Mercedes Déziel-Hupé
Every year an increasing number of University of Ottawa students venture to foreign countries to study. In 2006 alone, 197 students decided to study abroad—a significant rise from the 128 to 141 students during the previous two years. Nicolas Verastegui of the International Office attributes this rise to the increase in international programs, and the effects of globalization on university and academic policy. He also notes the “University of Ottawa offers Student Mobility Scholarships to all students who take part in exchange programs.”
One student leaves and two return. This is how 350 to 450 new international students arrive on campus every year. Sylvie Lee, the International Office’s international student advisor, estimates that there are close to 2000 international students presently on campus. So who are these people choosing to study at the University of Ottawa? The largest number of international students comes from mainland China, the most significant source country—contributing 450 students per year—followed by India, Iran, Libya, and South Korea.
What attracts these students to uOttawa and why is their presence so advantageous? Lee explains that many choose North America's largest bilingual University because of its program diversity and for its multiculturalism and the experience of partaking in it. “Our campus is truly cosmopolitan,” says Lee. “It is an enriching experience being able to accept and integrate this diversity into our community.” The University's teaching and administrative staff also take many steps to ensure that the experiences of international students are positive.
With an eye to easing the transition of international students, the International Office acts in collaboration with the University’s Human Resources Service in offering workshops to University staff. The training sessions cover such topics as “intercultural communication, cultural diversity and working in a multicultural environment,” says Lee.
