Sheridan to Welcome Student Refugees Beginning in 2016

Sheridan College has partnered with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) to sponsor student refugees through the Student Refugee Program, which was created by WUSC in 1978.  Under the terms of Sheridan’s agreement with WUSC, it will welcome its first student in September, 2016.  Sheridan joins over 65 post-secondary institutions in the country who have agreed to sponsor students through this program.

“We are pleased to join in this Canada-wide effort to extend opportunities to young people who are in desperate need of assistance to create a better future for themselves and their families,” said Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, Sheridan’s President and CEO.  The SFP targets students who have been displaced by war or other events, and offers them hope through education.

Representatives of WUSC travel to refugee camps around the world to select candidates for the program; ensure sponsored students are academically prepared, pass English language testing, and meet Canadian immigration criteria; and provide pre-departure orientation to help ensure a successful transition to Canadian institutions.  Once they arrive, a team of volunteers from the host institution takes over to provide a detailed orientation to the student’s new surroundings and provide ongoing social support. 

Since its founding, the Student Refugee Program has sponsored over 1,500 refugees from 37 countries, including a number of Syrian refugees this year. 

About WUSC:

WUSC is a non-profit organization working in international development.  Through a unique network of academic institutions, private sector partners and volunteers, WUSC provides opportunities for education, employment and empowerment to disadvantaged youth around the world.  For more information, visit www.wusc.ca