Students at Columbia College, who come from all over the world, find support that allows them to thrive and share their voice.SUPPLIED
For decades, Columbia College has been dedicated to helping international students achieve their goals. “They want to become part of the fabric of Canadian life and contributing members of society,” says Robin Hemmingsen, principal of the not-for-profit educational institution based in Vancouver, B.C.
“What does that mean, to contribute?” she asks. “We want our students to be able to help Canada become more economically, socially and environmentally progressive. We believe they have a lot to offer.”
But students need to be able to articulate what they can offer, she adds. “They need a voice.” Columbia College, attracting enrolment from more than 60 countries, is committed to ensuring that students can find and raise their voices to add diverse global perspectives to the Canadian experience, says Ms. Hemmingsen. “As they prosper, so will all Canadians.”
The college equips students to “get them on a level playing field,” says Chelsey Acierno, recruitment manager. “They come from all over the world. They have no family, no friends, no connections. Our job is to transition them into their lives in Canada. We help them break down barriers.”
The college does this through the Community Connections program, which provides paid work experience, explains Mark Friesen, executive director, Charitable Programs. Through partnerships with non-profits, such as 312 Main, a community co-working space, students are placed in part-time positions that allow them to continue studies while gaining valuable skills.
The decision to partner with Columbia was a “no brainer,” says Iris Yong, manager of 312 Main, a project of the Vancity Community Foundation, located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. “We recognize that students of colour, young people and marginalized communities face multiple barriers to employment.” Participating in the program helped 312 Main nurture a “fun work culture that values and acknowledges the contributions of everyone.”
For business student Gurjashan Singh Dhummi, originally from India, the 14-week program helped him “adapt to the Canadian lifestyle.” Working with the non-profit Friends of Granville Island, handling administrative, public outreach and social media duties, built his confidence. He says the college has “gone beyond” to help students thrive.
Mr. Singh Dhummi presented at the recent Limitless Conference, another initiative of Columbia College. The one-day multimedia symposium, says Ms. Hemmingsen, annually brings together international students, who are given the opportunity to share their stories, reflections and impressions.
Another leg-up for students, notes Ms. Acierno, is the college’s resettlement programs. Offering financial and other types of supports to students with refugee backgrounds is important, now more than ever, she points out. “They’ve gone through conflict and war to resettle in Canada and then boom, a pandemic happens, disrupting their education again.”
She is continually amazed by students’ resilience, while being “proud and honoured that Columbia College didn’t shy away from providing equitable access to education, even when it’s really difficult.”
Advertising feature produced by Randall Anthony Communications with Colleges and Institutes Canada. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.