre-departure checklist to uploading their study permit and information about the institution. It also helps them with their daily needs such as residency, grocery shopping, banking, telecom and places of worship once they arrive in Canada. The iCent app allows Humber to view the data analytics and management ready reports, which is a progressive step to increase retention through community engagement.

“The app has been a great help. I got to know so much more about my college and getting to my campus once I landed,” said Mehek, international student.

Student Ambassadors at Humber International are Helping to Fill the Gaps:

Student Ambassadors at Humber International were once new to Canada and can empathize with the incoming international students.

“I was really unsure about things and had too many thoughts and queries in my mind. From finding a part-time job to getting groceries, I needed help in almost every aspect of my life as it was a new country for me,” said Karan, former Student Ambassador.

Karan believes that the Orientation Day and the resources that Humber International provided to him has helped in making the transition easier and the International Orientation Day was an opportunity for him to give back to the international community at Humber. “I, along with the other ambassadors made sure that every new student receives the Humber International’s starter kit which contained informational pamphlets like a checklist for new students and things related to their health insurance and more,” said Karan.

Our goal is to be the polytechnic institution of choice and mobilize our campus and community resources to prepare our incoming international students for life in Canada.