Students
Global Connections
What is Global Connections:
The program connects Canadian students with International students in a partnership to promote learning from one another, and facilitate culture sharing. The goal of Global Connections is to introduce students to a cross-cultural experience to the end that each connection between an International and Canadian Student is a positive, valuable and mutually beneficial interaction.
With an ever increasing multicultural environment across Canada, this opportunity can better prepare our Canadian students for their influential role in our communities, as well as provide our International students with a personalized experience of Canadian culture.
For International Students, Global Connections can:
- Help improve your language skills
- Assist you to understand and interpret Canadian culture
- Allow you to feel more at home at Niagara College
- Helps clarify your class expectations
- Allows you to share cultural celebrations, food, music, pictures, etc.
- Provides you with a complete experience in Canadian hospitality and friendship
For Canadian Students, Global Connections can:
- Expand your experience of the world and its' people
- Provide the opportunity to fulfil volunteer hours
- Allows you to experience cultural diversity and enhance your marketable skills
- Allows you to develop a network of friends around the world
- Provides you with a better understanding of Canadian culture, traditions and values within a more diverse global context
Process to join:
- Complete a Canadian or International Connection application form and return it to Global Connections staff or International department - W104 (NOTL) or S100 (Welland)
- You will receive an introductory email with contact email and phone number of your connection
- Read the Introductory Material attached to the introductory email
- Contact your connection and arrange to meet in person
- Enjoy meeting and talking with new friends from around the world
- Make plans to meet connections of your choice at various suitable times throughout the week
- Join us for social activities every month-calendar available in the International Office
- Log the hours you spend with your Connections throughout the term
- Enjoy the beginning of a life long Connection!
Responsibilities:
Global Connections operates to provide students with a successful and mutually engaging experience. As a result, the following responsibilities must be adhered to:
- You must agree to abide by Niagara College regulations
- If your connection is not working out, it is important to discuss this with the Global Connections Coordinator
- Notify your connection at least 24 hours prior if you cannot attend your meeting
- A letter of participation is available for your portfolio when you submit a log to the Global Connections Coordinator two weeks prior to the end of term
- If you have previously been convicted of a criminal offence you ARE NOT ELIGIBLE to participate in the program
Frequently asked Questions:
Q - What does it mean to be or have a Global Connection?
A - You will meet at least once per week, for about 50 minutes, thoughout the school term. If you are not able to meet your partner one week, please call or e-mail him/her. You should try your best to communicate with each other, and to learn from each other – especially when it may be uncomfortable at times!
Q - Is Global Connections only for English as a Second Language International Students?
A - No. Global Connections is an opportunity for all students. Some International Students will be learning English. however, many will be Post Secondary or Post Graduate students who want to learn more about Canada and make friends around the world.
Q - Where will we meet our connections?
A -Attend a Global Connections Gathering on the following Mondays in the Welland campus, October 20th, November 17th and December 1st. during camp hour
Q - Will I receive any school credit or recognition for participating?
A - You may request a participation letter from the Global Connections coordinator upon completion of the program. To receive a Letter of Participation, you must log your hours and submit them to the coordinator two weeks prior to the end of the term. The letter will confirm your participation and will be issued at the discretion of the coordinator. Many Niagara College programs allow Global Connections as volunteer hours toward program credit. Please see your Academic Program Coordinator for approval.
Q - Are there any planned Global Connection Events?
A - Each term there are International Events planned through the International Department that are advertised to the general student body i.e. Lunar (Asian) New Year, Diwali/Festival of Lights, Latin Party, International Fashion Show, etc. These events are a geat way to enjoy learning more about various cultures as well as meeting manyo new friends from around the world.
Watch this web page for updates on 2010 dates and events!!
