Rowena Selby, Intercultural Communications Officer
Canadian universities are attracting more students from abroad than ever before. The bilingual environment, the cultural diversity and the solid academic reputation of the University of Ottawa in Canada's capital draw increasing numbers of international and exchange students to our campus.
In my role as intercultural communications officer in the International Student Orientation and Support Service, I work closely with international student advisor Sylvie Lee-Malric in ensuring a smooth integration of these students in their new learning environment. The service is part of the International Office, which, among other things, is responsible for guiding and supporting over 1,600 international students at the University.
One of our successful initiatives is the Airport Welcome Program, now in its second year, which provides a vital first point of contact for incoming students. A welcome booth at the Ottawa International Airport in late August and early September, staffed by Canadian and international students, provided new arrivals with means to get to campus after answering any of their questions and concerns.
 |
This fall about 150 new undergraduate and graduate students also took part in our three orientation days, which were a fun opportunity for them to meet their peers, to receive key information about their stay in Ottawa, and to be introduced to academic procedures and various student services.
The International Office is particularly interested in promoting internationalization on campus. Current global concerns and increasing globalization mean that our students need to be trained in intercultural issues such cultural diversity and conflict resolution.
We want our international students to feel that they can make an impact on the university. We also want frontline staff and faculty to gain the support, training, and tools that they need to communicate effectively with international students.
In its Vision 2010 strategic plan, the University affirms the importance of international students on campus, and recognizes the value of the international dimension in the curriculum, as well as in research and service to the community.
The International Office therefore aims to play an educative role within the university community. We see part of our function as being an advocate for international students. We also seek to promote greater international mobility for our students, to foster initiatives that bring Canadian and international students together, to encourage scholars with specific interests in international research, and to encourage and assist any other international endeavors on campus.
With this in mind, the International Office is asking for a commitment from our University's community. We would like to hear from faculties and departments who are interested in launching international educational initiatives with our cooperation. We also welcome any suggestions and ideas to enhance our objectives and service towards our international community.
The International Office is located at 538 King Edward Avenue. Contact us at uointl@uottawa.ca.
International Office Web site (www.uOttawa.ca/international)
