Improving the International Student Experience

“The thousands of international students we have in Brampton and Canada all bring with them a pioneering spirit, and the capacity to not only learn from Canadian institutions but also give back to the community.”
– Gurpreet Malhotra, CEO Indus Community Services, Co-Chair International Student Roundtable

“One thing that could make the international student experience better is a course where mentors and professors teach us how to live in a new country, and how to adapt to our new conditions. These are things a lot of international students don't know about.”
– Andrew Ligun, Student, Sheridan College

“One thing I feel could make the international student experience better is having more in person events that give me the opportunity to meet new friends and build my network in Canada.”
– Amy Leung, Student, Sheridan College

“One thing in particular that gives me hope is that a lot of people are coming together to address the housing crisis and issues that international students face. Before the basic needs are addressed we can't support international students in any other way.”
– Parmin Dhoot, Embedded Student Advisor, BBA Programs, Sheridan College

“It's not necessarily what I've heard but it's the energy, the passion, and the commitment of everyone here today that gives me hope. Together we can find a solution for our international students to provide the utmost amazing experience for our students.”
– S Sharma, Associate Dean, Student Affairs Campus Citizenship, Student Leadership & Engagement, Sheridan College

“International students enrich Canada in many ways. They have a different world experience than students that have grown up within Canada, and their lived experiences can add to the Canadian economy and society in ways that we can't even begin to imagine.”
– Tracey Ens, AVP, Business Services, Sheridan College

“I believe international students enrich Brampton and Canada just by bringing their culture and everything they bring with them from home. This is a diverse country and having people from all over the world bringing true uniqueness into our cities is going to make everyone better.”
– Jana Marchese, Community Liaison Officer – 22 Division, Peel Regional Police

“The conference has been really great. Everybody is becoming aware of the issues and now we need to create the steps to find the solutions. International students are a key part of this community and contribute to the growth of Canada overall.”
– Jesse Poulin, guard.me International Insurance

“One thing that I believe could make the international student experience better is having a comprehensive tool guide about transitioning from your domestic country to your new country, as well as getting better access to resources and information.”
– Rebecca Matthews, Student, Sheridan College

“When (international) students arrive at the college, they don't know what to do or where to go, so providing guidance at the beginning of the process would be great.”
– Vlad Ushvarok, Student, Sheridan College

“One thing that I think could make the international student experience better is an increased amount of knowledge and information about resources and supports. There are a lot of hardships and challenges that they face when they come to Canada, so I think knowing about these resources could help alleviate some of the hardships they are facing.”
– Charmila Chand, Student, Sheridan College

“The one thing that I've heard during this Summit that gives me hope is that everyone that has spoken is willing and ready to do their part in making the international student experience a better and enriched one. That gives me a lot of hope because it's not about who is not doing what, it is about who is willing to participate in this discussion. That gives me a lot of hope.”
– Dr. Jane Ngobia, Vice President, Inclusive Communities, Sheridan College

“Today, it has all come together with all of these international students, agencies, organizations, community groups, and post-secondary institutions sharing and collaborating to create best practices on how to enhance the international student experience. I think that is what gives me the most hope, is because we're all working together to make things better for international students.”
– Rowena Santos, Councillor, Ward 1 & 5, City of Brampton

“What gives me hope is the fact that everybody has come together from the non-profit sector, the public sector, and the private sector to really make a difference and deal with this complex challenge that we have with respect to international students in our community. To see the passion and the commitment to make change has been so positive. I'm thrilled to be part of this.”
– Bill Boyes, Chief, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services and Roundtable Co-Chair

“International students play a big role in the Canadian economy. Many international students are staying in Brampton because of the number of colleges in the city as well as the work opportunities available close by. Brampton needs people to work and international students need a place where they can study and at the same time, work (for a living).”
– Jaspreet Singh

“International students are the biggest strength that Brampton has...anywhere identity is affirmed, cultural belonging happens and people thrive. International students have created this huge capacity and have input language, music, culture, and essentially revived the Punjabi and Sikh community here in Brampton. We're so honoured to work with them and they are amongst the folks that we know that work the hardest and bring the biggest strengths into the community.”
– Jaspreet Bal, Vice President, Ontario, World Sikh Organization

“If there is one thing that gives me hope, it's that our international students haven't given up on us. Despite hearing that some of these challenges have persisted for decades, and other challenges only recently emerged, it's really encouraging to know that our international students see us as partners. And that they are willing to work with us, despite how laborious that is for them, to help us ameliorate a future for them today, and in the future.”
– Sheldon Pereira, Vice Provost, Student Experience and Enrolment Management

“International students enrich this country by showing us diversity, by showing us different cultures, by getting us to learn and understand other cultures that are around. Canada being one of the most multi-cultural countries in the world gives us more depth and understanding of what the world can do.”
– Keith Segal, President and CEO, guard.me International Insurance

“The international student summit has been so motivating over the last few days. Seeing so many stakeholders from the community come together, sharing their vision, experience, and passion for supporting international students has been amazing...I'm excited to see what comes from the Brampton Charter.”
– Erin De Jong, Health Promotion Specialist, Student Affairs, Sheridan College

“International students are a vital part of our community, both in Brampton and Canada. They come with a lot of experience and bring diversity to Canada...I think international students, with their experience, qualifications, and passion are a productive part of the community.”
– Jaspreet Kaur, Alumna, Sheridan College