Lakehead University Welcomes 350 International Students This Semester

Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, is welcoming approximately 350 new international students this semester. This influx includes students from countries such as India, China, Nigeria, and Ghana, alongside a growing number from Latin America. The university is committed to ensuring that these students feel supported as they transition to life in Canada.

Sharon Saji, who arrived in Thunder Bay from Dubai last year, has joined the university’s global ambassador program. She now assists other international students in navigating their new environment. “People were so nice when I came in, so I just wanted to be part of a team that is welcoming and helping the new students,” said Saji, who is pursuing a master’s degree in business. Her involvement is a testament to the supportive community at Lakehead University.

The university hosted a Community Connections Fair on September 14, 2023, at The Outpost on campus. Local service providers participated, offering valuable information and resources to help students acclimatize to their new surroundings. Krista McAllister, Lakehead’s student engagement and cultural coordinator in the international student services department, emphasized the importance of this initiative.

Supporting International Students

“During orientation, students receive a lot of introductions to the Lakehead community, but we want to ensure they feel comfortable in a broader aspect,” McAllister explained. The fair featured representatives from Thunder Bay Transit, local places of worship, and global food markets, all aimed at helping students connect with essential services and communities.

The goal is to prepare students for academic success by familiarizing them with resources both on and off campus before they dive into their studies. This holistic approach includes an international welcome day to help students settle in and understand the support available to them.

McAllister noted that the number of international students is consistent with last year, and the university continues to expand its outreach to ensure new arrivals feel integrated. The sense of community at Lakehead is further reflected by the experiences of students like Arturo Coleman, who recently arrived from Honduras. Coleman is studying water resource science and is enthusiastic about exploring the outdoors in Thunder Bay.

Encouraging Exploration and Connection

“Attending university feels like a dream,” Coleman expressed, highlighting the excitement of beginning his academic journey. At the fair, he received assistance in setting up a local phone number, opening a Canadian bank account, and obtaining a social insurance number, all crucial steps for his new life in Canada. He has already made friends from various countries, including India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Coleman encourages fellow students to engage actively in their new environment. “Reach out to anyone, talk to anyone and try to make friends,” he advised. Saji echoed this sentiment, urging new students to embrace opportunities during orientation week. “Make the most of the orientation week. There will be lots of events and fun activities—take part,” she said.

Both students emphasize the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. “Just say yes to everything, even if it scares you a little bit. You never know, you might just meet your next friends or your next employer,” Saji added.

Classes at Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay campus begin on September 19, 2023. More information about orientation events and resources is available on the university’s official website. As the semester unfolds, the supportive initiatives at Lakehead University aim to foster a welcoming environment for international students, helping them thrive both academically and socially.